Cefotaxime
Cefotaxime is a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat serious bacterial infections, including those of the respiratory tract, urinary tract, skin, and soft tissues, as well as meningitis and gonorrhea. It works by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis, making it effective against a broad range of gram-positive and gram-negative organisms. This medication is typically administered intravenously or intramuscularly in healthcare settings.
Cefotaxime is an injectable third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat serious bacterial infections in hospitalized patients.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- J01DD01
- RxNorm
- 2186
- Generic
- Cefotaxime
- Class
- atc-j01
- Brands
- Claforan
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- injection, solution
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 1-2g every 8-12 hours
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 8-12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 50-180mg/kg/day divided every 6-8 hours
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 6-8 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 1g every 12 hours (adjust for renal impairment)
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
9 groupspregnancy
first trimesterno specific adjustment
use only if clearly needed and benefits outweigh potential risks
standard prenatal care
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second third trimesterno specific adjustment
generally considered safe for use in pregnancy
standard prenatal care
lactation
breastfeedingno adjustment needed
small amounts excreted in breast milk, monitor infant for GI disturbances
observe infant for diarrhea or candidiasis
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderlyadjust based on renal function
monitor renal function, adjust dose in impaired renal function
regular renal function monitoring
pediatric_age
neonatesdose based on weight and post-natal age
use with caution in neonates, especially premature infants
monitor blood counts and renal function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
infants childrendose based on weight
standard pediatric dosing, effective for various infections
routine monitoring
renal_impairment
mild moderateno adjustment needed for mild-moderate impairment
monitor renal function periodically
creatinine clearance monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severereduce dose by 50% or extend interval
adjust dosing in severe renal impairment
close renal function monitoring, drug level monitoring if available
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
moderate severeno adjustment needed
no dose adjustment required, hepatic metabolism minimal
standard monitoring
Statistics and clinical data
Commonly prescribed since
FDA approval year for Cefotaxime
Drug class
Antibiotic classification based on ATC system
Common uses
Therapeutic indications for Cefotaxime
Route of administration
Available dosage forms
Cefotaxime treats serious infections including pneumonia, bronchitis, urinary tract infections, skin and soft tissue infections, bone and joint infections, meningitis, gonorrhea, and intra-abdominal infections. It is often reserved for moderate to severe infections requiring hospitalization.
As a beta-lactam antibiotic, cefotaxime inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), leading to bacterial cell death. It has enhanced gram-negative coverage compared to earlier generation cephalosporins.
Cefotaxime is administered only by injection (IV or IM) in clinical settings. Common side effects include diarrhea, rash, and injection site reactions. Patients with penicillin allergies may have cross-reactivity. Blood monitoring may be needed with prolonged use. Complete the full prescribed course even if symptoms improve.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 20, 2026. · Read our editorial policy