Patient Leaflet Updated 16-Apr-2024 | Wockhardt UK Ltd
Cefotaxime 500mg, 1g, 2g, Powder for Solution for Injection or Infusion
Cefotaxime 500mg powder for solution for injection or infusion
Cefotaxime 1g powder for solution for injection or infusion
Cefotaxime 2g powder for solution for injection or infusion
The name of your medicine is cefotaxime 500mg, 1g or 2g powder for solution for injection or infusion. In the rest of this leaflet it is called cefotaxime for injection.
1. What cefotaxime for injection is and what it is used for
2. What you need to know before you are given cefotaxime for injection
3. How cefotaxime for injection should be given
4. Possible side effects
5. How to store cefotaxime for injection
6. Contents of the pack and other information.
Cefotaxime belongs to a group of medicines called cephalosporins which are antibiotics. These medicines work by killing bacteria that cause infections.
Cefotaxime for injection is used for the treatment of a range of serious bacterial infections including infections of the blood stream (septicaemia), bones (osteomyelitis), the heart valves (endocartitis), the membranes covering the brain (meningitis) and the lining of the abdomen (peritonitis), and to prevent and treat infections following surgical operations.
If any of the above applies to you, you should not be given Cefotaxime for Injection.
Serious skin reactions including Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) have been reported in association with cefotaxime treatment. Stop using cefotaxime and seek medical attention immediately if you notice any of the symptoms related to these serious skin reactions described in section 4.
You should be kept under observation in case you develop another infection, particularly colitis (infection of the lower bowel), while you are being treated with cefotaxime for injection.
Taking other medicines when cefotaxime for injection is being administered can affect how it or the other medicine works. Make sure that your doctor knows what other medicines you are taking. Do not take any other medicines while you are being treated with cefotaxime for injection unless you have told your doctor or pharmacist and asked their advice. This includes medicines you may have bought yourself without a prescription.
Please check with your doctor if you are taking any of the following (or any other medication):
If you have any doubts about whether you should be given this medicine, then talk to your doctor.
Cefotaxime for injection contains 1.045mmol (or 24mg) for the 500mg vial, 2.09mmol (or 48mg) for the 1g vial and 4.18mmol (or 96mg) for the 2g vial of sodium per dose. To be taken into consideration by patients on a controlled sodium diet.
You should let your doctor or nurse know if you are pregnant or wish to become pregnant or are breast-feeding before this medicine is administered.
Cefotaxime for injection may cause dizziness. If you are affected you should not drive or operate machinery.
Your doctor or nurse will prepare your injection by dissolving the cefotaxime powder in a suitable fluid for injection. The mixture is usually injected intramuscularly (into a muscle) or given intravenously (into a vein) either by injection or infusion (drip).
Cefotaxime which has been dissolved in a solution which contains Lidocaine injection BP, (a local anaesthetic), should not be given intravenously, or to infants under 30 months, or to patients who are allergic to Lidocaine injection BP, or who have heart block (without a pacemaker), or heart failure.
The usual adult (including the elderly) dose by intramuscular or intravenous injection is 1g every twelve hours. Lower doses may be given to patients with severe kidney problems.
The usual dose for children aged one month to twelve years is 100-150mg per kg body weight daily in two to four divided doses.
The usual dose for infants aged one to four weeks is 50mg per kg body weight in two or four divided doses.
Higher doses may be given, particularly in severe infections.
Your doctor will decide the dose that is best for you. If you do not understand, or are in any doubt, ask your doctor or nurse.
Your doctor will decide which dose is best for you. If you think too much or too little medicine has been given to you contact your doctor, nurse, pharmacist or nearest hospital.
Like many medicines, cefotaxime for injection may cause side effects in some patients, particularly when treatment is first started. You should inform your doctor or nurse immediately if you are unwell.
These include:
Stop taking cefotaxime and tell your doctor immediately if you notice any of the following symptoms:
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.
By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required. These measures will help to protect the environment.
Cefotaxime for injection contains the active ingredient cefotaxime as cefotaxime sodium. Each vial contains 500mg, 1g or 2g of cefotaxime. The sodium content per vial is approximately 24mg (1.045mmol), 48mg (2.09mmol) and 96mg (4.18mmol) respectively.
Cefotaxime for injection is an off white to pale yellow powder, which must be made into a solution before injection. It is available in packs of 1, 10, 25 and 50 vials.
To listen to or request a copy of the leaflet in Braille, large print or audio please call, free of charge:
0800 198 5000 (UK only)
Please be ready to give the following information:
Product name Reference number
Cefotaxime 500mg powder for solution for injection or infusion PL 29831/0030
Cefotaxime 1g powder for solution for injection or infusion PL 29831/0030
Cefotaxime 2g powder for solution for injection or infusion PL 29831/0029
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This leaflet was last revised in 03/2024
106641/7
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