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Cefotaxime is an antibiotic used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections. This medication is known as a cephalosporin antibiotic. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria.This antibiotic treats only bacterial infections. It will not work for viral infections (e.g., common cold, flu). Unnecessary use or misuse of any antibiotic can lead to its decreased effectiveness.
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| Overview |
Photos |
How To Use |
Side Effects |
Precautions |
Missed Dose |
Drug Interactions |
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Cefotaxime
Uses
Cefotaxime is an antibiotic used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections. This medication is known as a cephalosporin antibiotic. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria.This antibiotic treats only bacterial infections. It will not work for viral infections (e.g., common cold, flu). Unnecessary use or misuse of any antibiotic can lead to its decreased effectiveness.
Notes
- Do not share this medication with others.This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only.
- Do not use it later for another infection unless told to do so by your doctor.
- A different medication may be necessary in that case.Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., complete blood count) may be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects.
- Consult your doctor for more details.
Storage
- Before mixing, store the dry powder at room temperature below 86 degrees F (30 degrees C) away from light and moisture.
- After mixing, store at room temperature or in the refrigerator at or below 41 degrees F (5 degrees C).
- If stored at room temperature, use/discard the mixed solution within 12-24 hours.
- If stored in the refrigerator, use/discard the mixed solution within 5-7 days.
- Consult the package instructions or your pharmacist for details.Store the pre-mixed solution containers in the freezer at or below -4 degrees F (-20 degrees C).
- (For thawing instructions, see How to Use section.) The thawed solution may be stored in the refrigerator at or below 41 degrees F (5 degrees C) for up to 10 days.
- If stored at room temperature, use/discard the thawed solution within 24 hours.Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
Overdose
- Symptoms of overdose may include: trouble breathing, seizures.
How To Use
- Read and learn all preparation and usage instructions supplied by the manufacturer.
- If your product needs to be mixed, follow all instructions for proper mixing with the correct IV fluids.
- Consult your pharmacist for details.
- Before using, check the product visually for particles or discoloration.
- If either is present, do not use the liquid.If you are using the frozen pre-mixed solution, thaw the container at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
- If the bag is thawed in the refrigerator, let it sit at room temperature at least 1 hour before using.
- Do not thaw by putting in a water bath or microwaving.
- After thawing, shake well and squeeze the container to check for leaks.
- Discard solution if the container leaks.
- Do not re-freeze the solution after thawing.This medication is given by injection into a muscle or vein as directed by your doctor.
- If given by injection into a vein, inject the drug slowly over at least 3 minutes to avoid possible serious side effects (e.g., irregular heartbeat).Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level.
- Therefore, use this drug at evenly spaced intervals.
- The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.Continue to use this medication until the full prescribed treatment period is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days.
- Stopping the medication too early may result in a return of the infection.Learn how to store and discard needles and medical supplies safely.
- Consult your pharmacist for details.
Side Effects
- Swelling, redness, pain, or soreness at the injection site may occur.
- This medication may also infrequently cause loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or headache.
- If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects.
- Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: dark urine, easy bruising/bleeding, fast/pounding/irregular heartbeat, seizures, unusual weakness, yellowing eyes/skin.This medication may rarely cause a severe intestinal condition (pseudomembranous colitis) due to a type of resistant bacteria.
- This condition may occur weeks after treatment has stopped.
- Tell your doctor immediately if you develop: persistent diarrhea, abdominal or stomach pain/cramping, blood/mucus in your stool.Do not use anti-diarrhea products or narcotic pain medications if you have any of these symptoms because these products may make them worse.Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in oral thrush or a new vaginal yeast infection.
- Contact your doctor if you notice white patches in your mouth, a change in vaginal discharge, or other new symptoms.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
- However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
- Before using cefotaxime, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other cephalosporins; or to penicillins; or if you have any other allergies.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, liver disease, stomach/intestinal diseases (e.g., colitis).Kidney function declines as you grow older.
- This medication is removed by the kidneys.
- Therefore, elderly people may be at greater risk for side effects while using this drug.Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this medication.This medication passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant.
- Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Missed Dose
- If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember.
- If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule.
- Do not double the dose to catch up.
Drug Interactions
- Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them.
- Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: aminoglycoside antibiotics (e.g., tobramycin, gentamicin), chloramphenicol, probenecid, live bacterial vaccines.This medication may decrease the effectiveness of combination-type birth control pills.
- This can result in pregnancy.
- Ask your doctor or pharmacist for details.
- Discuss whether you should use additional reliable birth control methods while using this medication.This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests (including Coombs' test), possibly causing false test results.
- Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.
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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgement of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.
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