Last reviewed 2026-04-20 · How we verify

Zefazone (CEFMETAZOLE)

Zefazone (CEFMETAZOLE) is a small molecule antibiotic developed by an unspecified original developer and currently owned by Pharmacia And Upjohn. It targets the insulin-degrading enzyme and belongs to the cefmetazole drug class. Zefazone was FDA-approved in 1989 for various bacterial infections, including pneumonia, skin infections, and abdominal infections. The drug has a short half-life of 1.5 hours and is off-patent, with no active Orange Book patents. As a result, there are currently no generic manufacturers of Zefazone.

At a glance

Approved indications

• Haemophilus influenzae pneumonia
• Infection of skin AND/OR subcutaneous tissue
• Infectious disease of abdomen
• Lower respiratory tract infection
• Pneumonia
• Pneumonia due to Escherichia coli
• Pneumonia due to Streptococcus
• Prevention of Perioperative Infection
• Staphylococcal pneumonia
• Urinary tract infectious disease

Common side effects

No common side effects on file.

Key clinical trials

• Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery Low Risk Trial (PHASE4)
• Preventive Therapy of Postoperative Intra-abdominal Infection Based on Serum Lactate Changes (NA)
• Patients Response to Early Switch To Oral:Osteomyelitis Study (EARLY_PHASE1)
• Trial of Antibiotic Prophylaxis in Elective Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery: Oral and Systemic Versus Systemic Antibiotics (PHASE3)
• The Effect of Periarticular Multi-Drug Regimen on Pain After Partial Hip Replacement (PHASE4)
• Trial of Antibiotic Prophylaxis in Elective Colorectal Surgery (PHASE3)

Primary sources

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