Neonatal Drug Therapy Manual

CeFAZolin

Disclaimer: Official controlled document is the CHEO and Ottawa Hospital online copy. It is the responsibility of user to ensure that any paper copy version is the same as the online version before use.

Updated May 19, 2023 - 3:00pm

Alternate Name(s): 
Ancef, Kefzol
Classification: 
Cephalosporin Antibiotic (First Generation)
Original Date: 
June 1996
Revised Date: 
August 2022
Indications: 
  • Infection due to susceptible organisms (many Gram (+) cocci except enterococcus and some Gram (-) bacilli)
  • Surgical prophylaxis
Administration: 
  • IV Direct: over 3 - 5 minutes
  • IV intermittent infusion: over 15 minutes

 

Dosage: 

 

Gestational age & Post-Natal Age  Dose 
< 32 weeks GA PNA< 7 days 50 mg/kg/day divided Q12h 
PNA > 7 days 75 mg/kg/day divided Q8h
> 32 weeks GA PNA < 7 days 100 mg/kg/day divided Q12h
PNA > 7 days 150 mg/kg/day divided Q8h 

 

Cardiac Surgery Prophylaxis:

30 mg/kg/dose given in the OR within 60 minutes prior to skin incision. Repeat dose every 6-8 hours during anesthesia. 

Following surgery:

  • 0-7 days: 30 mg/kg/dose Q12h x 4 doses
  • > 7 days: 30 mg/kg/dose Q8h x 6 doses

 

Dosage adjustment required in renal impairment.  Refer to available references or clinical pharmacist for dosage adjustment.

Side Effects: 
  • Hematologic: leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, eosinophilia
  • Hepatic: transient elevation of liver enzymes
  • Local: phlebitis
  • Renal: BUN and serum creatinine elevated
Parameters to Monitor: 
  • CBC
  • Hepatic function tests
  • Renal function (when used in combination with other nephrotoxic drugs)
Reconstitution and Stability: 

CHEO:

  • Cefazolin 1 g vial (doses < 200 mg)
    • Add 9.5 mL SWFI to vial
    • Take 4 mL (400 mg) and add to 16 mL D5W
    • Final concentration: 20 mg/mL
  • Cefazolin 1 g vial (doses > 200 mg)
    • Add 9.5 mL SWFI to vial
    • Final concentration: 100 mg/mL

TOH:

  • Cefazolin 1 g vial
    • Add 9.5 mL SWFI to vial
    • Take 4 mL (400 mg) and add to 16 mL D5W
    • Final concentration: 20 mg/mL
Compatibility: 

- Solutions Compatible: D5W, D10W, 0.9% NaCl

- Y-site Compatible: calcium gluconate, dexmedetomidine, famotidine, fentanyl, fluconazole, heparin, insulin, KCl, midazolam, milrinone, morphine, pantoprazole, ranitidine, TPN (amino acids/dextrose)

- Incompatible: hydromorphone, tobramycin, vancomycin

References: 

-Taketomo CK, Hodding JH, Kraus DM. Pediatric& Neonatal Dosage Handbook 22thEdition. Hudson: Lexi-Comp Inc.; 2015

-American Society on Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). Handbook on Injectable Drugs. 19th Edition. Bethesda: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists; 2017.

- Murray MT, Corda R, Turcotte R, Bacha E, Saiman L, Krishnamurthy G.  Implementing a standardized perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis protocol for neonates undergoing cardiac surgery.  Ann Thorac Surg. Sept. 2014; 98 (3): 927-933

- Red Book (2021): Report of the Committee on Infectious Diseases (32nd Edition). 

 

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