Drugs & Vitamins

Active Ingredients: Cefotaxime Sodium
Other Names: Cefotaxime Injection, Claforan
Drug Class: Cephalosporins
Rx Status: Available by prescription only
Generic Available: Yes
Product Images & Descriptions:

What is/are Cefotaxime Injection? (Back to top)
CEFOTAXIME is a cephalosporin antibiotic. It kills or stops the growth of some bacteria. This medicine is used to treat many kinds of infections of the abdomen, blood, bone or joints, central nervous system, lungs, pelvis, skin, and urinary tract. It is also used to prevent infections during some surgeries. It will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care providers before I take this medicine? (Back to top)
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• bleeding problems
• kidney disease
• stomach, intestinal problems like colitis
• an unusual or allergic reaction to cefotaxime, cephalosporin or penicillin antibiotics, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine? (Back to top)
This medicine is injected into a muscle, or infused through a vein. It is usually given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

If you get this medicine at home, you will be taught how to prepare and give this medicine. Use exactly as directed. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

It is important that you put your used needles and syringes in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or healthcare provider to get one.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

Note: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose? (Back to top)
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine? (Back to top)

• certain antibiotics given by injection

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What side effects may I notice from this medicine? (Back to top)
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• dark urine
• difficulty breathing, wheezing
• irregular heartbeat
• feeling faint
• fever
• pain or difficulty passing urine
• pain, swelling and irritation at the injection site
• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
• seizures
• unusual bleeding, bruising
• unusually weak or tired

• diarrhea
• headache
• nausea, vomiting
• vaginal itch, irritation

This list may not describe all possible side effects.

What should I watch for while using this medicine? (Back to top)
Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not begin to improve or if you get new symptoms. Your doctor will monitor your condition and blood work as needed.

Do not treat diarrhea with over-the-counter products. Contact your doctor if you have diarrhea that lasts more than 2 days or if the diarrhea is severe and watery.

This medicine can interfere with some urine glucose tests. If you use such tests, talk with your health care professional.

If you are being treated for a sexually transmitted disease, avoid sexual contact until you have finished your treatment. Your sexual partner may also need treatment.

Where should I keep this medicine? (Back to top)
Keep out of the reach of children.

You will be instructed on how to store this medicine. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date on the label.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Last Updated:May 02, 2006

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