What Is Cefazolin?

Cefazolin is a first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic given by injection (IV or intramuscular) to treat bacterial infections and prevent infections during surgery. It was previously sold under the brand names Ancef and Kefzol, but today it's available only as a generic made by manufacturers like Hikma, Sandoz, Sagent, WG Critical Care, and Baxter.

Cefazolin works by stopping bacteria from building their cell walls, which kills the bacteria and clears the infection. It's one of the most widely used injectable antibiotics in hospitals around the world.

What Is Cefazolin Used For?

Cefazolin is FDA-approved to treat a wide range of bacterial infections:

• Skin and skin structure infections — Including cellulitis and wound infections
• Urinary tract infections
• Respiratory tract infections
• Bone and joint infections — Such as osteomyelitis
• Bloodstream infections (septicemia)
• Heart valve infections (endocarditis)
• Biliary tract infections
• Genital infections
• Surgical prophylaxis — Cefazolin is the most commonly used antibiotic for preventing surgical site infections. It's given before operations including cesarean sections, orthopedic surgeries, cardiac surgeries, and abdominal procedures.

Cefazolin is also used off-label for Group B streptococcal prophylaxis during labor (in penicillin-allergic women) and for outpatient parenteral antibiotic therapy (OPAT) for various infections.

For details on how Cefazolin fights bacteria, read our explainer: How Does Cefazolin Work?

How Is Cefazolin Given?

Cefazolin is not available as a pill or liquid you take by mouth. It can only be given by injection:

• Intravenous (IV) infusion — Slowly injected into a vein over about 30 minutes. This is the most common method.
• Intramuscular (IM) injection — Injected into a large muscle. Less common, used when IV access isn't available.

Typical Dosing

Dosing depends on the type and severity of your infection:

• Mild infections: 250 mg to 500 mg every 8 hours
• Moderate to severe infections: 500 mg to 1 g every 6-8 hours
• Severe or life-threatening infections: 1 g to 2 g every 6 hours
• Surgical prophylaxis: 1-2 g IV within 60 minutes before the surgical incision, with additional doses during longer procedures

Your doctor will determine the right dose based on your infection, body weight, and kidney function. Patients with kidney disease (CrCl below 55 mL/min) need lower or less frequent doses.

Where Do You Receive Cefazolin?

• Hospitals (inpatient)
• Outpatient infusion centers
• At home through a home infusion program (OPAT)

Who Should Not Take Cefazolin?

Cefazolin is not right for everyone. You should not receive Cefazolin if you:

• Have a known allergy to Cefazolin or any cephalosporin antibiotic
• Have had a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to penicillin

Tell your doctor if you have:

• A mild penicillin allergy — the cross-reactivity rate is only about 1-2%, so Cefazolin may still be safe
• Kidney disease — dose adjustments are needed
• A history of gastrointestinal disease, especially colitis
• Any other allergies

Cefazolin is Pregnancy Category B and is considered relatively safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding, but always discuss with your doctor.

For medications that may interact with Cefazolin, see our guide on Cefazolin drug interactions.

How Much Does Cefazolin Cost?

Because Cefazolin is a generic medication, it's relatively affordable compared to many other injectable antibiotics:

• Generic vials: $5 to $30 per vial
• Premixed IV bags: $15 to $50 each
• Full treatment course: $50 to $500+ depending on how long you need it and where you receive treatment

Most insurance plans — including Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial insurance — cover Cefazolin. When it's given at a hospital or infusion center, it's usually covered under your medical benefit. Home infusion may require prior authorization.

There are no manufacturer savings cards for Cefazolin since it's a generic without current branded versions. However, hospital charity care programs and some infusion centers offer financial assistance for uninsured patients.

For more ways to reduce your costs, read How to Save Money on Cefazolin.

Final Thoughts

Cefazolin is a trusted, effective injectable antibiotic that's been used for decades to treat serious infections and prevent surgical complications. It's affordable, widely covered by insurance, and has a strong safety profile.

If you've been prescribed Cefazolin and need help finding it, Medfinder can help you locate it in stock near you. And if you're concerned about supply issues, check our Cefazolin shortage update for the latest information.

To learn about side effects and what to watch for during treatment, visit our guide on Cefazolin side effects.