NCIt definition : A beta-lactam antibiotic and first-generation cephalosporin with bactericidal activity.
Cefazolin binds to and inactivates penicillin-binding proteins (PBP) located on the
inner membrane of the bacterial cell wall. Inactivation of PBPs interferes with the
cross-linkage of peptidoglycan chains necessary for bacterial cell wall strength and
rigidity. This results in the weakening of the bacterial cell wall and causes cell
lysis.;