Cefotaxim is an antibiotic drug to treat various bacterial infections. Some infectious diseases that can be overcome by this medicine pneumoniae, urinary tract infection, gonorrhea, mmeningitis, peritonitis, or osteomyelitis (bone infection).
Cefotaxime belongs to the class of cephalosporin antibiotics that work by killing bacteria and inhibiting their growth. In addition to treating bacterial infections, cefotaxime can also prevent infections in surgical wounds. Please note, this drug cannot be used to treat infections due to viruses, such as the flu.
Cefotaxime is only available in injectable form. This medicine should only be given by a doctor or medical personnel under the supervision of a doctor.
Cefotaxim trademark: Biocef, Cefotaxime, Cepofion, Clatax, Fobet, Goforan, Kalfoxim, Procefa, Simexim
What's that Cefotaxime
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Cephalosporin antibiotics |
| Benefit | Treat bacterial infections and prevent surgical wound infections |
| Used by | Adults and children |
| Cefotaxime for pregnant and lactating women | Category B: Animal studies have not shown any risk to the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Cefotaxime may be absorbed into breast milk. For breastfeeding mothers, consult a doctor before using this drug. |
| Drug form | Inject |
Precautions Before Using Cefotaxime
Cefotaxime should only be used as prescribed by a doctor. Before using cefotaxime, you need to pay attention to the following points:
- Do not use cefotaxime if you are allergic to this drug or to other cephalosporins, such as ceftriaxone. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to penicillin drugs.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have had a blood disorder, bone marrow disorder, diarrhea, heart rhythm disorder, liver disease, diabetes, heart failure, colitis, or kidney disease.
- Tell your doctor if you plan to vaccinate with a live vaccine, such as the typhoid vaccine, while you are taking cefotaxime, as this medicine may reduce the effectiveness of the vaccine.
- Tell your doctor that you are being treated with cefotaxim, before having any surgery, including dental surgery.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements, or herbal products.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
- See your doctor right away if you have an allergic drug reaction, serious side effect, or overdose after using cefotaxime.
Dosage and Instructions for Use of Cefotaxim
Cefotaxim will be injected through a muscle (intramuscular/IM) or a vein (intravenous/IV) by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor. The following are common doses of cefotaxime:
Condition: Gonorrhea
- Mature: 0.5–1 gram, single dose given IM, or IV by slow injection over 3–5 minutes, or by infusion over 20–60 minutes.
Condition: Infections of bones and muscles, central nervous system, genital area, pelvis, stomach, respiratory tract, or skin infections
- Mature: 1-2 grams every 8-12 hours, depending on the severity of the infection. Injections can be given IM, or IV by slow injection over 3–5, or by infusion over 20–60 minutes. The maximum dose is 12 grams per day.
- Children aged 0–1 weeks: 50 mg/kg, every 12 hours, by IV injection.
- Children aged 1–4 weeks: 50 mg/kg, every 8 hours, by IV injection.
- 1 month old kids until 12 years old with weight < 50 kg: 50–180 mg/kg, divided into 4–6 doses, by IV/IM injection.
Condition: Sepsis
- Mature: 6–8 grams per day, divided in 3-4 times. It can be given all at once through a muscle, through a vein slowly over 3-5 minutes, or by infusion over 20-60 minutes.
Condition: Prevention of surgical wound infection
- Mature: 1 gram, 30–90 minutes before surgery. It can be given all at once through the muscle, slowly over 3-5 minutes through a vein, or over 20-60 minutes through an IV.
- Adults: For caesarean section, an injection of 1 gram will be given after the umbilical cord is clamped, followed by 2 injections through a muscle or vein, 6–12 hours later.
How to use Cefotaxime correctly
Cefotaxim will be given directly by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor. The patient's condition will be monitored by the doctor for regular blood tests, to determine the progress of the disease and the effectiveness of the drug.
Interactions of Cefotaxime with Other Drugs
Cefotaxime can cause drug interactions in the form of increased toxic effects on the kidneys when used with aminoglycoside drugs or diuretics. In addition, the level of cefotaxime in the blood can also increase if it is used with probenecid.
Side Effects and Dangers Cefotaxime
Some side effects that may arise after using cefotaxime are:
- Pain or swelling at the injection site
- Diarrhea
- Nausea or vomiting
Consult a doctor if the above side effects do not subside immediately or get worse. You need to see a doctor immediately if you experience an allergic drug reaction or more serious side effects, such as:
- Severe diarrhea with bloody stools
- Severe stomach pain or cramps
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Easy bruising
- Severe nausea or vomiting, jaundice, or loss of appetite
- Seizures, unusual tiredness, confusion