Cefotaxime
Information about Cefotaxime
Cefotaxime uses
Cefotaxime is used in the treatment of bacterial infections.
How cefotaxime works
Cefotaxime is an antibiotic. It kills the bacteria by preventing them from forming the bacterial protective covering (cell wall) which is needed for them to survive.
Common side effects of cefotaxime
Decreased white blood cell count (lymphocytes), Increased white blood cell count (eosinophils), Low blood platelets, Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction, Convulsion, Urticaria, Increased creatinine level in blood, Erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, Toxic epidermal necrolysis, Nausea, Vomiting, Injection site reactions (pain, swelling, redness), Hypersensitivity, Gastrointestinal disorder, Decreased white blood cell count (neutrophils), Positive Coombs test, Yeast infections, Vaginal inflammation, Increased aspartate aminotransferase, Increased alanine aminotransferase, Increased lactate dehydrogenase level in blood, Increased alkaline phosphatase level in blood, Increased blood urea nitrogen, Hemolytic anemia, Agranulocytosis (deficiency of granulocytes in the blood), Pseudomembranous colitis, Interstitial nephritis, Red spots or bumps, Dizziness
Available Medicine for Cefotaxime
Expert advice for Cefotaxime
- Your doctor has prescribed Cefotaxime to cure your infection and improve your symptoms.
- Do not skip any doses and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better. Stopping it early may make the infection harder to treat.
- Discontinue Cefotaxime and inform your doctor immediately if you get a rash, itchy skin, swelling of face and mouth, or have difficulty in breathing.
- Diarrhea may occur as a side effect but should stop when your course is complete. Inform your doctor if it does not stop or if you find blood in your stools.
Frequently asked questions for Cefotaxime
Cefotaxime
Q. Is Cefotaxime the same as penicillin?
No, Cefotaxime is not the same as penicillin. Cefotaxime belongs to the third generation class of cephalosporins. Cefotaxime is active against numerous gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, including several with resistance to other antibiotics such as penicillin.
Q. What kind of infections does Cefotaxime treat?
Cefotaxime is an antibiotic used to treat conditions such as lower respiratory tract infections (related to the lungs, windpipe and airways), skin and skin structure infections, urinary tract infections, pelvic inflammatory disease, bacterial septicemia, bone and joint infections, and meningitis (brain related).
Q. What if I forget to take a dose of Cefotaxime?
If you have missed a dose of Cefotaxime, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, take it in the regular schedule instead of taking the missed dose. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed one as this may increase the chances of developing side effects.