From the Guidelines
Cefazolin does not come in pill form, it is only available as an injectable medication, typically administered intravenously (IV) or intramuscularly (IM). This is because cefazolin would be broken down by stomach acid and would not be absorbed effectively through the digestive tract if taken orally. According to the provided evidence, cefazolin is recommended to be administered intravenously, as seen in the guidelines for the management of patients with valvular heart disease 1 and the practice guidelines for the diagnosis and management of skin and soft-tissue infections 1. For patients who need an oral cephalosporin antibiotic similar to cefazolin, physicians typically prescribe alternatives like cephalexin (Keflex) or cefadroxil, which are specifically formulated to withstand stomach acid and be absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract. These oral options have similar but not identical antimicrobial coverage compared to cefazolin. Some key points to consider when prescribing cefazolin include:
- Cefazolin is a first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic with good activity against staphylococci and streptococci, but it misses Pasteurella multocida and anaerobes 1.
- The recommended dosage of cefazolin is 6g per 24h IV in 3 equally divided doses for patients with normal renal function 1.
- Cefazolin should be administered in a healthcare setting, such as a hospital, outpatient infusion center, or through home healthcare services.
From the FDA Drug Label
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION ... Administration Intramuscular Administration Reconstitute vials with Sterile Water for Injection according to the dilution table above. Shake well until dissolved. Cefazolin for Injection should be injected into a large muscle mass. Pain on injection is infrequent with Cefazolin for Injection Intravenous Administration Direct (bolus) injection: Following reconstitution according to the above table, further dilute vials with approximately 5 mL Sterile Water for Injection. Inject the solution slowly over 3 to 5 minutes, directly or through tubing for patients receiving parenteral fluids
The answer is no, cefazolin does not come in pill form, it is administered via Intramuscular (IM) injection or Intravenous (IV) injection 2.
From the Research
Cefazolin Formulations
- Cefazolin is typically administered via intramuscular injection, as seen in studies 3, 4.
- There is no mention of cefazolin being available in pill form in the provided studies.
- However, other cephalosporins like cephalexin and cefadroxil are available in oral forms, as discussed in studies 5, 6, 7.
Administration and Pharmacology
- Cefazolin has a relatively long half-life, allowing for administration three or four times daily 3.
- It is effective against a range of bacterial infections, including those caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli 4.
- Cefazolin is generally well-tolerated, with no major side effects reported in clinical trials 4.