Other Brands/Names

Baxima, Biocef, Cefarin, Cefogra, Cefokaf, Cefor, Cefovell, Cepofion, Efotax, Fobet, Glocef, Goforan, Ikaxim, Incetax, Kaidilong, Kalfoxim, Lancef, Lapixim, Litaxim, Metxime, Primocef, Procefa, Quafota, Rycef, Sefotix, Simexim, Siclaxim, Tirdicef, Yaforan, Zenotaxim.

How it Works

Cefotaxime is a cephalosporin antibiotic. It works by killing bacteria by inhibiting the formation of bacterial cell walls, which causes the bacterial cells to break apart and eventually die.

Indications

Cefotaxime is used to treat various bacterial infections, including:

• Pneumonia and other lower respiratory tract (lung) infections

• Gonorrhea (a sexually transmitted infection)

• Meningitis (infection of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord)

• Digestive system infections

• Bacterial infections of the female reproductive organs

• Bacterial skin infections

• Blood infections

• Joint infections

In addition to treating infections, cefotaxime can also be used before, during, and after cesarean sections to prevent infection in patients.

Contraindications

• A history of allergy to cefotaxime or other cephalosporin antibiotics

• A severe allergy to penicillin or other beta-lactam antibiotics

• Concurrent use with bacteriostatic antibiotics (antibiotics that inhibit bacterial growth, such as tetracycline, erythromycin, or chloramphenicol)

Side Effects

Possible side effects include:

• Swelling, redness, or pain at the injection site

• Easy bruising or bleeding

• Unusual fatigue

• Uncontrolled limb movements

• Mental or mood changes (e.g., confusion)

• Seizures

• Signs of kidney problems (e.g., changes in urine output) or liver problems

• Fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat

• Cefotaxime may cause severe intestinal upset due to a bacteria called Clostridium difficile, with symptoms like:

• • Persistent diarrhea

  • Abdominal pain/cramps

  • Blood or mucus in the stool

Prolonged or repeated use of this medication may also cause fungal infections in the mouth or genitals. Contact your doctor if you notice white patches in your mouth, unusual vaginal discharge, or other signs of a yeast infection.

Types

Cefotaxime is available as an injectable powder in 0.5 mg and 1 gram vials.

Dosage

The dosage of cefotaxime is adjusted according to the severity of the infection, bacterial sensitivity, and the patient's condition.

Adults

• Usual dose: 1 gram every 12 hours. This may be increased to 1-2 grams every 8 hours for moderate to severe cases.

• Maximum dose: 12 grams per day.

Children

• 0-27 days old: 50 mg/kg per day in 2-4 divided doses, which may be increased to 150-200 mg/kg per day in divided doses for severe cases.

• 28 days to 11 years old, weight <50 kg: The usual dose is 50-180 mg/kg per day in 2-6 divided doses, which may be increased to 200 mg/kg per day in 2-4 divided doses for severe cases.

• 12-18 years old or with weight >50 kg: Same as the adult dose.

Safety

Cefotaxime may reduce the effectiveness of live bacterial vaccines, such as the typhoid vaccine. Be sure to inform your healthcare provider if you are receiving cefotaxime before any immunization or vaccination.

During pregnancy, this medication should only be used if necessary. Cefotaxime is excreted in breast milk in small amounts and typically does not have adverse effects on a nursing infant, but consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Drug Interactions

Increasing Side Effects

• Cefotaxime may increase the kidney-damaging (nephrotoxic) effects of:

  • Aminoglycoside antibiotics

  • Furosemide (a diuretic to treat fluid retention caused by several conditions such as heart failure, liver and kidney diseases)

• It can also cause serious side effects when given with bacteriostatic antibiotics such as:

  • Tetracycline

  • Erythromycin

  • Chloramphenicol

• Probenecid (a drug used to lower uric acid levels) can increase cefotaxime levels.

Reduced Side Effects

• Cefotaxime may reduce the effectiveness of contraceptives.

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