Cefotaxime

Hypersensitivity to cefotaxime or other cephalosporins. History of acute or severe hypersensitivity reaction to penicillin or other β-lactam antibiotics. Concomitant use with bacteriostatic antibiotics (e.g. tetracyclines, erythromycin, chloramphenicol).

Patient with asthma, allergic diathesis, history of gastrointestinal disease (particularly colitis). Renal impairment. Children. Pregnancy and lactation. Monitoring Parameters Perform culture and susceptibility tests prior to therapy; consult local institutional recommendations before treatment initiation due to antibiotic resistance risks. Monitor CBC with differential (particularly with prolonged use of >10 days) and renal function. Assess for signs or symptoms of anaphylaxis during initial dose.

Significant: Fungal or bacterial superinfection; serious bullous skin reactions (e.g. Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis); neutropenia, leucopenia, eosinophilia, thrombocytopenia, granulocytopenia, haemolytic anaemia (prolonged use); encephalopathy with focal motor status and generalised convulsion (in patients with renal insufficiency). Rarely, agranulocytosis (prolonged use). Gastrointestinal disorders: Diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain. General disorders and administration site conditions: Inj site pain (IM); fever, inflammatory reactions at the inj site (e.g. phlebitis, thrombophlebitis). Hepatobiliary disorders: Hepatitis (occasionally with jaundice). Immune system disorders: Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction (in patients with Lyme disease). Investigations: Increased BUN, liver enzymes (ALT, AST, alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, LDH). Nervous system disorders: Headache, dizziness, convulsion. Renal and urinary disorders: Decreased renal function, interstitial nephritis. Reproductive system and breast disorders: Vaginitis. Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: Pruritus, rash, urticaria.
Potentially Fatal: Hypersensitivity reactions (e.g. angioedema, bronchospasm, anaphylaxis), Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhoea, pseudomembranous colitis; arrhythmia (rapid bolus inj via central venous catheter).

May potentiate the nephrotoxic effect of aminoglycosides, furosemide, and other nephrotoxic drugs. Delayed excretion and increased plasma concentration with probenecid. May decrease the efficacy of oral contraceptives.

Cephalosporins

J01DD01 - cefotaxime ; Belongs to the class of third-generation cephalosporins. Used in the systemic treatment of infections.