1.1 Respiratory Tract Infections

Cefazolin for Injection is indicated for the treatment of respiratory tract infections due to Streptococcus pneumoniae, Klebsiella species, Hemophilus influenzae, Staphylococcus aureus (methicillin-susceptible), and Group A beta-hemolytic streptococciin adults and pediatric patients 1 month of age and older for whom appropriate dosing with this formulation can be achieved [see Dosage and Administration (2.1, 2.2, 2.4 and 2.5)].

Limitations of Use

Injectable benzathine penicillin is considered to be the drug of choice in treatment and prevention of streptococcal infections, including the prophylaxis of rheumatic fever.

Cefazolin for Injection is indicated for the eradication of streptococci from the nasopharynx; however, data establishing the efficacy of Cefazolin for Injection in the subsequent prevention of rheumatic fever are not available at present.

1.2 Urinary Tract Infections

Cefazolin for Injection is indicated for the treatment of urinary tract infections due to Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, and Klebsiella species (spp.) in adults and pediatric patients 1 month of age and older for whom appropriate dosing with this formulation can be achieved [see Dosage and Administration (2.1, 2.2, 2.4 and 2.5)].

1.3 Skin and Skin Structure Infections

Cefazolin for Injection is indicated for the treatment of skin and skin structure infections due to S. aureus (methicillin-susceptible), Group A beta-hemolytic streptococci, and Streptococcus species (spp.) in adults and pediatric patients 1 month of age and older for whom appropriate dosing with this formulation can be achieved [see Dosage and Administration (2.1, 2.2, 2.4 and 2.5)].

1.4 Biliary Tract Infections

Cefazolin for Injection is indicated for the treatment of biliary tract infections due to E. coli, various isolates of Streptococcus spp., P. mirabilis, Klebsiella spp., and S. aureus (methicillin-susceptible) in adults and pediatric patients 1 month of age and older for whom appropriate dosing with this formulation can be achieved [see Dosage and Administration (2.1, 2.2, 2.4 and 2.5)].

1.5 Bone and Joint Infections

Cefazolin for Injection is indicated for the treatment of bone and joint infections due to S. aureus in adults and pediatric patients 1 month of age and older for whom appropriate dosing with this formulation can be achieved [see Dosage and Administration (2.1, 2.2, 2.4 and 2.5)].

1.6 Genital Infections

Cefazolin for Injection is indicated for the treatment of genital infections (i.e., prostatitis, epididymitis) due to E. coli, P. mirabilis, and Klebsiella species in adults and pediatric patients 1 month of age and older for whom appropriate dosing with this formulation can be achieved [see Dosage and Administration (2.1, 2.2, 2.4 and 2.5)].

1.7 Septicemia

Cefazolin for Injection is indicated for the treatment of septicemia due to S. pneumoniae, S. aureus (methicillin-susceptible), P. mirabilis, E. coli, and Klebsiella species in adults and pediatric patients 1 month of age and older for whom appropriate dosing with this formulation can be achieved [see Dosage and Administration (2.1, 2.2, 2.4 and 2.5)].

1.8 Endocarditis

Cefazolin for Injection is indicated for the treatment of endocarditis due to S. aureus (methicillin-susceptible) and Group A beta-hemolytic streptococci in adults and pediatric patients 1 month of age and older for whom appropriate dosing with this formulation can be achieved [see Dosage and Administration (2.1, 2.2, 2.4 and 2.5)].

1.9 Perioperative Prophylaxis

Cefazolin for Injection is indicated for perioperative prophylaxis in adults. The prophylactic administration of Cefazolin for Injection preoperatively, intraoperatively and postoperatively may reduce the incidence of certain postoperative infections in patients undergoing surgical procedures which are classified as contaminated or potentially contaminated (e.g., vaginal hysterectomy, and cholecystectomy in high-risk patients such as those older than 70 years, with acute cholecystitis, obstructive jaundice, or common duct bile stones).

The perioperative use of Cefazolin for Injection is indicated in surgical patients in whom infection at the operative site would present a serious risk (e.g., during open-heart surgery and prosthetic arthroplasty).

The prophylactic administration of Cefazolin for Injection should usually be discontinued within a 24-hour period after the surgical procedure. In surgery where the occurrence of infection may be particularly devastating (e.g., open-heart surgery and prosthetic arthroplasty), the prophylactic administration of Cefazolin for Injection may be continued for 3 to 5 days following the completion of surgery.

If there are signs of infection, specimens for cultures should be obtained for the identification of the causative organism so that appropriate therapy may be instituted [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)].

