A Drug Study on

Cefotaxime

GENERIC NAME: Cefotaxime

BRAND NAME: Claforan

CLASSIFICATION: Cephalosporin

MECHANISM OF ACTION:

● a parenteral cephalosporin antibiotic, exerts its

bactericidal action through inhibition of bacterial cell
wall synthesis. Chemical structure modifications
have enabled this compound to be resistant to the
action of Richmond I, III, IV, and V beta-lactamase enzymes.

INDICATIONS:

- Used to treat gonorrhoea, meningitis, and severe infections including infections

of the kidney (pyelonephritis) and urinary system. Also used before an operation
to prevent infection after surgery.

SUGGESTED DOSAGE:

Adult

● Injectable solution 20mg/ml and 40mg/ml

● Powder for injection 500mg, 1g, 2g and 10g

Pediatric

● Injectable solution 20mg/ml and 40mg/ml

● Powder for injection 500mg, 1g, 2g and 10g
CONTRAINDICATION AND SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS:

Hypersensitivity to cefotaxime is an absolute contraindication to its use. Patients who

have known allergies to penicillin or other cephalosporins should also avoid cefotaxime.

SIDE EFFECTS:

Common side effects include:

● Injection site reaction(pain, irritation, a hard lump or inflammation)

● rash
● itching
● hives
● fever
● nausea
● vomiting
● stomach pain
● headache
● diarrhea
● vaginal itching or discharge
● colitis

ADVERSE EFFECTS:

● Local reaction: pain, swelling

● hypersensitivity: rash, pruritus, anaphylaxis
● Gastrointestinal effects: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
● Headache
● Colitis

DRUG INTERACTION:
 ● Increased nephrotoxicity has been reported following concomitant
administration of cephalosporins and aminoglycoside antibiotics

NURSING RESPONSIBILITIES:

● Determine previous hypersensitivity reactions to cephalosporins and penicillins,

and history of other allergies, particularly to drugs, before therapy is initiated.
● Monitor I&O rates and patterns: Report change in I&O in patients with impaired
renal function or with chronic UTI or who are receiving high doses or an
aminoglycoside concomitantly.
● Report onset of diarrhea promptly. If diarrhea is mild, discontinuation of
cefotaxime may be sufficient.
● Report any early signs or symptoms of superinfection promptly. Superinfections
caused by overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms may occur, particularly
during prolonged use.
● Do not breast feed while taking this drug without consulting a physician.
● Observe for signs of renal, hepatic or haematological dysfunction during
prolonged therapy.
● Monitor injection site for pain, swelling, and irritation. Report prolonged or
excessive injection-site reactions to the physician.
● Counsel the patient that antibacterial drugs including claforan should only be
used to treat bacterial infections
● Educate the patient to not breastfeed while taking this drug without consulting a
physician.
● Provide the following patient teaching: safety precautions such as changing
positions, avoiding hazardous tasks, drinking lots of fluids and to maintain
nutrition even though nausea and vomiting may occur, report difficulty breathing,
severe headache, fever, diarrhea, and signs of infection.
REFERENCES:

RxList. (2020, November 16). Claforan (CEFOTAXIME): Uses, dosage, side effects,
interactions, warning. RxList. Retrieved April 6, 2022, from https://www.rxlist.com/claforan-
drug.htm

Cefotaxime. Uses, Interactions, Mechanism of Action | DrugBank Online. (n.d.).

Retrieved April 6, 2022, from https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB00493

Claforan (cefotaxime) dosing, indications, interactions, adverse effects, and more. (2020,
February 26). Retrieved April 6, 2022, from https://reference.medscape.com/drug/claforan-
cefotaxime-342506