Comprehensive medication guide to {drug} including estimated pricing, availability information, side effects, and how to find it in stock at your local pharmacy.
Cefazolin (formerly branded as Ancef and Kefzol) is a first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic given by injection (IV or IM). It is one of the most commonly used antibiotics in hospitals, prescribed to treat a wide range of bacterial infections including respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, skin and soft tissue infections, bone and joint infections, bloodstream infections (septicemia), and endocarditis.
Cefazolin is also the go-to antibiotic for surgical prophylaxis — it is given before surgery to prevent wound infections in procedures ranging from orthopedic to cardiac to cesarean delivery. It is available only as a generic injectable; the brand names Ancef and Kefzol have been discontinued.
Cefazolin works by binding to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) on bacterial cell walls and inhibiting the synthesis of peptidoglycan, a critical structural component. This disrupts bacterial cell wall formation, causing the bacteria to lyse (burst) and die. Cefazolin is effective against many gram-positive bacteria (including Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus species) and some gram-negative bacteria. It is administered intravenously over about 30 minutes or by intramuscular injection.
Cefazolin has a findability score of 55 out of 100, reflecting intermittent supply issues. This injectable antibiotic has experienced periodic shortages since 2010, with major disruptions in 2013, 2017, and 2019–2020 due to manufacturing problems and raw material supply issues. Multiple generic manufacturers — including Hikma, Sandoz, Sagent, WG Critical Care, and Baxter — help mitigate shortage impact, but hospital supply can still be inconsistent. If your facility is out of stock, check with alternative hospital pharmacies or outpatient infusion centers.
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Because Cefazolin is an injectable antibiotic used primarily in clinical settings, it is most commonly prescribed by:
Cefazolin is not available via telehealth since it requires injection administration in a clinical setting or with home infusion training.
No. Cefazolin is not a controlled substance and has no DEA scheduling. It is a prescription antibiotic with no abuse potential. No special prescribing restrictions apply beyond a standard prescription.
Serious side effects (seek medical attention):
There are no significant food interactions since Cefazolin is given by injection.
Cefazolin remains one of the most essential antibiotics in hospital medicine, particularly for surgical prophylaxis and treating serious gram-positive infections. While it is affordable as a generic — typically $5 to $30 per vial — its injectable-only formulation means it is primarily used in hospitals and infusion centers. Intermittent supply shortages have been a recurring challenge since 2010, so healthcare facilities should monitor the FDA shortage database and maintain relationships with multiple distributors. For patients receiving Cefazolin at home through outpatient parenteral therapy (OPAT), insurance typically covers the cost under the medical benefit. If Cefazolin is unavailable, Ceftriaxone or Cephalexin (for oral step-down) are common alternatives your doctor may consider.
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