1.10 Usage

To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of Cefazolin for Injection and other antibacterial drugs, Cefazolin for Injection should be used only to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria. When culture and susceptibility information are available, they should be considered in selecting or modifying antibacterial therapy. In the absence of such data, local epidemiology and susceptibility patterns may contribute to the empiric selection of therapy.

2.1 Important Administration Instructions

• Cefazolin for Injection, 2 grams/vial:

 Cefazolin for Injection, 2 grams/vial, is for intravenous infusion or intravenous bolus injection in adult and pediatric patients [see Dosage and Administration (2.2, 2.3, and 2.6)]. Not for intramuscular administration.

• Cefazolin for Injection, 3 grams/vial:

Cefazolin for Injection, 3 grams/vial, is for intravenous infusion only in adult and pediatric patients [see Dosage and Administration (2.2, 2.3, 2.5, and 2.6)]. Cefazolin for Injection, 3 grams/vial is not for intravenous bolus injection or intramuscular administration [see Dosage and Administration (2.5, 2.6)].

2.2 Recommended Dosage for the Treatment of Infections

Recommended Dosage for the Treatment of Infections in Adults with Creatinine Clearance (CLcr) Equal to 55 mL/min or Greater

The recommended adult dosages of Cefazolin for Injection for the treatment of infections [see Indications and Usage (1.1 to 1.8)] are outlined in Table 1 below.

Administration instructions are as follows:

• Cefazolin for Injection, 2 grams/vial is for intravenous infusion or intravenous bolus injection in adult patients [see Dosage and Administration (2.6)].
• Cefazolin for Injection, 3 grams/vial is only for intravenous infusion in adult patients.
• Cefazolin for Injection, 3 grams/vial is not for intravenous bolus injection in adult patients [see Dosage and Administration (2.6)].
• Cefazolin for Injection 2 grams/vial and 3 grams/vial are not for intramuscular injection.

*ln rare instances, doses of up to 12 grams of Cefazolin for Injection per day have been used.

Recommended Dosage for the Treatment of Infections in Pediatric Patients 1 Month of Age and Older with CLcr Equal to 70 mL/min or Greater

The recommended pediatric dosages for the treatment of infections [see Indications and Usage (1.1 to 1.8)] are outlined in Table 2 below.

Administration instructions are as follows:

• Cefazolin for Injection, 2 grams/vial is for intravenous infusion or intravenous bolus injection in pediatric patients [see Dosage and Administration (2.5, 2.6)].
• Cefazolin for Injection, 3 grams/vial is only for intravenous infusion in pediatric patients.
• Cefazolin for Injection, 3 grams/vial is not for intravenous bolus injection in pediatric patients [see Dosage and Administration (2.6)].
• Cefazolin for Injection 2 grams/vial and 3 grams/vial are not for intramuscular injection.

2.3 Recommended Dosage for Perioperative Prophylactic Use in Adults

Recommended Dosage for Perioperative Prophylaxis in Adults with CLcr Equal to 55 mL/min or Greater

To prevent postoperative infection in contaminated or potentially contaminated surgery, recommended dosages are described in Table 3 below.

Administration instructions are as follows:

• Cefazolin for Injection, 2 grams/vial is for intravenous infusion or intravenous bolus injection in adult patients [see Dosage and Administration (2.4, 2.6)].
• Cefazolin for Injection, 3 grams/vial is only for intravenous infusion in adult patients.
• Cefazolin for Injection, 3 grams/vial is not for intravenous bolus injection in adult patients [see Dosage and Administration (2.4, 2.6)].
• Cefazolin for Injection 2 grams/vial and 3 grams/vial are not for intramuscular injection.

It is important that (1) the preoperative dose be given just (1/2 hour to 1 hour) prior to the start of surgery so that adequate antibacterial levels are present in the serum and tissues at the time of initial surgical incision; and (2) Cefazolin for Injection be administered, if necessary, at appropriate intervals during surgery to provide sufficient levels of the antibacterial drug at the anticipated moments of greatest exposure to infective organisms.

The perioperative prophylactic administration of cefazolin should usually be discontinued within a 24-hour period after the surgical procedure. In surgery where the occurrence of infection may be particularly devastating (e.g., open-heart surgery and prosthetic arthroplasty), the prophylactic administration of Cefazolin for Injection may be continued for 3 to 5 days following the completion of surgery.

2.4 Recommended Dosage in Adult and Pediatric Patients with Renal Impairment

Recommended Dosage in Adult Patients with CLcr less than 55 mL/min

The recommended dosage of Cefazolin for Injection in adult patients with renal impairment (CLcr less than 55 mL/min) is outlined in Table 4 below.

