What is Cefotaxime?
Cefotaxime (SEF) is a low-sporin antibiotic. Cefotaxime can be used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections. This includes severe or life-threatening cases. Cefotaxime can also be used to prevent infections after certain types of surgeries. Cefotaxime can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Cefotaxime
If you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction such as hives, difficulty breathing, swelling on the face or throat or severe reactions on your skin then these could all indicate allergies.(fever or sore throat, pain in the eyes, or skin irritation), or if your skin has rashes that are red or purple and cause blisters or peeling, seek emergency medical attention.
Cefotaxime can cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Severe stomach pain; bloody or watery diarrhoea (even months after the last dose);
- Burning, irritation, or changes in the skin where the injection is given;
- Dark urine jaundice
- A seizure;
- Fever, chills, tiredness,
- Easy bruising and bleeding; pale hands and feet; pale skin
Some of the common side effects associated with cefotaxime include:
- Pain, bruising, or swelling at the site of injection;
- Diarrhoea;
- Fever
- Rash, itching.
There may be other side effects. Call your physician immediately if experiencing side effects; otherwise contact the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report adverse events.
Warnings
Cefotaxime should not be used if you have an allergy to cefotaxime or any other cephalosporin (cefdinir, cefalexin, Keflex, Omnicef, and others).
Before you take this drug
Cefotaxime should not be used if you've ever experienced a severe reaction to cephalosporins (cefdinir or cefalexin), Keflex, Omnicef, and other cephalosporins.
Inform your doctor immediately of any of the following issues:
- An penicillin allergy;
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- A stomach or intestinal disorder, such as colitis.
- Diabetes
- Heart problems
Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or nursing.
How to take Cefotaxime?
Cefotaxime can be injected directly into the muscle or given intravenously. Cefotaxime, a drug used to prevent infections after surgery, is administered by a healthcare provider. You may be taught by a healthcare provider how to use the medication properly to treat an infection.
Please read and follow all directions that accompany your medication carefully, especially those related to its administration and dosage. If any part of these instructions do not make sense to you, seek assistance from either your healthcare provider or pharmacist immediately. If unsure, consult them.
Cefotaxime should be mixed with liquid (diluent) before use. It may be necessary to dilute your mixed medication further before injecting it. You should know how to mix and store your medication if you use the injections at home. Only use needles or syringes once before placing them into an impervious "sharps container", adhering to local and state regulations on how best to dispose of these containers.Keep the container out of reach of pets and children.
Cefotaxime should be taken for the entire prescribed time period, even if symptoms improve quickly. You can get resistant to infections if you skip doses. Cefotaxime does not treat viral infections, such as the flu and a common cold. Cefotaxime can interfere with certain medical tests. Inform any doctor that you see about your use of cefotaxime. Keep the unmixed medication at a cool room temperature. (Not above 77 F.)
The mixture must be consumed within a specific number of days or hours, depending on the type of diluent that was used. Cefotaxime must be mixed and stored according to the instructions. Cefotaxime is usually mixed with diluents and stored in the refrigerator. It must be used within a specified number of days.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are almost due for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Never take two doses of the same medicine at once. If you receive this medicine at a clinic, you should call your doctor immediately if you do not show up for the appointment.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention. Overdose symptoms include weakness, a cold feeling, pale lips or skin, and pale skin.
What should be avoided?
Antibiotics can cause diarrhea. This could be an indication of a new illness. Call your doctor if you experience diarrhoea that is bloody or watery. You should only take anti-diarrhoea medication if your doctor has prescribed it.
Interaction with other drug
Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medications, including:
- Another injected antibiotic
- A diuretic, or "water pill."
This list is incomplete. Cefotaxime can be affected by other drugs, such as vitamins and herbs. This list does not include all possible drug interactions.
