Informational only — Not medical advice. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider.

Community data Updated 2 months ago

Indications

Cefotax is used to treat the following infections, either before the infecting organism has been identified or when caused by bacteria of established sensitivity: septicemia; respiratory tract infections such as acute or chronic bronchitis, bacterial pneumonia, infected bronchiectasis, lung abscess and postoperative chest infections; urinary tract infections such as acute and chronic pyelonephritis, cystitis and asymptomatic bacteriuria; soft tissue infections such as cellulitis, peritonitis and wound infections; bone and joint infections such as osteomyelitis and septic arthritis; obstetric and gynaecological infections such as pelvic inflammatory disease; gonorrhoea, particularly when penicillin has failed or is unsuitable; and other bacterial infections such as meningitis and other sensitive infections suitable for parenteral antibiotic therapy. It may also be used as a prophylactic: giving Cefotax before surgery can reduce the incidence of certain postoperative infections in patients undergoing procedures classified as contaminated or potentially contaminated, or in clean operations where infection would have serious effects.

⚠️ Always consult a registered physician before taking any medicine.

Pharmacology

Cefotaxime binds to 1 or more of the penicillin binding proteins (PBPs) which inhibit the final transpeptidation step of peptidoglycan synthesis in bacterial cell wall, thus inhibiting biosynthesis and arresting cell wall assembly resulting in bacterial cell death. Cefotaxime is a broad spectrum bactericidal 3rd generation parenteral cephalosporin antibiotic. Cefotaxime is exceptionally active against gram-negative organisms sensitive or resistant to first or second generation cephalosporins. It is similar to other cephalosporins in activity against gram-positive bacteria.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Although animal studies have not shown any harmful effect on the developing foetus, the safety of Cefotaxime during human pregnancy has not been established. Because of this, Cefotaxime should not be given during pregnancy, particularly in the first trimester, unless the expected benefit is carefully weighed against the possible risks. Cefotaxime does pass into breast milk.

⚠️ Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Dosage Reference

⚠️ Reference ranges from official sources only. Consult your doctor for personalized dosing.

Adults: Adults: The recommended dose for mild to moderate infections is 1 gm every 12 hours. This may be adjusted depending on how severe the infection is, how sensitive the causing organism is, and the patient's condition. For severe infections, the dose may be increased up to 12 gm daily, given in 3 or 4 divided doses. Infections caused by sensitive Pseudomonas species will usually need daily doses greater than 6 gm. Children: The usual dose ranges from 100 to 150 mg/kg/day, given in 2 to 4 divided doses. For very severe infections, doses of up to 200 mg/kg/day may be needed. Neonates: The recommended dose is 50 mg/kg/day in 2 to 4 divided doses. For severe infections, doses of 150 to 200 mg/kg/day, in divided doses, have been used. Dosage in gonorrhoea: 500 mg as a single dose.