Cefotaxime: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use it

Uses of Cefotaxime

What drug Cefotaxime?

Cefotaxime is an antibiotic drug used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections, such as lower respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, meningitis, and gonorrhea.

Cefotaxime belongs to a class of antibiotics called cephalosporins. This antibiotic works by stopping the growth of bacteria.

This medicine will not work to cure viral infections, such as colds and flu. Using antibiotics when they are not needed increases the risk of developing an infection that is resistant to antibiotic treatment.

Take cefotaxime only according to your doctor's instructions.

What are the rules for using Cefotaxime?

Cefotaxime is a drug that is used by injection into a muscle (intramuscular / IM) or a blood vessel (intravenous / IV) as directed by a doctor. The dose given will depend on your health condition and response to treatment.

If you are doing self-medication at home, make sure you understand correctly all the methods that are taught by your doctor or nurse. Also make sure you check the injection fluid before injecting it.

Do not inject an injection liquid that has changed color or has any particles. Learn how to store and dispose of medical supplies safely.

Cefotaxime is a powerful antibiotic drug when the amount in the body is constant or consistent. This means that you must be disciplined to inject this drug at the appropriate time.

Keep using Cefotaxime until it runs out, even though the symptoms have improved after a few days. Too soon to stop using antibiotics makes the bacteria have the potential to grow back and the infection to recur.

How do I save Cefotaxime?

Cefotaxime is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules.

Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed.

Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Cefotaxime dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dose of Cefotaxime for adults?

The following are the recommended cefotaxime dosages for adults:

For bacteremia

Can be given as much as 1 to 2 grams by infusion every 6-8 hours.

The maximum dose for using cefotaxime is 2 grams per injection every 4 hours for 14 days.

For cesarean section

Can be given as much as 1 gram by infusion. The second and third doses should be given as much as 1 gram infusion or injection at 6 and 12 hours after the first dose.

For endometritis

Can be given as much as 1-2 grams of injection or infusion every 8 hours. Duration: Parenteral therapy should be continued for at least 24 hours after the patient has no longer fever and pain, and the leukocyte count has returned to normal.

Additional 14 days of doxycycline therapy is recommended in case of chlamydia infection in a patient who has given birth (breastfeeding should be stopped).

For osteomyelitis

Can be given as much as 1-2 grams of injection or infusion every 6-8 hours. Maximum dose: 2 grams IV every 4 hours. Duration: 4-6 weeks.

Chronic osteomyelitis may require additional drinking (oral) antibiotic therapy, possibly taking up to 6 months.

For pneumonia

Can be given as much as 1-2 grams of injection or infusion every 6-8 hours. Maximum dose: 2 g IV every 4 hours, with a duration of 7-21 days

For pyelonephritis

Can be given as much as 1-2 grams of injection or infusion every 8-12 hours. Maximum dose: 2 g in an infusion every 4 hours, with a duration of 14 days.

For urinary tract infections

Can be given as much as 1-2 grams by injection or infusion every 12 hours. Duration: 3-7 days for mild infections and 2-3 weeks for severe infections (eg catheter-related).

What is the dosage of Cefotaxime for children?

For children, here are the recommended cefotaxime doses:

Cefotaxime dosage for Lyme disease

Early-stage Lyme disease and Lyme arthritis involving nerves, or late-stage neuroborreliosis. Age 1 month or more can be given as much as 150-200 mg / kg per day by infusion in divided doses into 3 or 4. Maximum dose: 6 g / day. Duration: 14-28 days

Age 13 years or older: Use the adult dosage.

The dosage for children with other conditions has not been determined. Consult your doctor and pharmacist.

In what dosage and preparation is Cefotaxime available?

Cefotaxime is available in the following forms and preparations:

• Solution, intravenous (IV): 1 g, 2 g
• Solution, injection: 500 mg, 1 g, 2 g, 10 g

Cefotaxime Side Effects

What side effects may occur due to Cefotaxime?

Seek emergency medical help if you experience signs of an allergic reaction such as hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor right away if you experience serious side effects such as:

• diarrhea that is watery or bloody
• rash, bruising, tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness
• irregular heartbeat
• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms
• easy bruising or bleeding, weakness is not uncommon
• fever, sore throat, and headache with skin blisters, peeling, and rash
• Convulsions or fainting
• yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice)

Milder side effects may include:

• the injection site becomes painful, irritated, or has a hard lump
• stomach pain, nausea, vomiting
• headache
• vaginal itching or discharge

Not everyone experiences the side effects mentioned above. There may be some unspecified side effects.

If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Cefotaxime Drug Warnings and Cautions

What should be known before using this drug?

Cefotaxime is a drug that reacts with certain drugs. These drug interactions may affect the action of the drug or increase the risk of side effects.

You should stop treatment with Cefotaxime if you are allergic to its ingredients or allergic to other cephalosporin antibiotics, such as:

• Cefaclor (Raniclor)
• Cefadroxil (Duricef)
• Cefazolin (Ancef)
• Cefdinir (Omnicef)
• Cefditoren (Spectracef)
• Cefpodoxime (Vantin)
• Cefprozil (Cefzil)
• Ceftibuten (Cedax)
• Cefuroxime (Ceftin)
• Cephalexin (Keflex) or
• Cephradine (Velosef)

To ensure that you can use Cefotaxime safely, tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:

• Penicillin allergy
• Kidney illness
• Liver disease
• Abnormalities in the stomach or intestines such as colitis
• Diabetes or
• Heart rhythm abnormalities

Is Cefotaxime safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There is no adequate research on the risks of using Cefotaxime for pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using Cefotaxime.

Cefotaxime is included in the pregnancy risk category B (no risk according to studies) according to US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

• A = Not at risk
• B = No risk in several studies
• C = May be risky
• D = There is positive evidence of risk
• X = Contraindicated
• N = Unknown

Drug Interactions

What medicines may interact with Cefotaxime?

Although several types of drugs cannot be taken at the same time, in some cases the doctor may prescribe two drugs that have the potential to cause interactions.

In such cases, the doctor may change the dose or suggest some precautions. Inform the doctor and pharmacist all the types of drugs you take, both prescription and over-the-counter drugs.

Some drugs that may interact with Cefatoxime are:

• Warfarin
• Probenecid

Can food or alcohol interact with this drug?

Certain drugs cannot be used when eating or consuming certain foods because drug interactions can occur.

Smoking or consuming alcohol with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions can interact with this drug?

Having certain health problems also might affect how Cefotaxime works in your body. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Blood or bone marrow disease (eg agranulocytosis, granulocytopenia) or
• Colitis (inflammation of the intestine)
• Severe diarrhea - use with caution. might make the condition worse
• Kidney disease - use with caution. The effects may increase due to the slow disposal of the drug from the body

Overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (119) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

Overdose symptoms may include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Convulsions

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of Cefotaxime, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.