*All reduced dosage recommendations apply after an initial loading dose appropriate to the severity of the infection.

Recommended Dosage in Pediatric Patients 1 Month of Age and Older with CLcr less than 70 mL/min

The recommended dosage of Cefazolin for Injection in pediatric patients 1 month of age and older with renal impairment (CLcr less than 70 mL/min) is outlined in Table 5 below.

*All dosage recommendations apply after an initial loading dose.

2.5 Pediatric Dosage Preparation Guide

Table 6: Pediatric Dosage Guide 25 mg/kg/day Divided into 3 Doses

Table 7: Pediatric Dosage Guide 25 mg/kg/day Divided into 4 Doses

Table 8: Pediatric Dosage Guide 50 mg/kg/day Divided into 3 Doses

Table 9: Pediatric Dosage Guide 50 mg/kg/day Divided into 4 Doses

2.6 Preparation of Cefazolin for Injection

Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit.  If particulate matter is evident in reconstituted fluids, the drug solutions should be discarded. Reconstituted solutions may range in color from pale yellow to yellow.

Reconstitution and Dilution

Intravenous Bolus Injection Administration (2g Vial only)

For preparation of intravenous bolus injection (2 grams/vial only) use the following steps:

• Reconstitute Cefazolin for Injection, 2 grams/vial single-dose vials with Sterile Water for Injection according to Table 10 below. Shake well until dissolved.
• Further dilute vials with an additional 11 mL Sterile Water for Injection and shake well.
• Inject the solution intravenously slowly, directly, or through tubing for patients receiving parenteral fluids as follows:
  
  • For 1 g dose, inject the solution intravenously slowly over 3 to 5 minutes and
  • For 2 g dose, inject the solution intravenously slowly over 7 to 11 minutes

Pain associated with intravenous bolus administration has been reported with Cefazolin for Injection.

Intermittent or Continuous Intravenous Infusion

For intermittent or continuous intravenous infusion, reconstitute Cefazolin for Injection single-dose vials with Sterile Water for Injection according to Table 11 below and shake well. After reconstitution further dilute according to Table 11 using the following diluents:

For intermittent or continuous intravenous infusion: Dilute reconstituted Cefazolin for Injection in one of the following solutions:

• Sodium Chloride Injection, USP
• 5% Dextrose Injection, USP

Discard unused portion.

Storage of Reconstituted and Diluted Solutions

When reconstituted or diluted according to the instructions above, Cefazolin for Injection is stable for 24 hours at room temperature or for 7 days if stored under refrigeration at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F).

5.1 Hypersensitivity Reactions to Cefazolin, Cephalosporins, Penicillins, or Other Beta-lactams

Serious and occasionally fatal hypersensitivity (anaphylactic) reactions have been reported in patients receiving beta-lactam antibacterial drugs. Before therapy with Cefazolin for Injection is instituted, careful inquiry should be made to determine whether the patient has had previous immediate hypersensitivity reactions to cefazolin, cephalosporins, penicillins, or carbapenems. Exercise caution if this product is to be given to penicillin-sensitive patients because cross-hypersensitivity among beta-lactam antibacterial drugs has been clearly documented and may occur in up to10% of patients with a history of penicillin allergy. If an allergic reaction to Cefazolin for Injection occurs, discontinue the drug.

5.2 Seizures in Patients with Renal Impairment

Seizures may occur with the administration of Cefazolin for Injection, particularly in patients with renal impairment when the dosage is not reduced appropriately. Discontinue Cefazolin for Injection if seizures occur or make appropriate dosage adjustments in patients with renal impairment [see Dosage and Administration (2.4)]. Anticonvulsant therapy should be continued in patients with known seizure disorders.

5.3 Clostridioides difficile-Associated Diarrhea

Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD) has been reported with use of nearly all antibacterial agents, including cefazolin, and may range in severity from mild diarrhea to fatal colitis. Treatment with antibacterial agents alters the normal flora of the colon leading to overgrowth of C. difficile.

C. difficile produces toxins A and B, which contribute to the development of CDAD. Hypertoxin-producing isolates of C. difficile cause increased morbidity and mortality, as these infections can be refractory to antimicrobial therapy and may require colectomy.  CDAD must be considered in all patients who present with diarrhea following antibacterial drug use. Careful medical history is necessary since CDAD has been reported to occur over two months after the administration of antibacterial agents.

