Cefotaxime

dr.joan

Cefotaxime :
Trade name: claforan.
Class: Antibiotic "cephalosporines "(third generation).
Pregnancy: (Category

Action: Bind to bacterial cell wall membrane, causing cell death.
Uses:

• Pneumonia – GU tract infections - meningitis, Peritonitis, septicemia, pelvic cellulitis – endometritis.

Dose
by intramuscular or intravenous injection or by intravenous infusion, 1 g every 12 hours increased in severe infections (e.g. meningitis) to 8 g daily in 4 divided doses; higher doses (up to 12 g daily in 3–4 divided doses) may be required; NEONATE 50 mg/kg daily in 2–4 divided doses increased to 150–200 mg/kg daily in severe infections; CHILD 100–150 mg/kg daily in 2–4 divided doses increased up to 200 mg/kg daily in very severe infections
Gonorrhea, 500 mg as a single dose
Contraindications:

• Hypersensitivity to cephalosporin or Penicillin.

Side effects:
CNS: seizures (high doses).
GI: pseudomembraneous colitis, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, cramps, pseudolithiasis (ceftriaxone).
Derm: rashes, urticaria.
Hemat: bleeding (increased with cefoperazone), blood dyscrasias, hemolytic anemia.
Local: pain at IM site, phlebitis at IV site.
Misc: allergic reactions including anaphylaxis and serum sickness, super infection.
Nursing considerations:

• Should not be mixed with amino glycosides. ( each should be given separately)
• For I.V. use, should be mixed with 10 ml sterile water & administer over 3-5 minutes.