What is cefotaxime injection?
Cefotaxime is in a group of drugs called cephalosporin (SEF a low spor in) antibiotics. It works by fighting bacteria in your body.
Cefotaxime injection is used to treat many kinds of bacterial infections, including severe or life-threatening forms. Cefotaxime is also used to prevent infections in people having surgery.
Cefotaxime may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
How should I use cefotaxime injection?
Cefotaxime is given as an injection into a muscle or a vein. It is sometimes given through a central IV line placed into a large vein in your chest.
Your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider will give you this injection. You may be given instructions on how to use your injections at home. Do not use this medicine at home if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of needles, syringes, and other items used in giving the medicine.
Use the medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the instructions on your prescription label.
You will need to mix cefotaxime with a liquid (diluent) before using it. If you are using the injections at home, be sure you understand how to properly mix and store the medication.
Use this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Cefotaxime is usually given for up to 3 days after lab tests show that the infection has cleared. Very severe infections may need to be treated for several weeks.
This medication can cause you to have unusual results with certain lab tests to check for glucose (sugar) in the urine. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using cefotaxime.
If your medicine is frozen when you receive it, keep it frozen until you are ready to use the medicine. It is best to store the medicine in a deep freezer at a temperature of 4 degrees below 0.
To use the medicine, thaw it in a refrigerator or at room temperature. Do not warm in a microwave or boiling water. Keep thawed medicine in the refrigerator and use it within 10 days after thawing it. Do not refreeze thawed medicine.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.
Symptoms of a cefotaxime overdose may include weakness, cold feeling, pale skin, blue lips, or seizure (convulsions).
What should I avoid while using cefotaxime injection?
Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or has blood in it, call your doctor. Do not use any medicine to stop the diarrhea unless your doctor has told you to.
Cefotaxime injection side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
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diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
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severe pain, irritation, or skin changes where the needle was placed;
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skin rash, bruising, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness;
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uneven heartbeats;
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fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
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easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness;
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fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash;
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seizure (black-out or convulsions); or
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jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin).
Less serious side effects are more likely to occur, such as:
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pain, irritation, or hardening where the injection was given;
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stomach pain, nausea, vomiting;
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headache; or
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vaginal itching or discharge.
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