Note: The following information is intended for medical professionals only.

CEFOTAX is a powerful broad-spectrum antibiotic available in IV or IM vials. In this blog post, we will explore the composition, properties, indications, and important uses of CEFOTAX.

Composition

Each vial of CEFOTAX contains cefotaxime as the sodium salt in varying strengths:

• 250 mg
• 500 mg
• 1 g
• 2 g

Properties

CEFOTAX belongs to the third generation of cephalosporin antibiotics. It works by inhibiting the synthesis of the bacterial cell wall. Compared to first and second-generation cephalosporins, CEFOTAX exhibits greater bactericidal activity against Gram-negative bacteria. It remains highly stable in the presence of beta-lactamases produced by certain Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria.

CEFOTAX demonstrates effectiveness against a wide range of pathogens, including:

• Gram-negative bacteria: E.coli, Kiebsiella, Proteus, Providontia, Enterobacter, Serratia, Salmonella, Shigella, Citrobacter, Versinia, Neisseria, Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa species.
• Gram-positive bacteria: Staphylococcus aureus (penicillinase and non-penicillinase producing strains), Staphylococcus epidermidis (non-penicillinase producing strains), and Streptococci including Strep. Group A, Group B, and pneumoniae.
• Anaerobic bacteria: Bacteroides fragilis and Clostridium perfringens.
• Other microorganisms: Borrelia burgdorferi (causative agent of Lyme disease) and Haemophilus ducreyi (causative agent of chancroid).

CEFOTAX also produces an active metabolite called desacetylcefotaxime, which can enhance the antimicrobial effect against certain species.

Indications

CEFOTAX is primarily used in the treatment of serious infections caused by susceptible organisms. Some of the common indications include:

• Lower respiratory tract infections, including pneumonia.
• Genito-urinary tract infections.
• Gastrointestinal tract infections, including Typhoid fever.
• Gynecological infections, such as pelvic inflammatory disease, endometritis, and pelvic cellulitis.
• Skin and soft tissue infections.
• Bone and joint infections.
• Intra-abdominal infections, including peritonitis.
• Central nervous system (CNS) infections, including meningitis and ventriculitis.
• Bacteremia/septicemia.
• Brain abscess and endocarditis.
• Surgical prophylaxis.

Conclusion

CEFOTAX is a potent broad-spectrum antibiotic that effectively treats a range of serious infections caused by susceptible organisms. Its mechanism of action and stability against beta-lactamases make it a valuable choice for medical professionals in managing various infections. However, it is important to note that CEFOTAX should only be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional. If you suspect you have an infection or require antibiotic treatment, consult with a qualified medical practitioner who can evaluate your condition and prescribe the appropriate treatment.

CEFOTAX: A Potent Antibiotic for Infections

Note: The following information is intended for medical professionals only.

In this section of the post, we will discuss CEFOTAX, a powerful antibiotic used to treat various infections. We will cover important details regarding dosage, administration, precautions, and potential side effects.

Dosage

Adults

• The maximum daily dosage of CEFOTAX for adults should not exceed 12 g.
• The specific dose depends on the nature, severity of the infection, and the patient’s condition.
• CEFOTAX Guidelines for Adults:
• Uncomplicated infections: 2 g, administered every 9 to 12 hours via IM or IV.
• Moderate to severe infections: 3-6 g, administered every 5 hours via IM or IV.
• Infections commonly requiring higher dosage (e.g., septicemia): 6-8 g, administered every 6 to 8 hours via IV.
• Gonococcal urethritis/cervicitis in males and females: 0.5 g as a single dose via IM.
• Rectal gonorrhea in females: 0.5 g as a single dose via IM.
• Rectal gonorrhea in males: 1 g as a single dose via IM.
• Life-threatening infections: 12 g, administered every 4 hours via IV.
• Perioperative prophylaxis: 1 g via IV or IM, 30 to 90 minutes before surgery.
• Caesarian Section: Administer the first 1 g dose via IV as soon as the umbilical cord is clamped. Administer the second and third doses as 1 g via IV or IM at 6 and 12-hour intervals after the first dose.
• Renal function impairment: In patients with severely impaired renal function (creatinine clearance <20 ml/min), the dose should be reduced to half the normal dose.

Pediatrics

• CEFOTAX Guidelines for Pediatrics:
• 0-1 week of age: 50 mg/kg every 12 hours via IV.
• 1-4 weeks of age: 50 mg/kg every 8 hours via IV.
• 1 month – 12 years (<50 kg): 50-180 mg/kg/day, divided into 4-6 doses via IV or IM.
• For children weighing 50 kg or more, the adult dose should be used.
• Higher doses may be required for more severe or serious infections, including meningitis.

Administration

CEFOTAX can be administered via deep IM injection or IV. For higher doses (>2 g daily dose), IV administration or infusion is preferred. The solutions should be injected slowly over 3-5 minutes or infused over 20-60 minutes.

Preparation of Solutions

To prepare initial dilution for IM use:

• Add 2.3 ml of sterile water for injection or bacteriostatic water for injection to each 500 mg or 1 g vial, respectively.

To prepare initial dilution for IV use:

• Add 10 ml of sterile water for injection to each 500 mg, 1 g, or 2 g vial.

To prepare initial dilution for IV infusion:

• Add 50-100 ml of 0.9% Sodium Chloride injection or 5% Dextrose injection to each 500 mg, 1 g, or 2 g vial.

Note: The color of the solutions may vary from pale yellow to light amber, but this does not affect their potency.

Storage/Stability

CEFOTAX vials in the dry state should be stored below 20°C. Protect them from

elevated temperatures and excessive light. The dry material and reconstituted solutions may darken depending on storage conditions, but their potency remains unaffected.

Reconstituted solutions of CEFOTAX maintain potency for:

• 24 hours at room temperature
• 10 days under refrigeration
• at least 13 weeks when frozen

Precautions and Side Effects

• CEFOTAX should be used with caution in patients with a known hypersensitivity to cephalosporins or related antibiotics.
• Patients with renal impairment may require a dosage reduction.
• CEFOTAX may be used in association with an aminoglycoside, another beta-lactam, or with metronidazole. However, these drugs should be administered separately.
• Use caution and only if clearly needed in patients with colitis, during pregnancy, or while breastfeeding.
• Long-term treatment exceeding 10 days may require regular blood count monitoring.
• To minimize the potential for tissue inflammation, regularly monitor and change infusion sites when appropriate.

The most common side effects of CEFOTAX include local reactions such as pain at the injection site for IM administration or inflammatory irritation with IV administration. Hypersensitivity reactions, rash, pruritus, effects on blood pressure, transient elevation in liver function tests, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, pseudomembranous colitis, or granulocytopenia may also occur.

Conclusion

CEFOTAX is a potent antibiotic used to treat various infections. The dosage and administration should be determined by a healthcare professional based on the patient’s condition and the severity of the infection. It is important to follow the prescribed treatment plan and consult with a healthcare professional if any concerns or side effects arise. Proper storage and handling of CEFOTAX are crucial to maintain its potency. Remember to keep all medications out of the reach of children.

Note: This blog post provides an overview of CEFOTAX, but it is essential to consult with a medical professional for specific guidance and instructions regarding its use.