[2] Common side effects include diarrhea, vomiting, yeast infections, and allergic reactions.

[2][4] Cefazolin is in the first-generation cephalosporin class of medication and works by interfering with the bacteria's cell wall.

[8] Resistance to cefazolin is seen in several species of bacteria, such as Mycoplasma and Chlamydia, in which case different generations of cephalosporins may be more effective.

[8] Their broad spectrum of activity can be attributed to their improved stability to many bacterial beta-lactamases compared to penicillins.

Although penicillin and ampicillin are the standard of care for GBS prophylaxis, penicillin-allergic women with no history of anaphylaxis can be given cefazolin instead.

These patients should be closely monitored as there is a small chance of an allergic reaction due to the similar structure of the antibiotics.

[8] As with other antibiotics, patients experiencing watery and/or bloody stools occurring up to three months following therapy should contact their prescriber.

[15][16] Cefazolin inhibits cell wall biosynthesis by binding penicillin-binding proteins which stops peptidoglycan synthesis.

[18] Other trade names include: Cefacidal, Cefamezin, Cefrina, Elzogram, Faxilen, Gramaxin, Kefol, Kefzol, Kefzolan, Kezolin, Novaporin, Reflin, Zinol, and Zolicef.