Home>drugs by ailments>Bacterial infections>cefotaxime

Cefotaxime

Information about Cefotaxime

Cefotaxime Uses

Cefotaxime is used in the treatment of bacterial infections.

How Cefotaxime works

Cefotaxime is an antibiotic. It kills the bacteria by preventing them from forming the bacterial protective covering (cell wall) which is needed for them to survive.

Common side effects of Cefotaxime

Injection site reactions (pain, swelling, redness), Hypersensitivity, Gastrointestinal disorder

CONTENT DETAILS

Written By

Dr. Swati Mishra

BDS

Reviewed By

Dr. Rajeev Sharma

MBA, MBBS

Last updated

20 Feb 2025 | 08:28 AM (UTC)

We provide you with authentic, trustworthy and revelant information

Want to know more

Medicine brands for Cefotaxime

BiotaxZydus Healthcare Limited

₹18 to ₹424 variant(s)

C TaxZuventus Healthcare Ltd

₹12 to ₹374 variant(s)

CefantralLupin Ltd

₹14 to ₹414 variant(s)

OmnicefAristo Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd

₹14 to ₹324 variant(s)

OminaxMapra Laboratories Pvt Ltd

₹12 to ₹305 variant(s)

AuractAurobindo Pharma Ltd

₹30 to ₹412 variant(s)

OmnataxAbbott

₹14 to ₹333 variant(s)

CefotaximElder Pharmaceuticals Ltd

₹291 variant(s)

CefentralLupin Ltd

₹13 to ₹414 variant(s)

OritaximCadila Pharmaceuticals Ltd

₹12 to ₹1214 variant(s)

Expert advice for Cefotaxime

Your doctor has prescribed Cefotaxime to cure your infection and improve your symptoms.
Do not skip any doses and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better. Stopping it early may make the infection harder to treat.
Discontinue Cefotaxime and inform your doctor immediately if you get a rash, itchy skin, swelling of face and mouth, or have difficulty in breathing.
Diarrhea may occur as a side effect but should stop when your course is complete. Inform your doctor if it does not stop or if you find blood in your stools.
Your doctor has prescribed Cefotaxime to cure your infection and improve your symptoms.
Do not skip any doses and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better. Stopping it early may make the infection harder to treat.
Take it with food to avoid an upset stomach.
Diarrhea may occur as a side effect but should stop when your course is complete. Inform your doctor if it does not stop or if you find blood in your stools.
Avoid consuming alcohol while taking Cefotaxime as it may cause increased side effects.
Discontinue Cefotaxime and inform your doctor immediately if you get a rash, itchy skin, swelling of face and mouth, or have difficulty in breathing.

Frequently asked questions for Cefotaxime

Cefotaxime

Q. Is Cefotaxime the same as penicillin?

No, Cefotaxime is not the same as penicillin. Cefotaxime belongs to the third generation class of cephalosporins. Cefotaxime is active against numerous gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, including several with resistance to other antibiotics such as penicillin.

Q. What kind of infections does Cefotaxime treat?

Cefotaxime is an antibiotic used to treat conditions such as lower respiratory tract infections (related to the lungs, windpipe and airways), skin and skin structure infections, urinary tract infections, pelvic inflammatory disease, bacterial septicemia, bone and joint infections, and meningitis (brain related).

Q. What if I forget to take a dose of Cefotaxime?

If you have missed a dose of Cefotaxime, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, take it in the regular schedule instead of taking the missed dose. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed one as this may increase the chances of developing side effects.

Q. How long does Cefotaxime take to work?

Usually, Cefotaxime starts working soon after you take it. However, it may take some days to kill all the harmful bacteria and relieve your symptoms completely.

Q. Is Cefotaxime effective?

Cefotaxime is effective if used in the dose and duration advised by your doctor. Do not stop taking it even if you see improvement in your condition. If you stop using Cefotaxime too early, the symptoms may return or worsen.

Q. Can the use of Cefotaxime cause diarrhea?

Yes, the use of Cefotaxime can cause diarrhea. Cefotaxime is an antibiotic which kills the harmful bacteria. However, it also affects the helpful bacteria in your stomach or intestine and causes diarrhea. If diarrhea persists, talk to your doctor about it.

Q. What if I do not get better after using Cefotaxime?

Inform your doctor if you do not feel better even after finishing the full course of treatment. You must also inform your doctor if the symptoms get worse while using this medicine.

Q. Can I stop taking Cefotaxime when my symptoms are relieved or when I feel better?

No, do not stop taking Cefotaxime before completing the full course of treatment. You may start feeling better before the infection is completely cured. But, it is important to take this medicine for the full duration advised by the doctor.

Q. How long does Cefotaxime takes to work?

Usually, Cefotaxime starts working soon after you take it. However, it may take some days to kill all the harmful bacteria and relieve your symptoms completely.