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Cefotaxime
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Description
Cefotaxime is a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic. It is used to treat bacterial infections affecting the lungs, joint, bone, blood, skin, and urinary tract - the kidneys, bladder, ureters, or urethra. It is also used to treat a sexually transmitted infection caused by Neisseria gonorrhoea bacteria that infects both men and women. This medicine kills or stops the growth of bacteria causing the infection. It is not effective against infections caused by viruses.
Common side effects of Cefotaxime are diarrhoea, stomach pain, headache, weakness, nausea, and vomiting. Do not take this medicine if you are previously allergic to it.
Cefotaxime is available on prescription as a tablet, injection, and powder for suspension. Take this medication with or without food. For ease of remembering, take this medicine around the same time every day. Once an antibiotic is started, it is always recommended to finish the entire course of treatment. Cefotaxime should only be used to treat or prevent infections that are caused by bacteria. Taking an antibiotic when it is not required can make it less effective for future infections.
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Cefotaxime
Stomach pain
Black or tarry stools
Diarrhoea
Dizziness
Increased heartbeat
Skin rash
Difficult or painful urination
Blurred vision
Fever with chills
Loss of appetite
Headache
Pain at the injection site
Uses of Cefotaxime
What is it prescribed for?
Bacterial Septicemia
Bacterial septicemia is an infection of the blood caused by bacteria. In this infection, the immune system that protects you from many illnesses releases a lot of chemicals into your blood. These toxins are carried through the bloodstream to your entire body leading to organ damage. Cefotaxime is used for the treatment of bacterial septicemia.
Gonorrhoea
Gonorrhoea is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by Neisseria gonorrhoea bacteria that infects both men and women. It spreads during vaginal, oral or anal sex without a condom or other barrier method. Cefotaxime is used to treat a gonococcal infection.
Urinary Tract Infection
An infection in any part of your urinary system- the kidneys, bladder, ureters, or urethra is called urinary tract infections (UTIs). UTIs are the most common infections in humans and woman are at greater risk of getting this infection. UTI's can occur as complicated or uncomplicated urinary tract infections.
Complicated UTI's are caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria (the bacteria may become non-responsive to more than one antibiotic) and can occur due to structural and functional abnormalities of the urinary tract. Uncomplicated urinary tract infection is an infection of the urinary tract in a healthy individual with a normal and functional urinary tract and no known reasons to develop a UTI. Cefotaxime is used to treat complicated and uncomplicated urinary tract infections caused by bacteria.
Community-Acquired Pneumonia
Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) refers to pneumonia (lung infection) that is acquired outside the hospital. CAP can be bacterial or viral. Cefotaxime is used to treat CAP caused by bacteria like Streptococcus pneumonia, Haemophilus influenzae, etc.
Bacteremia
Bacteremia is the presence of bacteria in the blood. Bacteria can sometimes enter your bloodstream from dental or medical procedures, or from infections. If this condition left untreated it can lead to septicemia which is an infection of the blood caused by bacteria. Cefotaxime is used for the treatment of bacteremia.
Surgical prophylaxis
Some patients may develop certain bacterial infections associated with surgery. Cefotaxime may be used before surgery, during a surgical procedure, or after the surgery to prevent infections associated with a surgical procedure.
Bacterial Meningitis
Bacterial meningitis is an infection of the meninges, the protective layer that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. It starts when bacteria get into your bloodstream and travel to your brain and spinal cord. Cefotaxime is used to treat bacterial meningitis.
Intra-abdominal Infections
Intra-abdominal infection (IAI) describes several infections. It includes peritonitis (swelling of the peritoneum-lining of the abdominal wall), pancreatitis (swelling of the pancreas- an organ located behind the lower part of the stomach), diverticulitis (swelling of diverticula- one or more small pouches in the intestine), cholecystitis (swelling of the gallbladder-a small digestive organ that sits just under the liver), and cholangitis (swelling of the bile duct system). Cefotaxime is used to treat infections occurring within the abdomen caused by bacteria.
Bone and Joint infections
Bone and joint infections occur in the bones and joints. Osteomyelitis is an infection of the bone and septic arthritis is an infection in a joint. These infections can occur due to a bone/joint injury or through blood by which bacteria, virus, or fungi invade a bone/joint. Cefotaxime is used for the treatment of osteomyelitis and septic arthritis caused by bacteria.
Skin and Soft tissue infections
Skin and soft tissue infections occur when the bacteria invade the skin and its supporting structures. Cefotaxime is used to treat all skin infections infected wounds, folliculitis, abscesses, cellulitis, ulcers, etc. including abscess caused by bacteria.
Pelvic inflammatory disease
Pelvic inflammatory disease is an infection of the female reproductive organs caused by bacteria like Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoea, etc. In this infection, the bacteria first enter the vagina and move into the pelvic organs- fallopian tubes, ovaries, cervix, and the uterus, causing infection. Cefotaxime is used to treat pelvic inflammatory disease.
Concerns
Commonly asked questions
Onset of action
The exact time taken for cefotaxime to show its action is not clear. You will start to feel better in 3 to 5 days. However, this medicine may take some days to kill bacteria. Therefore finish your entire course of treatment, even if your condition gets better.Duration of effect
The effect of cefotaxime lasts for an average duration of 12 hours.Safe with alcohol?
