Cefazolin is a medication used to treat bacterial infections. Its spelling may seem curious to those unfamiliar with medical terminology. The word is pronounced /ˈsɛfəzoʊlɪn/, with a primary stress on the second syllable. The beginning "cef" is derived from the chemical class of cephalosporin antibiotics. The "azo" in the middle of the word refers to the molecule's chemical structure. Finally, the suffix "-lin" is commonly added to the names of older cephalosporins to create new names for newer drugs in the same family.
Cefazolin is an antibiotic medication that belongs to the class of drugs known as cephalosporins. It is primarily used for the treatment and prevention of bacterial infections.
Cefazolin works by inhibiting the growth and multiplication of bacteria. It accomplishes this by targeting and interfering with the synthesis of the bacterial cell wall, thereby weakening and ultimately leading to the death of the bacteria.
As a potent antibacterial agent, cefazolin is commonly prescribed to treat various infections caused by susceptible strains of bacteria. It is frequently used in the management of respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, skin and soft tissue infections, bone and joint infections, and certain types of septicemia.
When administered, cefazolin can be given either intravenously or intramuscularly, depending on the severity of the infection and individual patient factors. The dosage and duration of treatment are determined by the type and severity of the infection, as well as the patient's age, weight, and overall health condition.
Cefazolin is considered a broad-spectrum antibiotic, and it exhibits activity against many common gram-positive bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and some strains of Streptococcus pyogenes. However, it may not be effective against certain gram-negative bacteria.
As with any medication, cefazolin may cause side effects that can range from mild to severe. Common adverse reactions include gastrointestinal disturbances, allergic reactions, and diarrhea. It is important to discuss any known allergies or existing health conditions with a healthcare professional before starting treatment with cefazolin.
The word "Cefazolin" has a relatively straightforward etymology. It is derived from the chemical structure and naming conventions of the compound itself. "Cefa-" refers to the cephalosporin antibiotic class, which Cefazolin belongs to. Cephalosporins are a broad class of antibiotics that are derived from the fungus Acremonium (formerly known as Cephalosporium). This prefix also indicates the presence of the β-lactam ring, which is a characteristic feature of cephalosporins.
The suffix "-zolin" is a common suffix found in the names of many cephalosporin antibiotics. It is derived from the chemical structure of the compound, specifically the fused diazolinone ring present in cephalosporins.