Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: CEFAZOLIN SODIUM versus KEFLEX.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: CEFAZOLIN SODIUM versus KEFLEX.
CEFAZOLIN SODIUM vs KEFLEX
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
Cefazolin is a first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic that inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), specifically PBP1a, PBP1b, PBP2a, PBP2b, PBP2x, PBP3, and PBP4, thereby preventing cross-linking of peptidoglycan chains. This leads to cell lysis and death.
Cephalexin is a first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic that inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), leading to cell lysis and death.
1-2 g IV/IM every 8 hours; maximum 12 g/day for severe infections.
250-500 mg orally every 6 hours; maximum 4 g/day.
None Documented
None Documented
Approximately 1.8 hours (range 1.2-2.2 h) in normal renal function; prolonged in renal impairment (up to 30-40 h in ESRD)
0.5–1.2 hours in patients with normal renal function (CrCl >50 mL/min); prolonged to >20 hours in ESRD.
Primarily renal (80-90% unchanged via glomerular filtration and tubular secretion); minimal biliary (1-2%); fecal (<1%)
Primarily renal (90% or more unchanged via glomerular filtration and tubular secretion); small amounts biliary/fecal (<5%).
Category A/B
Category C
Cephalosporin Antibiotic
Cephalosporin Antibiotic