Third-generation parenteral cephalosporin indicated for serious infections due to susceptible organisms: respiratory, urinary, gynecologic, septicemia, endocarditis, meningitis and intra-abdominal infections.
Also known as: Cefotaxima, Claforan
DailyMed approved label (Cefotaxime Injection; setID 8efe3bd0-c43a-2bd6-e053-2a95a90a92fa).
DailyMed approved label (Cefotaxime Injection; setID 8efe3bd0-c43a-2bd6-e053-2a95a90a92fa).
No documented drug–drug interactions for this medicine.
Cefotaxime is given intravenously or intramuscularly; food does not affect its pharmacokinetics.
May be administered regardless of meals.
DailyMed/FDA (NIH/NLM) — approved Cefotaxime Injection label: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=8efe3bd0-c43a-2bd6-e053-2a95a90a92fa
No relevant pharmacokinetic interaction with cefotaxime.
Moderate alcohol intake.
DailyMed/FDA (NIH/NLM) — approved Cefotaxime Injection label: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=8efe3bd0-c43a-2bd6-e053-2a95a90a92fa
Cefotaxime is contraindicated in patients with documented cephalosporin allergy (risk of anaphylaxis).
Confirm allergy history before administering.
DailyMed/FDA (NIH/NLM) — approved Cefotaxime Injection label: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=8efe3bd0-c43a-2bd6-e053-2a95a90a92fa
Cefotaxime is eliminated renally; renal impairment requires dose adjustment.
Adjust the dose based on renal function.
DailyMed/FDA (NIH/NLM) — approved Cefotaxime Injection label: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=8efe3bd0-c43a-2bd6-e053-2a95a90a92fa
Cephalosporins are considered safe in pregnancy; cefotaxime is used in maternal and neonatal infections.
May be used in any trimester when indicated.
Present in breast milk in small amounts; compatible with breastfeeding.
No specific contraception required.
DailyMed/FDA (NIH/NLM) — approved Cefotaxime Injection label: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=8efe3bd0-c43a-2bd6-e053-2a95a90a92fa
Clinical and educational support tool. The information does not replace a medical prescription or the opinion of a qualified healthcare professional.
Third-generation cephalosporin: time above the MIC correlates with efficacy. Good activity against Gram-negatives (including beta-lactamase-producing H. influenzae) and good CSF penetration with inflamed meninges.
Inhibition of cell-wall synthesis by binding to PBPs; stable to most plasmidial and chromosomal beta-lactamases.
After IM administration of 500 mg or 1 g, peak serum levels of 11.7 and 20.5 mcg/mL within ~30 min; after IV of 1 g, ~101.7 mcg/mL. No accumulation with repeated 1 g infusions every 6 h for 14 days.
~60% of the dose is recovered in urine within the first 6 hours; 20–36% excreted unchanged and 15–25% as desacetylcefotaxime (active metabolite). The desacetyl metabolite contributes to bactericidal activity.
Elimination half-life ~1 h.
Medicines from the same therapeutic group (ATC classification) or the same pharmacological class.
