Cefazolin
Surgical site infection prophylaxis (first-line), Skin and soft tissue infections, Cellulitis
Indications
- Surgical site infection prophylaxis (first-line)
- Skin and soft tissue infections
- Cellulitis
Adult dosing
- surgical prophylaxis: dose: 2; unit: g; route: IV; interval: Within 60 min before incision; re-dose q4h if surgery >4h or EBL >1500mL; fixed: true; surgical prophylaxis large: dose: 3; unit: g; route: IV; interval: For patients ≥120kg; fixed: true
Contraindications
- Anaphylaxis to cephalosporins (cross-reactivity with penicillin ~1%)
Clinical pearls
- First-line surgical prophylaxis for most clean and clean-contaminated surgeries
- Must be given within 60 min of incision — every minute delay increases SSI risk
- Re-dose intraoperatively if case >4h or significant blood loss (>1500mL)
- 3g dose for patients ≥120kg
Source and review
- ASHP/IDSA/SHEA/SIS Surgical Prophylaxis Guidelines 2013. Last reviewed: 2024-11-01