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Cefotaxime: Brands, Price & Uses in Bangladesh

Cefotaxime is a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic administered by injection (IM or IV) for the treatment of serious infections caused by susceptible bacteria.

Forms:IM/IV Injection

About Cefotaxime

Indications of Cefotaxime

Cefotaxime is a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic administered by injection (IM or IV) for the treatment of serious infections caused by susceptible bacteria. It is used only under the supervision of a healthcare professional in a hospital or clinical setting.

Established / FDA-approved uses

  • Lower respiratory tract infections, including pneumonia
  • Genitourinary tract infections
  • Gynecologic infections
  • Bacteremia/septicemia
  • Skin and skin-structure infections
  • Intra-abdominal infections (often used with an antibiotic active against anaerobes)
  • Bone and joint infections
  • Central nervous system infections, including bacterial meningitis
  • Uncomplicated gonorrhea

Adjunct / combination uses

  • Intra-abdominal infections and pelvic inflammatory disease, typically combined with an antibiotic covering anaerobic organisms (e.g., metronidazole)
  • Perioperative prophylaxis to reduce the incidence of infection in patients undergoing contaminated or potentially contaminated surgical procedures

Use of Cefotaxime should be guided by culture and susceptibility testing whenever possible, and by local antibiotic resistance patterns.

Dosage & Administration of Cefotaxime

Cefotaxime is given only by intramuscular (IM) injection or intravenous (IV) injection/infusion by a qualified healthcare professional; it is not for home self-administration and is not available as an oral product.

Adult dosing (by infection severity)

Indication/SeverityDoseRoute/Frequency
Uncomplicated infections1 gEvery 12 hours, IM or IV
Moderate to severe infections1–2 gEvery 8 hours, IM or IV
Severe/life-threatening infections2 gEvery 4 hours, IV (up to 12 g/day)
Uncomplicated gonorrhea0.5–1 gSingle IM dose
Surgical prophylaxis1 gSingle IV/IM dose 30–90 minutes before surgery

Pediatric dosing

Age groupDose
Neonates (0–1 week)50 mg/kg IV every 12 hours
Neonates (1–4 weeks)50 mg/kg IV every 8 hours
Infants and children (1 month–12 years, <50 kg)50–180 mg/kg/day in divided doses every 6–8 hours, depending on severity
Children ≥50 kgAdult dosing applies

Renal impairment

In patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance below approximately 20 mL/min/1.73 m²), the usual dose of Cefotaxime should be halved after an initial normal loading dose, as advised by the treating physician.

Stewardship

Take Cefotaxime exactly as prescribed by your physician; do not stop, extend, skip doses, or share this medicine with others without medical advice, even if symptoms improve before the course is complete.

Side Effects of Cefotaxime

Common

  • Injection site reactions: pain, inflammation, or induration after IM injection; phlebitis after IV administration
  • Gastrointestinal upset: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
  • Rash, pruritus, or other mild hypersensitivity reactions
  • Transient elevations in liver enzymes (AST, ALT)

Less common / serious

  • Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea and colitis, which can range from mild to life-threatening and may occur during or up to several months after treatment
  • Eosinophilia, transient neutropenia, or thrombocytopenia
  • Serious hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis and Stevens-Johnson syndrome (rare)
  • Interstitial nephritis
  • Encephalopathy or seizures, particularly with high doses in patients with renal impairment

Contraindications of Cefotaxime

Cefotaxime is contraindicated in patients with a known history of hypersensitivity (allergic reaction) to Cefotaxime or to any other cephalosporin antibiotic.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cefotaxime

What is Cefotaxime used for?

Cefotaxime is an injectable antibiotic used to treat serious bacterial infections such as pneumonia, urinary tract infections, meningitis, septicemia, and skin, bone, joint, or abdominal infections. It is given only in a hospital or clinical setting by a healthcare professional.

Can I take Cefotaxime as a tablet or capsule at home?

No. Cefotaxime is only available as an injectable formulation given by intramuscular or intravenous injection by trained medical staff; it is not available as an oral tablet or capsule.

Is Cefotaxime safe if I am allergic to penicillin?

Cefotaxime is contraindicated in anyone with a known hypersensitivity to Cefotaxime or other cephalosporins. There is a possibility of cross-reactivity in people with a severe penicillin allergy, so tell your doctor about any past drug allergies before receiving Cefotaxime.

What if I get diarrhea while on Cefotaxime?

Mild diarrhea can occur with Cefotaxime, but watery or bloody diarrhea, especially if it starts during or after treatment, could indicate C. difficile-associated colitis and needs prompt medical evaluation; do not self-treat with anti-diarrheal medicine without consulting your doctor.

Is Cefotaxime safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Cefotaxime should be used in pregnancy only if clearly needed, as studies in pregnant women are limited, and it passes into breast milk in low amounts. Always consult your physician before using Cefotaxime during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

What happens if a dose of Cefotaxime is missed or stopped early?

Take Cefotaxime exactly as prescribed. Do not stop, extend, skip doses, or share this medicine with others without medical advice, as stopping early can allow the infection to return or lead to antibiotic resistance.

Disclaimer

The information provided is accurate to the best of our knowledge, but it does not replace professional medical advice. We cannot guarantee its completeness or accuracy, and the absence of specific information about a drug should not be taken as an endorsement. We are not responsible for any consequences arising from this information, so please consult a healthcare professional for any concerns or questions.

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