Cefotaxim

Cefotaxim

Cefotaxim is an antibiotic drug used to treat various bacterial infections. Some infectious diseases that can be treated by this drug are pneumonia, urinary tract infections, gonorrhea, meningitis , peritonitis , or osteomyelitis (infection of the bones).

Cefotaxime belongs to the class of cephalosporin antibiotics that work by killing bacteria and inhibiting their growth. In addition to treating bacterial infections, cefotaxime can also prevent infections in surgical wounds. Please note, this drug cannot be used to treat infections due to viruses, such as the flu .


Cefotaxime is only available in injectable form. This medicine should only be given by a doctor or medical personnel under the supervision of a doctor.

Cefotaxim trademarks: Biocef, Cefotaxime, Cepofion, Clatax, Fobet, Goforan, Kalfoxim, Procefa, Simexim

What is Cefotaxim

class Prescription drug
Category Cephalosporin antibiotics
Benefit Dealing with bacterial infections and preventing surgical wound infections
Used by Adults and children
Cefotaxim for pregnant and lactating women Category B: Animal studies have not demonstrated a risk to the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women.

Cefotaxime may be absorbed into breast milk. For breastfeeding mothers, consult a doctor before using this drug.
Drug form Inject

Warning Before Using Cefotaxim

Cefotaxime should only be used as prescribed by a doctor. Before using cefotaxime, you need to pay attention to the following points:

  • Do not use cefotaxime if you are allergic to it or to another cephalosporin drug, such as ceftriaxone . Tell your doctor if you are allergic to penicillin class drugs .
  • Tell your doctor if you have or currently have  blood disorders, bone marrow disorders, diarrhea , heart rhythm disturbances, liver disease, diabetes , heart failure, colitis , or kidney disease.
  • Tell your doctor if you plan to vaccinate with a live vaccine, such as the typhoid vaccine, while you are taking cefotaxime, as this medicine may reduce the effectiveness of the vaccine.
  • Tell your doctor that you are being treated with cefotaxime, before having any surgery, including dental surgery.
  • Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements, or herbal products.
  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
  • See your doctor immediately if you experience a drug allergic reaction , serious side effects, or overdose after using cefotaxim.

Dosage and Rules for Use Cefotaxim

Cefotaxim will be injected through a muscle (intramuscular/IM) or a vein (intravenous/IV) by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor. The following are common doses of cefotaxime:

Condition: Gonorrhea

  • Adult: 0.5–1 gram, single dose given IM, or IV by slow injection over 3–5 minutes, or by infusion over 20–60 minutes.

Conditions: Infections of the bones and muscles, central nervous system, genital area, pelvis, stomach, respiratory tract, or skin infections

  • Adults: 1-2 grams every 8-12 hours, depending on the severity of the infection. Injections can be given IM, or IV by slow injection over 3–5, or by infusion over 20–60 minutes. The maximum dose is 12 grams per day.
  • Children 0–1 weeks of age: 50 mg/kg, every 12 hours, by IV injection.
  • Children ˃1–4 weeks of age : 50 mg/kg, every 8 hours, by IV injection.
  • Children aged 1 month to 12 years weighing <50 kg: 50–180 mg/kg, divided in 4–6 doses, by IV/IM injection.

Condition : Sepsis

  • Adults: 6–8 grams per day, divided into 3–4 doses. May be given all at once through the muscle, slowly into a vein over 3–5 minutes, or intravenously over 20–60 minutes.

Condition: Prevention of surgical wound infection

  • Adults: 1 gram, 30–90 minutes before surgery. It can be given all at once through the muscle, slowly over 3-5 minutes through a vein, or over 20-60 minutes through an IV.
  • Adults: For caesarean sections , an injection of 1 gram will be given after the cord is clamped, followed by 2 injections into the muscle or vein, 6–12 hours later.

How to use Cefotaxim properly

Cefotaxim will be given directly by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor. The patient's condition will be monitored by a doctor for regular blood tests, to find out the progress of the disease and the effectiveness of the drug.

Interactions of Cefotaxime with Other Drugs

Cefotaxime can cause drug interactions in the form of increased toxic effects on the kidneys when used with aminoglycoside drugs or diuretics . In addition, blood levels of cefotaxime may also increase when used with probenecid .

Cefotaxime Side Effects and Dangers

Some of the side effects that may arise after using cefotaxim are:

  • Pain or swelling in the injected area
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea or vomiting

Consult a doctor if the side effects above do not subside immediately or get worse. You need to see a doctor immediately if you experience an allergic drug reaction or more serious side effects, such as:

  • Severe diarrhea with bloody stools
  • Severe abdominal pain or cramps
  • Fast or irregular heartbeat
  • Easy bruising
  • Severe nausea or vomiting, jaundice , or loss of appetite
  • Seizures , unusual tiredness, confusion
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