If CDAD is suspected or confirmed, ongoing antibacterial drug use not directed against C. difficile may need to be discontinued. Appropriate fluid and electrolyte management, protein supplementation, antibacterial drug treatment of C. difficile, and surgical evaluation should be instituted as clinically indicated.

5.4 Risk of Development of Drug-resistant Bacteria

Prescribing Cefazolin for Injection in the absence of a proven or strongly suspected bacterial infection or a prophylactic indication is unlikely to provide benefit to the patient and increases the risk of the development of drug-resistant bacteria.

Prolonged use of Cefazolin for Injection may result in the overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms. Careful clinical observation of the patient is essential.

5.5 Prothrombin Activity

Cephalosporins may be associated with a fall in prothrombin activity. Those at risk include patients with renal or hepatic impairment or poor nutritional state, as well as patients receiving a protracted course of antimicrobial therapy, and patients previously stabilized on anticoagulant therapy. Prothrombin time should be monitored in patients at risk and exogenous vitamin K administered as indicated.

5.6 Drug/Laboratory Test Interactions

Urinary glucose

A false positive reaction for glucose in the urine may occur with Benedict’s solution, Fehling’s solution or with CLINITEST® tablets, but not with enzyme-based tests such as CLINISTIX®.

Coombs Test

Positive direct and indirect antiglobulin (Coombs) tests have occurred; these may also occur in neonates whose mothers received cephalosporins before delivery.

6.1 Clinical Trials Experience

Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. The following reactions have been reported:

Gastrointestinal: Diarrhea, oral candidiasis (oral thrush), vomiting, nausea, stomach cramps, anorexia and Clostridioides difficile colitis. Onset of Clostridioides difficile colitis symptoms may occur during or after antibacterial treatment [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].

Allergic: Anaphylaxis, eosinophilia, itching, drug fever, skin rash, Stevens-Johnson syndrome.

Hematologic: Neutropenia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, thrombocythemia.

Hepatic: Transient rise in serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), and alkaline phosphatase levels has been observed. Reports of hepatitis have been received.

Renal: Reports of increased BUN and creatinine levels, as well as renal failure, have been received.

Local Reactions: Instances of phlebitis have been reported at site of injection. Some induration has occurred.

Other Reactions: Pruritus (including genital, vulvar and anal pruritus, genital moniliasis, and vaginitis).

6.2 Postmarketing Experience

The following adverse reactions have been identified during post approval use of cefazolin. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.

Immune system disorders: Serum sickness-like reaction

Renal and urinary disorders: Acute tubulointerstitial nephritis (ATIN)

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP)

6.3 Cephalosporin-class Adverse Reactions

In addition to the adverse reactions listed above that have been observed in patients treated with cefazolin, the following adverse reactions and altered laboratory tests have been reported for cephalosporin-class antibacterials:

Erythema multiforme, toxic epidermal necrolysis, renal impairment, toxic nephropathy, aplastic anemia, hemolytic anemia, hemorrhage, hepatic impairment including cholestasis, and pancytopenia.

8.1 Pregnancy

Risk Summary

Available data from published prospective cohort studies, case series and case reports over several decades with cefazolin use in pregnant women have not established a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. These studies have methodologic limitations, including small sample size, retrospective study design, and inconsistent comparator groups. Cefazolin crosses the placenta.

Animal reproduction studies performed in rats, mice and rabbits administered cefazolin during organogenesis at doses 1 to 3 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) did not demonstrate adverse developmental outcomes. In rats subcutaneously administered cefazolin prior to delivery and throughout lactation, there were no adverse effects on offspring at a dose approximately 2 times the MRHD (see Data)

The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively.

Data

Animal Data

Reproduction studies have been performed in rats, mice and rabbits administered cefazolin subcutaneously during organogenesis at doses of 2000, 2400 and 240 mg/kg/day (approximately 1 to 3 times the maximum recommended human dose on a body surface area comparison). There was no evidence of any adverse effects on embryofetal development due to cefazolin. In a peri-postnatal study in rats, cefazolin administered subcutaneously up to 1200 mg/kg/day (approximately 2 times the MRHD based on body surface area comparison) to pregnant dams prior to delivery and through lactation caused no adverse effects on offspring.

8.2 Lactation

Risk Summary

Data from published literature report that cefazolin is present in human milk but is not expected to accumulate in a breastfed infant. There are no data on the effects of cefazolin on the breastfed child or on milk production. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for Cefazolin for Injection and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed child from Cefazolin for Injection or from the underlying maternal condition.

