Cefazolin

(CC) Image: David E. Volk
cefazolin
IUPAC name: see chemistry section Synonyms: cefazoline, cephazolin, CEZ Formula: C14H14N8O4S3
Uses:	antibiotic drug
Properties:	beta-lactam
Hazards:	see drug interactions
Mass (g/mol): CAS #: 454.5072 25953-19-9

Cefazolin, also called cefazoline, cephazolin or CEZ, is a semisynthetic cephalosporin antibiotic sold under the brand name Ancef®. It is primarily used to treat bacterial skin infections, but can be used to treat moderately severe bacterial infections involving the lungs, bones, joints, stomach, blood, heart valves or the urinary tract. It is effective against staphylococci and streptococci species of Gram-positive bacteria. It is given by IV (parenterally).

Mechanism of action

Like other cephalosporins and penicillins, cefazolin binds to penicillin-binding proteins thus interfering with the final stage of bacterial cell wall synthesis, the peptidoglycan layer, and causing autolysis of the cells by autolysins enzymes.

Chemistry

Cefazolin has the IUPAC chemical name (7R)-3-[(5-methyl-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl)sulfanylmethyl]-8-oxo-7-[[2-(tetrazol-1-yl) acetyl]amino]-5-thia-1-azabicyclo[4.2.0]oct-2-ene-2-carboxylic acid, molecular formula C₁₄H₁₄N₈O₄S₃ and molecular mass 454.5072 g/mol. It is a cephalosporin and contains a beta-lactam moiety.

External links

The most up-to-date information about Cefazolin and other drugs can be found at the following sites.

• Cefazolin - FDA approved drug information (drug label) from DailyMed (U.S. National Library of Medicine).
• Cefazolin - Drug information for consumers from MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine).
• Cefazolin - Detailed information from DrugBank.