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.Is it habit forming?
No habit-forming tendency has been reported for Cefotaxime.Usage in pregnancy?
Cefotaxime is generally safe in pregnancy to treat bacterial infections. It is not known to cause birth defects when taken/received by pregnant women. Hence it is acceptable for use upon your doctor's recommendation.Usage while breast-feeding?
Cefotaxime is may be safe to use during breastfeeding. It enters into breast milk at low levels. Hence it should only be used if the benefit is greater than the risk of harm to the baby. If used, the baby should be observed for symptoms such as diarrhoea and yeast infection.
Allergy
Avoid taking Cefotaxime if you are previously allergic to it. Some patients may get allergic reactions to this medicine. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of allergic reactions such as skin rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, breathing difficulties, etc.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
Cefotaxime is generally safe in pregnancy to treat bacterial infections. It is not known to cause birth defects when taken/received by pregnant women. Hence it is acceptable for use upon your doctor's recommendation.
Breast-feeding
Cefotaxime is may be safe to use during breastfeeding. It enters into breast milk at low levels. Hence it should only be used if the benefit is greater than the risk of harm to the baby. If used, the baby should be observed for symptoms such as diarrhoea and yeast infection.
General warnings
Antibiotic resistance
Finish your entire course of treatment with Cefotaxime, even if the condition gets better to avoid antibiotic resistance (the bacteria may become resistant to antibiotics). If you still feel unwell after completing your antibiotic course, make an appointment to consult your doctor.
Sodium
Cefotaxime contains sodium in it and therefore it should be used with caution in patients with conditions that may require sodium restriction, such as congestive heart failure, hypertension (high blood pressure), and fluid retention.
Diarrhoea
Cefotaxime can cause diarrhoea because it may also kill the helpful bacteria in your stomach or intestine. Get emergency medical help if you experience severe diarrhoea that is watery or bloody. Call your pharmacist/doctor before taking anti-diarrhoeal medication.
Allergic reactions
Cefotaxime is likely to cause allergic skin reactions in some people. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms such as skin rash, or severe itching/swelling, especially on the face.
Missed Dose
Oral forms: Try not to skip a dose of cefotaxime. And if a dose is skipped, do not add it up to the next dose.
Injection: Since cefotaxime is administered in the hospital or clinical setting by a qualified healthcare professional, the likelihood of missing a dose is very low.
Overdose
Oral forms: Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of an overdose.
Injection: Since cefotaxime is administered in the hospital or clinical setting by a qualified healthcare professional, the likelihood of an overdose is very low. However, emergency medical treatment will be initiated by the doctor if an overdose is suspected.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Instructions
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Interaction with Medicine
Amikacin
Ethinyl Estradiol
Cholera Vaccine
Furosemide
Disease interactions
Gastrointestinal Diseases
Cefotaxime can kill the helpful bacteria in your stomach or intestine and leads to diarrhoea. Therefore use this medicine with extreme caution in patients with gastrointestinal (mouth to anus) diseases, particularly colitis (swelling of the inner lining of the colon), since it may worsen the patient's condition.
Seizure disorders
A seizure is a brain disorder that occurs due to sudden neurological disturbances which results mainly in behavioural changes. Use Cefotaxime with caution in patients with seizures or fits because it can trigger the condition. Seizure medicines should be continued in patients with a known seizure disorder. Dose adjustment for Cefotaxime might be required in some patients.
Kidney disease
Cefotaxime is filtered by the kidney and moved out of the body through urine. Patients with kidney dysfunction need special consideration while receiving/taking Cefotaxime due to the increased risk of kidney damage. Dose adjustment should be done based on the clinical condition.
Liver Disease
Cefotaxime may increase liver enzyme levels and cause liver swelling. Patients with liver diseases need special consideration while taking Cefotaxime due to the risk of liver damage. Dose adjustment should be done based on the clinical condition.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Oral forms: Take cefotaxime with or without food. Never take more than the prescribed dose. Take this medicine at around the same time daily. Do not give your medicine to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours. Your doctor will determine an appropriate cefotaxime dosage based on your clinical condition.
Injection: Cefotaxime should be administered by a qualified healthcare professional in a clinic or hospital.
Miscelleneous
How it works
Cefotaxime works by preventing the formation of bacterial cell walls. This helps in stopping the growth and multiplication of the microorganism, eventually killing it.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Third generation cephalosporins, Antibiotics
Schedule
Schedule H
Medicines.org.uk. 2021. Cefotaxime 2g Powder for solution for injection or infusion - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (emc). [online] Available at: < [Accessed 4 March 2021].
Pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. 2021. Cefotaxime. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 4 March 2021].
Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2021. DailyMed - CEFOTAXIME injection. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 4 March 2021].
Drugs, H., 2021. Cefotaxime Injection: MedlinePlus Drug Information. [online] Medlineplus.gov. Available at: < [Accessed 4 March 2021].
Accessdata.fda.gov. 2021. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 4 March 2021].
Go.drugbank.com. 2021. Cefotaxime | DrugBank Online. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 4 March 2021].
Information on this page was last updated on 8 Mar 2021
Disclaimer
We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.