What is cefotaxime and what is it for?

What is cefotaxime?

Cefotaxime is an antibiotic medicine, used to fightgram-positive and gram-negativebacteria. Cefotaximeis part of the third-generation cephalosporins, with a broad spectrum. Its mechanism of action is similar to that of other cephalosporins, such ascefixime.

Note: Cefotaxime comes in500 mg and 1 g ampoules, with intramuscular or intravenous administration. Treatment indications depend on thesite of infection and severity of the patient.

What is cefotaxime for?

Cefotaxime has great clinical utility. It has been used inuncomplicated and complicated infections, which occur with bacteremia (presence of bacteria in blood), among which we have:

1. Respiratory tract infections

The drug acts against lower respiratorytract infections, mainly pneumonia. This infection can be caused by bacteria such asstreptococcus pneumoniae, haemophilus influenzae, moraxella catarrhalis, among others.

To highlight: Pseudomonas spp. infections. They should not be treated with cefotaxime, or at least in most cases. This is because these bacteriaare able to synthesize beta lactamases, enzymes capable of inactivating the drug.

2. Infections of the brain and spine

You should know: In children, the dose against meningitis is 200 to 400 mg, administered intravenously, every 8 hours (or 6, depending on severity). In adults, the dose ranges from1 g to 2 g every 12 hours .

3. Infections of the skin, bones and joints

Osteomyelitis (colonization, infection, and attack of bone by microorganisms) can be treated with cephalosporins. In this case, cefotaximecan penetrate the bone and attack the responsible bacteria , both in acute and chronic infections. (two)

, such as cellulitis or skin abscesses, to be ideal.

4. Abdominal, urinary and gynecological infections

Cefotaxime side effects

Cefotaxime is a drug with few side effects, as it is generally safe in contrast to others, however, some reactions may occur. Next, we will describe the most common ones.

• Hypersensitivity reactions.
• Local adverse reactions, such as phlebitis and pain at the injection site.
• Nausea, vomiting , diarrhea and even pseudomembranous colitis.

Important: In the event of any of the aforementioned side effects, it is necessary to discontinue the use of cefotaxime and seek medical attention.

Contraindications of cefotaxime

Cefotaxime administration is prohibited in a number of clinical conditions. Next, we will mention the most common.

• Known hypersensitivity to cephalosporins.
• Patients with renal or hepatic insufficiency (the dose must be adjusted).
• Women who are pregnant or lactating.

To highlight: Before starting treatment with cefotaxime, it is advisable to inform the doctor about the health conditions that are suffered, thus avoiding unwanted reactions and to receive more information about therapeutic alternatives.

Key Conclusions

• Cefotaxime is a medication used to treat respiratory, gastrointestinal, bone, skin, and gynecological infections .
• Cefotaxime comes in ampoules of 500 mg and 1 g, with a parenteral route of administration.
• Adverse effects of cefotaxime include local and gastrointestinal reactions .
• Before being treated with cefotaxime, it is necessary that you inform your doctor about any previous health conditions that you may have.