Uses of Cefot: - Bacterial infections Pneumonia, Meningitis, Peritonitis, Pelvic inflammatory disease, Endometritis, Pelvic cellulitis, Gonorrhea, Skin and skin structure infections, Respiratory tract infections, Urinary tract infections, Bacteremia/Septicemia, Bone and/or joint infections Hypersensitivity to cephalosporins.

Third generation Cephalosporins

Cefotaxime binds to 1 or more of the penicillin binding proteins (PBPs) which inhibit the final transpeptidation step of peptidoglycan synthesis in bacterial cell wall, thus inhibiting biosynthesis and arresting cell wall assembly resulting in bacterial cell death. Cefotaxime is a broad spectrum bactericidal 3rd generation parenteral cephalosporin antibiotic. Cefotaxime is exceptionally active against gram-negative organisms sensitive or resistant to first or second generation cephalosporins. It is similar to other cephalosporins in activity against gram-positive bacteria.

How to use Cefotaxime: Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine. Kindly do not self administer. Administration: IV Preparation Intermittent injection: Reconstitute 1 or 2 g with 10 mL SWI Infusion: Reconstitute infusion bottles with 50 or 100 mL NS or D5W IM: Add 2 mL, 3 mL or 5 mL of sterile or bacteriostatic water for inj to a vial Adult Dose: Adult: Infections Caused by Susceptible Organisms Uncomplicated: 1 g IV or IM q12hr Moderate to severe: 1-2 g IV or IM q8hr More serious (bloodstream infection [septicemia]): 2 g IV q6-8hr Life-threatening: 2 g IV q4hr; not to exceed 12 g/day Surgical prophylaxis 1 g 30-90 mins before procedure. Gonorrhoea 0.5-1 g as a single dose. Child Dose: Children: IV, IM 50–180 mg/kg/day q6–8h 200–225 mg/kg/day for meningitis q6h Neonates: The recommended dosage is 50 mg/kg/day in 2 to 4 divided doses. In severe infections 150-200 mg/kg/day in divided doses have been given. Renal Dose: Renal impairment: Severe: After an initial loading dose of 1 g, half the daily dose w/o changing the frequency.

Probenecid decreases cefotaxime elimination. Potentially Fatal: Nephrotoxicity with furosemide and aminoglycosides.

Hypersensitivity to cephalosporins.

Common - Rash - Allergic reaction - Nausea - Injection site reaction - Diarrhea Colitis, Elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine, Elevated hepatic transaminases, Fever. Pain at inj site; hypersensitivity reactions, rash, pruritus; diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting; candidiasis; eosinophilia, neutropenia, leucopenia, thrombocytopenia. Potentially Fatal: Anaphylactic reaction; nephrotoxicity.

Although studies in animals have not shown any adverse effect on the developing foetus, the safety of Cefotaxime in human pregnancy has not been established. Consequently, Cefotaxime should not be administered during pregnancy especially during first trimester, without carefully weighing the expected benefit against possible risks. Cefotaxime is excreted in the milk.

Precaution: History of penicillin allergy; colitis; impaired renal function; pregnancy, lactation. Lactation: Drug enters breast milk; use with caution

Store below 25°C, protected from light and moisture. Use reconstituted solution immediately. Reconstituted solution is stable for up to 24 h if stored between 2° to 8°C.

Third generation Cephalosporins

Cefotaxime binds to one or more of the penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) which inhibits the final transpeptidation step of peptidoglycan synthesis in bacterial cell wall, thus inhibiting biosynthesis and arresting cell wall assembly resulting in bacterial cell death.

Pregnancy category: B Lactation: Drug enters breast milk; use with caution