Cefazolin In Artificial Tears
General Drug Information and Indications
First-generation cephalosporin for surgical prophylaxis, soft tissue infections, and gram-positive bacterial infections; ophthalmic formulation for corneal ulcers.
First-generation cephalosporin antibiotic. Mechanism: binds penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) inhibiting bacterial cell wall peptidoglycan synthesis (bactericidal). Narrow spectrum — excellent gram-positive coverage (including Staph); limited gram-negative coverage. Widely used for surgical prophylaxis. Renally excreted; not metabolized.
Key information
Reconstitute with sterile water or NS. Refrigerate reconstituted solution; use within 10 days. IV infusion preferred over rapid bolus. Adequate hydration required. Cross-reactivity with penicillin allergy (rare, <1–2%).
How to Give this Medication
IV: dilute in 0.9% NaCl or D5W; administer over 15–30 min. IM: reconstitute and inject deep IM — painful; dilute with lidocaine if needed. Used for perioperative prophylaxis: administer 30 min before incision. Store refrigerated (2–8°C); do not freeze. (reconstituted solution).
If a dose is missed
This medication is administered by a veterinarian or veterinary staff in a clinical setting. Missed doses are managed by your veterinary team — contact your veterinarian to reschedule.
Side Effects
GI: vomiting, diarrhea (oral). Hypersensitivity: urticaria, pruritus, anaphylaxis (cross-reactive with penicillin ~5–10%). Pain at IM injection site. Phlebitis (IV). Renal: minimal nephrotoxicity at recommended doses.
Precautions
For animals
Avoid in patients with known cephalosporin hypersensitivity; use caution in penicillin-allergic patients (cross-reactivity ~5–10%). {RENAL} — dose-reduce in severe renal impairment.
For people handling this medication
Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling. Avoid contact with eyes; if contact occurs, flush with water for 15 minutes and seek medical attention. Keep out of reach of children. If accidental ingestion occurs, contact Poison Control (1-800-222-1222). Cephalosporin — inform your doctor if you have penicillin or cephalosporin allergy. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling.
Overdose
Contact your veterinarian. Injectable cephalosporin overdose causes GI signs and rarely seizures at very high doses.
Cefazolin In Artificial Tears dosage forms
| Product | Strength | Form | Size | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CEFAZOLIN IN ARTIFICIAL TEARS 65 MG/ML OPTH SOLUTION - 15ML | 65 MG/ML | Solution | 15ML | Compound |
Sources
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for advice from your veterinarian. Source: Merck Veterinary Manual (merckvetmanual.com); Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook (Plumb, D.C., app.plumbs.com)