Cefotaxime
Cefotaxime is a third generation, semisynthetic cephalosporin antibiotic. ephalosporins are derivatives of 7-aminocephalosporic acid and are closely related to penicillins in structure. Cephalosporins have a six membered sulfur containing ring adjoining a ß lactam ring. Cefotaxime is a broad spectrum antibiotic effective against many organisms that have become resistant to penicillin and aminoglycoside antibiotics. Cefotaxime (Na) is used in the treatment of brain abscess, endocarditis, gonorrhea, maningitis, peritonitis, pneumonia, and septicaemia. Antibiotics require constant drug level in body for therapeutic effect. This is achieved by taking the medication at regular interval of time throughout the day and night as prescribed. Cefotaxime (Na) is important to take the drug for the full time period as prescribed. If you discontinue the therapy, it may result in ineffective treatment.
Primary Characteristics
Cefotaxime is also known as Cefotaxime Na.
It is of Semi Synthetic origin and belongs to Cephem carboxylate.
It belongs to Peptidoglycan synthesis inhibitor pharmacological group on the basis of mechanism of action and also classified in Antibiotic, Cephalosporin-3rd Gen pharmacological group.
Molecular Weight: 478.5 · pKa: 3.75 · Solubility in Water: high · Solubility in Alcohol: insoluble · Non-proprietary name: Cefotaxime.
Pharmacokinetics
Distribution: Cefotaxime has a volume of distribution is 2-37 litre. plasma protein binding is 40%.
Elimination: it is metabolised via Hepatic, plasma half-life is 0.9-1.3 hr, renal excretion is 40%.
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Indications
Cefotaxime is primarily indicated in conditions like Arrhythmias after myocardial infarction, Bacteremia, Cellulitis, Gonorrhoea, Gynecological infections, Infilteration anaesthesia, Meningitis, Obstetric infections, Osteomyelitis, Peritonitis, Respiratory tract infections, Surgical prophylaxis, Urinary tract infection.
Contraindications
Cefotaxime is contraindicated in conditions like Renal diseases, Hypersensitivity.
Dosage
Cefotaxime's dosage details are as follows:
| Dose | Single Dose | Frequency | Route | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Dosage | ||||
| 4.5 g/dose | 4.5 g/dose | Every 24h | intra abnominal infection | |
| 4.5 g | 4.5 g | — | infection due to multiresistant organism in 2 to 4 divided doses. | |
| 4.5 g | 4.5 g | Every 24h | prophylactic use to redeuce postoperative infections | |
| 7 g | 7 g | Every 4h | for bone and joint infection | |
| 4.5 g | 4.5 g | Every 24h | IM | GONOCOCCAL INFECTION. |
| 2 – 4 g/dose | — | Every 12h | IV,IM | Frequency may be increased to 3 times/day. for uninary tract infection. |
| 4.5 g/dose | 4.5 g/dose | Every 24h | IV,IM | for septicemia and endocarditis |
| 4.5 g/dose | 4.5 g/dose | Every 24h | IV,IM | for septicemia and endocarditis |
| Paediatric Dosage (20kg) | ||||
| 50 mg | 50 mg | Every 8h | Intra Muscular | 2 to 4 divided doses. and 200mg dose given in 24hr daily. |
| 50 mg/kg | 50 mg/kg | Every 8h | Intra Venous | - |
| Neonatal Dosage (3kg) | ||||
| 0 – 0 | — | — | ||
| 50 – 200 | — | — | IM | |
| 50 mg/kg | 50 mg/kg | Every 8h | Intra Muscular | - |
| 50 mg/kg | 50 mg/kg | Every 8h | Intra Venous | - |
Drug Interactions
Always consult your physician for the change of dose regimen or an alternative drug of choice that may strictly be required.
Side Effects
Cefotaxime in overdosage may give rise to further complications which include CNS toxicity, Leukopenia, Thrombocytopenia , Eosinophilia .
Cefotaxime produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Pseudomembranous colitis . Careful monitoring is needed with proper medical management.
The signs and symptoms that are produced after acute overdosage of Cefotaxime are Encephalopathy.
Cefotaxime is known to cause more or less tolerable side effects which are usually transient. These include Diarrhea, Fever, Hallucination , Nausea, Pain at injection site, Pruritus , Rashes , Thrombophlebitis , Vertigo, Vomiting .
Warnings / Precautions
Interference in Pathology
Cefotaxime may interfere in the diagnosis of False +ve results in Redox method for determining the presence of urine glucose. , Affects the bioassay of gentamicin. .
Available Brands
Storage Conditions
Drug Classification
- 1.6.2.1.3 — Cephalosporins
Manufacturers
Manufacturers of Cefotaxime in Pakistan: