Prescribing-label excerpts
Cefazolin Sodium
Reference for: Cefazolin. Source presentation: injection, powder, for solution. Source route: intravenous.
Mechanism of action
Cefazolin is an antibacterial drug [see Microbiology (12.4)].
Pharmacokinetics
Studies have shown that following intravenous administration of cefazolin to normal volunteers, mean serum concentrations peaked at approximately 185 mcg/mL and were approximately 4 mcg/mL at 8 hours for a 1 gram dose.
In a study of constant intravenous infusion with dosages of 3.5 mg/kg for 1 hour (approximately 250 mg) and 1.5 mg/kg the next 2 hours (approximately 100 mg) in healthy volunteers, cefazolin serum concentrations at the third hour were approximately 28 mcg/mL.
Plasma pharmacokinetic parameters of cefazolin in healthy volunteers (N=12) following a single 15-minute IV infusion of 2 grams of Cefazolin for Injection are summarized in Table 4.
*Tmax reported as median (range) — N= number of subjects observed; Cmax = maximum plasma concentration; Tmax = time to maximum plasma concentration; AUC0-inf = area under the plasma concentration-time curve extrapolated to infinity; t1/2 = apparent plasma terminal elimination half-life; CL = total clearance; Vz = volume of distribution
Studies in patients hospitalized with infections indicate that cefazolin produces mean peak serum concentrations approximately equivalent to those seen in normal volunteers.
Distribution — Bile concentrations in patients without obstructive biliary disease can reach or exceed serum concentrations by up to five times; however, in patients with obstructive biliary disease, bile concentrations of cefazolin are considerably lower than serum concentrations (less than 1 mcg/mL).
In synovial fluid, the cefazolin concentration becomes comparable to that reached in serum at about 4 hours after drug administration.
Studies of cord blood show prompt transfer of cefazolin across the placenta. Cefazolin is present in very low concentrations in the milk of nursing mothers.
Elimination — The serum half-life for cefazolin is approximately 1.8 hours following IV administration.
Excretion — Cefazolin is excreted unchanged in the urine. In the first 6 hours approximately 60% of the drug is excreted in the urine and this increases to 70% to 80% within 24 hours.
Selected passages from the cited U.S. prescribing label. The studies concern the source product and populations named in each passage; they do not establish Walter-product bioequivalence, an approved indication, or the kinetics of another fixed combination. Tables and the full prescribing information remain available in the source.
Source: DailyMed: Cefazolin Sodium — injection, powder, for solution
Reference accessed . Label revision: 2026-02-27.
