Cefotaxime 1000 mg

Category- Allopathy

Medicine Highlights

Cefotaxime Uses  

Cefotaxime is an antibiotic medicine that belongs to the cephalosporin class. It is used to kill bacteria and treat symptoms of conditions like: 

1. Pneumonia and bronchitis 
2. Urinary tract infections  
3. Abdominal infections  
4. Skin and soft tissue infections (skin, wounds, boils) 
5. Ear, throat, or sinus infections 
6. Blood infections (septicemia) 
7. Gonorrhea and meningitis      

Directions for use

1. Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, at the same time each day. 
2. Do not stop taking this medicine without your doctor’s approval, even if you feel better. 
3. If you forget to take this medicine, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose.  

Cefotaxime effects 

More Common  

1. Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site 
2. Nausea or vomiting 
3. Diarrhea 
4. Mild skin rash 
5. Headache        

Less Common

1. Severe allergic reaction (rash, itching, swelling of face/lips, breathing difficulty) 
2. Severe diarrhea with blood or mucus 
3. Liver problems (yellowing of eyes or skin) 
4. Kidney problems (reduced urine output) 
5. Low blood cell counts (easy bruising, unusual bleeding)    

How Cefotaxime works 

Cefotaxime works by inhibiting the formation of the bacterial cell wall, which weakens the bacteria and causes them to die. This action makes it effective against a wide range of bacterial infections. 

Safety Measures and Warning 

Allergy / Hypersensitivity

 If you are allergic to cefotaxime or cephalosporins, avoid taking this medicine as it can cause serious allergic reactions such as skin rashes, itching, swelling of the face or lips, wheezing, breathing difficulty, or life-threatening reactions. Always inform your doctor about any past allergy to antibiotics before using this medicine.

Kidney Problems

If you have serious kidney disease, this medicine may accumulate in the body and increase the risk of side effects. Dose adjustment may be required. Inform your doctor if you have any kidney-related problems. 

Liver Problems

People with severe liver disease should use this medicine with caution, as it may worsen liver function. Tell your doctor if you have a history of liver disorders. 

History of Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea

If you have severe diarrhea or intestinal inflammation after using antibiotics, avoid this medicine as it may cause serious bowel problems. 

Pregnant or Breastfeeding Women

This medicine should be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding only if clearly advised by a doctor, as safety depends on individual risk and benefit. 

Cefotaxime Interaction with Food Product

There are no known food interactions with cefotaxime. Since it is given by injection, food does not affect how it works, and you can continue your normal diet during treatment. However, it is advisable to avoid alcohol, as it may increase stomach upset and put extra strain on the liver. 

Cefotaxime Interaction with Other Medicines

Avoid taking Cefotaxime with the following medicines, as it may increase or decrease the desired effect, or in worse cases, it could be fatal: 

Cefotaxime Chemical Structure

IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry) / Chemical name

Cefotaxime: (6R,7R)-3-(acetyloxymethyl)-7-[[(2Z)-2-(2-amino-1,3-thiazol-4-yl)-2-methoxyiminoacetyl]amino]-8-oxo-5-thia-1-azabicyclo[4.2.0]oct-2-ene-2-carboxylic acid 

Intake routine/cycle

Daily dose

Take Cefotaxime exactly as your doctor recommends. The dose may change based on your condition and how well you respond. Do not take more than prescribed without consulting your doctor. 

Missed Dose

If you forget to take your medicine, take the medication as soon as you remember. If it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule. Always consult the doctor before making any changes to your dosage. 

Overdose

It is not recommended to take more than 6 grams of Cefotaxime per day. Overdose may cause tremors, chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeat, nervousness, dizziness, headache, muscle cramps, or high blood pressure. In case of any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical help. 

Storage

1. Store the medicine at room temperature 
2. Keep away from sunlight and moisture 
3. Keep out of reach of children 

Cefotaxime Summary

Cefotaxime is an injectable broad-spectrum antibiotic used to treat moderate bacterial infections such as respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, skin and soft tissue infections, abdominal infections, ear, throat, sinus infections, blood infections, gonorrhea and meningitis. It works by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis, causing bacteria to die. Common side effects include pain or swelling at the injection site, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, mild skin rash, and headache, while rare but serious side effects can include severe allergic reactions, severe diarrhea, liver or kidney problems, and low blood cell counts.  

It should not be taken by patients allergic to cefotaxime, cephalosporins, or penicillin-type antibiotics, and caution is required in those with severe kidney or liver disease or a history of antibiotic-associated severe diarrhea. There are no significant food interactions, and normal meals can be continued, though alcohol should be avoided. This medicine is administered by injection under medical supervision and is not effective against viral infections. 

FAQ’s

What are the uses of cefotaxime injection? 

Cefotaxime injection is used to treat serious bacterial infections such as lung infections, urinary tract infections, skin and soft tissue infections, abdominal infections, blood infections, and infections of bones and joints. 

What are the side effects of cefotaxime injection? 

Common side effects include pain or swelling at the injection site, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, and mild skin rash. Rare but serious side effects include severe allergic reactions, severe diarrhea, liver or kidney problems, and changes in blood cell counts.

What is the mode of action of cefotaxime? 

Cefotaxime works by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis, which weakens the cell wall and leads to the death of the bacteria. 

What are the contraindications of cefotaxime? 

Cefotaxime is contraindicated in patients with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to cefotaxime, other cephalosporins, or penicillin-type antibiotics, as it may cause severe allergic reactions. Caution is also required in patients with severe kidney or liver disease and in those with a history of antibiotic-associated severe diarrhea. 

Reference 

1. PubChem. Cefotaxime [Internet]. Nih.gov. PubChem; 2025 [cited 2025 Dec 29]. Available from 
2. Padda IS, Nagalli S. Cefotaxime [Internet]. PubMed. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2020. Available from 
3. Cefotaxime Dosage Guide + Max Dose, Adjustments [Internet]. Drugs.com. Available from  

Pranathi Chintaluri

Pranathi is a final year Pharm D student at Chalapathi Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences. She loves learning and applying her knowledge in pharmacy and has a passion for writing, which allows her to express ideas clearly and creatively. She enjoys combining her technical skills with her love for writing and communication to make a meaningful impact. Currently she is working on a research paper about “Consanguineous marriages and its impact on children’s health” which will be published by the end of 2025.