Cephazolin Viatris (Cefazolin Sodium)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Cephazolin Viatris Used For?
Cephazolin Viatris contains cefazolin sodium, which belongs to a group of antibiotics called cephalosporins. These antibiotics work by killing the bacteria that are causing your infection.
Primary Uses
Cephazolin Viatris is used to treat infections in different parts of the body caused by bacteria.
How It Works
These antibiotics work by killing the bacteria that are causing your infection.
Good to know: Cephazolin Viatris is not addictive.
How to Take Cephazolin Viatris
Cephazolin Viatris must only be given by a doctor or nurse. It cannot be taken by mouth and requires professional administration.
Administration Methods
Cephazolin Viatris can be given into a vein via a drip, as a slow injection into a vein, or as a deep injection into a large muscle. Your doctor will decide what dose and how long you will receive treatment based on your condition and other medicines you may be taking. For most infections, it is usually given in divided doses throughout the day. Sometimes only a single dose is required for certain infections.
Professional Administration
This medication must only be administered by healthcare professionals in a medical setting.
Important: This medication can only be given by a doctor or nurse – it is not available for self-administration.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- oral thrush (white, furry, sore tongue and mouth)
- vaginal thrush (sore and itchy vagina and/or discharge)
- diarrhea
- nausea or vomiting
- pain, redness and swelling where the injection was given
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- severe abdominal cramps or stomach cramps
- watery and severe diarrhea, which may also be bloody
- skin rash, itching or hives
- swelling of the face, lips or tongue which may cause difficulty swallowing or breathing
- chest pain in the context of allergic reactions
- wheezing or shortness of breath
- fever
- signs of frequent infections such as fever, chills, sore throat and mouth ulcers
- bleeding or bruising more easily than normal
- seizures, changes in mental function, behavior or state, and/or muscle jerk
Important Warnings
There are several important warnings and precautions to be aware of before receiving Cephazolin Viatris.
Who Should Not Take Cephazolin Viatris
Do not use if you are allergic to cefazolin sodium, other cephalosporins, or any ingredients listed. Do not use if you have had a serious allergic reaction to any penicillins, as you may be more likely to have an allergic reaction to Cephazolin Viatris. Do not use if the packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering, or if the expiry date has passed.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have had any allergic reactions to cephalosporin or penicillin medicines, have allergies to other medicines or substances, have kidney disease, or have stomach or bowel problems.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Cephazolin Viatris may affect your developing baby if used during pregnancy. Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits. The medication passes into breast milk and may affect your baby. Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits when breastfeeding.
Age Restriction: Cephazolin Viatris is not recommended for use in premature infants or infants under one month of age.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Cephazolin Viatris and affect how it works. Always tell your doctor about all medicines you are taking.
Birth Control: Some antibiotics may decrease the effectiveness of some birth control pills. Talk to your doctor about the need for an additional method of contraception.
- probenecid (medicine used to treat gout)
- warfarin (medicine used to prevent blood clots)
- other antibiotics such as amikacin, gentamicin, tobramycin
- typhoid vaccine
Alcohol & Driving
Be careful when driving or operating machinery until you know how Cephazolin Viatris affects you.
Alcohol
No specific alcohol warnings mentioned in the source material.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Cephazolin Viatris may cause dizziness in some people. Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how it affects you. Make sure you know how you react to the medication before driving a car, operating machinery or doing anything else that may be dangerous.
Storage
Cephazolin Viatris will be stored in the pharmacy or on the ward. The powder for injection is kept in a cool, dry place, protected from light and moisture, where the temperature stays below 25°C. After reconstitution, store at 2 to 8°C in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Use within 24 hours after initial reconstitution.
Overdose Information
In the unlikely event of an overdose, your treating physician will know what to do. If you are given too much Cephazolin Viatris you may experience redness, pain or inflammation where the injection was given, stomach upset, headaches, chills, dizziness, tingling or numbness of the hands and feet, or seizures.
Frequently Asked Questions
If the symptoms of your infection do not improve within a few days, or if they become worse, tell your doctor. The exact time to see improvement varies depending on the type and severity of infection.
No, Cephazolin Viatris is not addictive.
Cephazolin Viatris is given as an injection by a doctor or nurse, so food intake does not affect its administration.
Tell your doctor, pharmacist or nurse immediately if you get severe diarrhea, even if it occurs several weeks after treatment has stopped. Do not take any diarrhea medicine without checking with your doctor first, as this may indicate a serious bowel condition requiring urgent medical care.
You may be more likely to have an allergic reaction to Cephazolin Viatris if you are allergic to penicillin medicines. Tell your doctor about any penicillin allergies before treatment.
Tell your doctor if you get a sore white mouth or tongue, or vaginal itching or discharge. This may indicate a fungal infection called thrush, which can occur because Cephazolin Viatris does not work against fungi.
Cephazolin Viatris can be given into a vein via a drip, as a slow injection into a vein, or as a deep injection into a large muscle. It must only be given by a doctor or nurse.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.