8.4 Pediatric Use

Cefazolin for Injection is indicated for the treatment of respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, skin and skin structure infections, biliary tract infections, bone and joint infections, genital infections, septicemia, and endocarditis in pediatric patients 1 month of age and older for whom appropriate dosing with this formulation can be achieved [see Indications and Usage (1.1 to 1.8) and Dosage and Administration (2.2)].

Safety and effectiveness of Cefazolin for Injection in premature infants and neonates have not been established. 

8.5 Geriatric Use

Of the 920 subjects who received cefazolin for injection in clinical studies, 313 (34%) were 65 years and over, while 138 (15%) were 75 years and over. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between these subjects and younger subjects. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients, but greater sensitivity of some older individuals cannot be ruled out.

This drug is known to be substantially excreted by the kidney, and the risk of toxic reactions to this drug may be greater in patients with impaired renal function. Because elderly patients are more likely to have decreased renal function, care should be taken in dose selection, and it may be useful to monitor renal function [see Dosage and Administration (2.4) and Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].

8.6 Renal Impairment

When Cefazolin for Injection is administered to patients with low urinary output because of impaired renal function, lower daily dosage is required [see Dosage and Administration (2.4)].

12.1 Mechanism of Action

Cefazolin is an antibacterial drug [see Microbiology (12.4)].

12.2 Pharmacodynamics

The pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic relationship for cefazolin has not been evaluated in patients.

12.3 Pharmacokinetics

Studies have shown that following intravenous administration of cefazolin for injection 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 (using normal volunteers) 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), cefazolin for injection produced a steady serum level at the third hour of approximately 28 mcg/mL.

Studies in patients hospitalized with infections indicate that cefazolin for injection produces mean peak serum levels approximately equivalent to those seen in normal volunteers.

Distribution

Bile levels in patients without obstructive biliary disease can reach or exceed serum levels by up to five times; however, in patients with obstructive biliary disease, bile levels of cefazolin for injection are considerably lower than serum levels (< 1 mcg/mL).

In synovial fluid, the level of cefazolin for injection becomes comparable to that reached in serum at about 4 hours after drug administration. Studies of cord blood show prompt transfer of cefazolin for injection across the placenta. Cefazolin for injection is present in very low concentrations in the milk of nursing mothers.

Elimination

The serum half-life for cefazolin for injection is approximately 1.8 hours following IV administration.

Excretion

Cefazolin for injection 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.

Specific Populations

Patients with Renal Impairment

In patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (2 L/hr.), cefazolin for injection produced mean serum levels of approximately 10 and 30 mcg/mL after 24 hours’ instillation of a dialyzing solution containing 50 mg/L and 150 mg/L, respectively. Mean peak levels were 29 mcg/mL (range 13 to 44 mcg/mL) with 50 mg/L (3 patients), and 72 mcg/mL (range 26 to 142 mcg/mL) with 150 mg/L (6 patients).

12.4 Microbiology

Mechanism of Action

Cefazolin is a bactericidal agent that acts by inhibition of bacterial cell wall synthesis.

Resistance

Predominant mechanisms of bacterial resistance to cephalosporins include the presence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases and enzymatic hydrolysis. Methicillin-resistant staphylococci are uniformly resistant to cefazolin. Most isolates of indole positive Proteus (Proteus vulgaris), Enterobacter spp. (including Klebsiella aerogenes), Morganella morganii, Providencia rettgeri, Serratia spp., and Pseudomonas spp. are resistant to cefazolin.

Antimicrobial Activity

Cefazolin has been shown to be active against most isolates of the following microorganisms, both in vitro and in clinical infections [see Indications and Usage (1)]:

Aerobic bacteria

Gram-positive bacteria

Staphylococcus aureus (methicillin susceptible)

Staphylococcus epidermidis (methicillin susceptible)

Group A beta-hemolytic streptococci

Streptococcus pneumoniae

Streptococcus species

Gram-negative bacteria

Escherichia coli

Hemophilus influenzae

Klebsiella species

Proteus mirabilis

Susceptibility Test Methods

For specific information regarding susceptibility test interpretive criteria and associated test methods and quality control standards recognized by FDA for this drug, please see: https://www.fda.gov/STIC.

13.1 Carcinogenesis and Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

Carcinogenicity and Mutagenesis

Mutagenicity studies and long-term studies in animals to determine the carcinogenic potential of Cefazolin for Injection have not been performed.

Impairment of Fertility

Fertility studies conducted in rats subcutaneously administered cefazolin at doses of 2000 mg/kg/day (approximately 3 times the maximum recommended human dose based on body surface area comparison) showed no impairment of mating and fertility.