What it means
An antibiotic that kills mostly gram-positive bacteria, such as staphylococci and streptococci, by stopping them from building their cell walls. It is the antibiotic most often given just before surgery to prevent wound infection, and it is also used for skin, bone and other infections. Side effects include diarrhea, rash and injection-site pain.
For the nurse
Ask about allergies to penicillins and cephalosporins. When it is given to prevent surgical infection, it is timed to finish within 60 minutes before the incision. Do not confuse it with ceftriaxonesef-try-AK-sohnA third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic given by injection into a vein or muscle.Full entry .
At a glance
| Drug class | cephalosporin antibiotic (first generation) |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Ancef |
| Spanish | cefazolina |
| Also written | Ancef |
Easy to confuse with
ceftriaxone
A third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic given by injection into a vein or muscle.
Related terms
antibiotic
A drug that kills bacteria or stops them from growing.
penicillins
A group of antibiotics, including penicillin and amoxicillin, that kill bacteria by stopping them from building their cell walls.
ceftriaxone
A third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic given by injection into a vein or muscle.
perioperative
Relating to the whole time around a surgery: before, during and after it.