Cefotaxime

Cefotaxime is a third-generation, penicillin-like drug that stops bacterial growth. It works in a way that is similar to penicillins. You can only get this medication after a healthcare provider has prescribed it for you.

Cefotaxime is a drug used to treat several types of bacterial infections by stopping the growth of bacteria in your body. You cannot use it to treat conditions like malaria or flu because viruses, not bacteria, cause them.

You can use cefotaxime alone or with other drugs. Do not take immunizations such as typhoid or BCG while using cefotaxime.

• Cefotaxime is available as an injection in two forms: solution or powder.
• It may be injected into your muscle or directly into the blood. The choice depends on the instructions from your healthcare provider.
• There are different concentrations available, and the amount you need to take depends on your age and the condition for which you are being treated.
• It is vital to use the correct dose for the entire duration of your treatment, even if you feel better to before the completion of the dose, to prevent your illness from coming back and maybe getting worse.
• Since this drug has to be injected by a healthcare provider, it is unlikely that you will overdose or skip a dose. If any of this does happen, alert your healthcare provider immediately.

Although most people do not react badly to this drug, the following are things you may experience while using this drug:

• Fever.
• Skin rash and itching.
• Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain or diarrhoea.
• Yellow eyes, dark urine or loss of appetite.
• Pain, swelling or redness at the site of the injection.

See your healthcare provider if:

• The above side-effects last for more than a few days or if they affect your daily activities.
• Your heart starts beating faster or slower than usual.
• There is blood in your stools.
• Your vagina starts to itch, or you see white patches in your vagina or in your mouth.

You should know the following before using cefotaxime:

• Do not use this drug if you have ever had a bad reaction to this medicine or to any type of penicillin.
• Do not take typhoid, cholera or BCG immunization while using this medicine, because it may seriously reduce the effectiveness of the vaccinations.
• Tell your healthcare provider about any drugs or supplements you are using, especially if you use medications like warfarin, probenecid and any kind of birth control.
• If you have kidney disease, ensure you inform your provider as it can affect your dosage.
• Do not use cefotaxime for extended periods. Prolonged use can cause other diseases such as fungal or bacterial overgrowth.
• Inform your healthcare provider if you have any liver or heart disease before using this medicine.
• Also, tell your provider if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning to get pregnant.

Remember to keep your cefotaxime medication and other medicines away from children and avoid sharing them with other people.