Cefotaxime

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.

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 physician. 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.

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 physician or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your physician 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 physician 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 during treatment or weeks to months after treatment has stopped. Tell your physician 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.

This medication may decrease the effectiveness of combination-type birth control pills. This can result in pregnancy. Ask your physician or pharmacist for details. Disuss whether you should use additional reliable birth control methods while using this medication.

Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in oral thrush or a new vaginal yeast infection. Contact your physician if you notice white patches in your mouth, a change in vaginal discharge, or other new symptoms.

If you have an allergic or hypersensitive reaction, seek emergency medical attention. Possible symptoms include difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, swelling, chest tightness, skin rashes, and hives.

Cefotaxime should only be used as instructed and prescribed by your physician or pharmacist. Do not alter your dosage unless specifically instructed to do so by either of the above. Dosage and usage often depends on the severity of the condition, as well as the patient`s medical history and current health condition.

Before you begin using this medication, ensure your physician is aware of the following:

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• If you have any allergies.
• If you have any other illnesses, disorders, or medical conditions.
• If you are using any other drugs or medication.
• If you are using any vitamins or supplements.