What is "cefazolin"

n. (context medicine English) A particular cephalosporin antibiotic

Cefazolin, also known as cefazoline or cephazolin, is an antibiotic used for the treatment of a number of bacterial infections. The drug is usually administered by either injection into a muscle or into a vein.

Due to possible cross-reactivity with penicillins, people who have experienced anaphylaxis to penicillins are advised not to receive cephalosporins. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and rash. Cefazolin is a first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic with broad spectrum antibiotic with activity against both gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria.

It was initially marketed by GlaxoSmithKline under the trade name Ancef, but is no longer available as brand name products. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines the most important medications needed for a basic health system.