cefazolin + vancomycin

Cefazolin + vancomycin is a combination of two antibiotics used primarily for the treatment of serious infections caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), particularly bloodstream infections. Cefazolin is a first-generation cephalosporin (a beta-lactam antibiotic) that inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins, thereby preventing peptidoglycan cross-linking. Vancomycin is a glycopeptide antibiotic that also inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis but does so by binding to the D-Ala-D-Ala terminus of peptidoglycan precursors, blocking transglycosylation and transpeptidation steps essential for cell wall formation[6]. The combination has shown synergistic effects in vitro and in clinical studies, leading to faster clearance of bacteremia and reduced mortality compared to vancomycin alone[1][3][8]. This regimen is typically reserved for severe MRSA infections where monotherapy may be insufficient. Developers: GlaxoSmithKline (for cefazolin) Eli Lilly (for vancomycin)