Cefotime

Indications

Cefotaxime is an antibiotic injection used for serious bacterial infections, including:

• Pneumonia and other chest infections
• Meningitis (infection of the lining of the brain)
• Blood infections (septicaemia)
• Kidney and urinary tract infections
• Infections inside the abdomen, and of the skin, bones and joints
• Gonorrhoea
• Prevention of infection around some operations

How It Works

Cefotaxime stops bacteria from building their cell walls, so the bacteria break apart and die. It works against many common bacteria but does not work against viruses such as colds or flu.

Dosage and Administration

Cefotaxime is given by a doctor or nurse as an injection into a vein or a muscle. For adults the usual dose is 1 g every 12 hours. Severe infections such as meningitis need higher and more frequent doses, decided by the doctor. Doses for children are worked out by body weight, as prescribed. People with kidney problems may need a lower dose. The full course should be completed even if the patient feels better.

Interactions

• Probenecid raises the level of Cefotaxime in the blood.
• Aminoglycoside antibiotics (such as Gentamicin) and strong water tablets (such as Furosemide) may increase the risk of kidney damage when given together.
• Antibiotics can make the oral typhoid vaccine less effective.
• It may give false results in some blood and urine tests, so tell the laboratory it is being used.

Contraindications

Do not use in people who are allergic to Cefotaxime or any other cephalosporin antibiotic, or who have had a severe allergic reaction (such as anaphylaxis) to Penicillin or similar antibiotics.

Side Effects

Common side effects include pain or swelling where the injection is given, diarrhoea, nausea, skin rash and itching. Less often it can cause changes in blood counts or liver tests, and thrush (fungal infection) of the mouth or vagina.

Get urgent medical help if there is:

• Swelling of the face, lips or throat, difficulty breathing or a widespread rash
• Severe or bloody diarrhoea, during or weeks after treatment
• Blistering or peeling skin
• Yellow skin or eyes, unusual bleeding or bruising
• Fits (seizures) or an irregular heartbeat

Pregnancy and Lactation

Cefotaxime is used in pregnancy only when the doctor feels it is clearly needed. Small amounts pass into breast milk; breastfeeding can usually continue, but watch the baby for diarrhoea, rash or thrush and tell the doctor if they appear.

Precautions and Warnings

• Tell the doctor about any past allergy to antibiotics.
• Kidney disease may need a lower dose.
• Long courses may need blood tests to check blood counts.
• Using antibiotics when they are not needed helps bacteria become resistant.

Overdose

Overdose is managed in hospital. Very high levels, especially in people with kidney problems, can cause confusion, abnormal movements or fits. Treatment is supportive, and dialysis can help remove the medicine.

Therapeutic Class

Third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic.

Storage

Store the unopened vials below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children. Once mixed with liquid, the solution should be used promptly, following the product leaflet.