Cefotaxime

Broad spectrum Cephalosporin for parenteral administration, is bactericidal and effective against, Gram-negative Proteus spp both indole negative and positive, Klebsiella spp, Haemophilus influenzae, Enterobactor, Neisseria, Salmonella, Shigella, Serratia, Providencia, Citrobacter. Gram-positive : Staphylococci, including coagulase-positive and negative.

Indications

Respiratory, urinary, bone, soft tissue infections. Gonorrhoea, meningitis.

Dosage

Adults: 2 to 6 gms daily in 2 to 3 divided doses depending upon the severity of infection.Max 12gm daily. Children: 100-150mg/kg/day in 2 to 4 divided doses Max 200mg/kg/day. Neonates:50mg/kg/day in 2 to 4 divided doses. Max 150-200mg/kg/day

Contra-Indications

Hypersensitivity to Cephalosporins, Severe renal failure

Special Precautions

If Pseudomembranous colitis occurs drug should be discontinued. Paediatrics: Safe. Pregnancy :Use only, if clearly indicated. Lactation: Use only, if clearlly indicated. Elderly: Safe.

Side Effects

Urticaria, drug fever, anaphylaxis, Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, eosinophilia, throm- bocytopenia and leukopenia. Rise in SGOT & SGPT.

Drug Interactions

Concurrent use of aminoglycosides, frusemide leads to nephrotoxicity, probenecid increases the plasma cefotaxime concentration, action of anticoagulant potentiated