Cefotaxime belongs to a class of medications called cephalosporin antibiotics. It kills bacteria by interrupting the integrity of bacterial cell walls. It is used to treat infections, including pneumonia (respiratory tract infection), gonorrhea (a sexually transmitted disease), bacterial meningitis, bone and joint infections, and skin and soft tissue infections. Cefotaxime is also used for the prevention of postoperative infections. Cefotaxime does not work for virus or fungus infections.
Cefotaxime is injected through a needle into a vein or muscle as directed by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the dosage and frequency depending on your infection.
Gonorrhoea
Adult
500 mg or 1 g as a single dose.
Child
500 mg as a single dose.
Bacterial infections
Adult
1-2 g every 8-12 hours depending on the severity of the infection. Maximum dose is 12 g daily.
Child 1 month – 12 years
Body weight <50 kg: 50-180 mg/kg body weight in 4-6 divided doses.
Neonate 1-4 weeks
50 mg/kg body weight per dose every 8 hours.
Newborn under 1 week
50 mg/kg body weight per dose every 12 hours.
Prevention of surgical infections
Adult
1 g to be administered 0.5-1.5 hours before surgery.
Common dosing schedule:
Cefotaxime is usually administered every 8-12 hours.
This schedule is for reference only, adjustments may be made according to individual needs.
Some common medications Cefotaxime may interact with:
Please notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the above medication, dosage adjustments might be needed.
In Hong Kong, Cefotaxime is a prescription only medicine, and requires a prescription from a doctor to be purchased in a pharmacy. It can also be obtained from doctors. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies (“Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.
For more information about drug names and ingredients, you can visit Hong Kong’s Drug Office at https://www.drugoffice.gov.hk
Need more information?
For detailed information about the use of Cefotaxime in children, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for questions about drug interactions, please check with your pharmacist or doctor.
Disclaimer: our goal is to provide you with the most relevant drug information and common dosage for Hong Kong. This information does not constitute medical advice. For specific treatment recommendations and advice, always discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, and follow the instructions included with your specific medicine.
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