Cefotaxime (By injection)

sef-oh-TAX-eem

Treats infections caused by bacteria. This medicine is a cephalosporin antibiotic.

Drug classes

Antibiotic (About this – PubMed Health)

Uses

Uses of This Medicine

Cefotaxime injection is used to treat bacterial infections in many different parts of the body. This medicine is also given before, during, and after certain types of surgery to prevent infections.

Cefotaxime injection belongs to the class of medicines known as cephalosporin antibiotics. It works by killing bacteria or preventing their growth. However, this medicine will not work for colds, flu, or other virus infections.

This medicine is to be given only by or under the supervision of your doctor.

Other uses (PubMed Health)

How To Use

Injectable

Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot into a muscle or a vein.

A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.

Missed dose: You must use this medicine on a fixed schedule. Call your doctor or pharmacist if you miss a dose.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Some medicines can affect how cefotaxime works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:

Furosemide, probenecid Aminoglycoside antibiotic NSAID pain or arthritis medicine, including aspirin, celecoxib, diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen

When Not To Use

This medicine is not right for everyone. You should not receive it if you had an allergic reaction to cefotaxime or any other cephalosporin antibiotic.

Warnings

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease or a history of stomach or bowel disease (such as colitis). Tell your doctor if you had an allergic reaction to penicillin.

This medicine can cause diarrhea. Call your doctor if the diarrhea becomes severe, does not stop, or is bloody. Do not take any medicine to stop diarrhea until you have talked to your doctor. Diarrhea can occur 2 months or more after you stop taking this medicine.

This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.

Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Possible side effects

Summary More details

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

Blistering, peeling, red skin rash

Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches

Pain, itching, burning, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the needle is placed

Severe diarrhea (watery or bloody), severe stomach pain, nausea or vomiting

Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

More side effects of this drug

Brand names include

Amerinet Claforan, Claforan, Novaplus Claforan

There may be other brand names for this medicine.