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cefotaxime

Generic Claforan
Used for Skin Infection, Urinary Tract Infection, Bacterial Infection, Lower Respiratory Infection, Meningitis
Used for Skin Infection, Urinary Tract Infection, Bacterial Infection, Lower Respiratory Infection, Meningitis

Cefotaxime is an antibiotic that's given as an injection through the vein or muscle, typically by a healthcare provider in the hospital. It treats many different types of bacterial infections. It can also be used before surgery to prevent infections. It's sometimes more preferred over other similar antibiotics because it's less likely to cause bleeding and gallbladder problems.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Sarah Lobello Pearson, PharmD
reviewer
Daisy Chau, PharmD
Last reviewed on June 8, 2022
BasicsFAQsAlternativesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Cefotaxime?

What is Cefotaxime used for?

  • Lower respiratory tract infections

  • Urinary tract infections

  • Pelvic infections

  • Bloodstream infections

  • Skin infections

  • Stomach infections

  • Bone and joint infections

  • Brain and spinal cord infections

  • Certain sexually transmitted infections

  • Prevention of infections from certain surgeries

How Cefotaxime works

Are you looking for information on ceftriaxone or cefuroxime instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsClaforan (brand no longer available)
Drug ClassCephalosporin antibiotic
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
faqs

Frequently asked questions about Cefotaxime

What's cefotaxime used for?
Cefotaxime can be used to treat serious infections caused by bacteria. These include infections in the lungs, stomach, blood, bones, joints, skin, urinary tract, pelvis, and brain and spinal cord (e.g., meningitis). It's also sometimes given to treat certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs). In addition, you might receive it to prevent infection before certain surgeries involving the uterus, stomach, and urinary tract.
How does cefotaxime work?
Cefotaxime works by preventing bacteria that's causing an infection from creating their protective outer layer. This results in the death of the bacteria, which should make the infection go away.
How is cefotaxime given?
Cefotaxime is given as an injection through the veins or into the muscle, depending on your dose and how serious your infection is. It's usually given to people in the hospital by healthcare providers. But, depending on the infection and other factors, some people might be able to use cefotaxime at home under instructions from their provider.
What are the common side effects of cefotaxime?
Cefotaxime is typically well tolerated with few side effects. The most common side effect of cefotaxime is a reaction at the injection site including pain, tenderness, and inflammation. Injections into the vein can also cause a reaction resulting in rash, itching, and fever. Some people taking cefotaxime might have stomach-related side effects like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Does cefotaxime cause any serious side effects?
Cefotaxime can sometimes cause serious allergic reactions which include a rash, itchy skin, hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of your face or mouth. Because of this, it should be used carefully in people with a history of allergic reactions to cephalosporin or penicillin antibiotics. This medication might also cause problems with the rhythm of your heart when given in a specific way. Cefotaxime, along with most other antibiotics, can cause severe diarrhea that's due to a bacteria known as Clostridioides difficile (C. diff). This reaction can be life-threatening if not treated.
What STIs does cefotaxime treat?
Cefotaxime can be used to treat infections caused by gonorrhea in the urethra, cervix, and rectum. This medication works well to treat gonorrhea, but it's not the first-choice antibiotic. Cefotaxime doesn't work to treat chlamydia, another common STI. If a person has both gonorrhea and chlamydia, cefotaxime should be used along with another antibiotic.
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alternatives

What are alternatives to Cefotaxime?

There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Cefotaxime. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
Cefotaxime
Used for:

  • Lower respiratory tract infections

  • Urinary tract infections

  • Pelvic infections

  • Bloodstream infections

  • Skin infections

  • Stomach infections

  • Bone and joint infections

  • Brain and spinal cord infections

  • Certain sexually transmitted infections

  • Prevention of infections from certain surgeries

View Prices
Ceftriaxone
Used for:
$10.30 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
Cefazolin (Ancef)
Used for:

  • Respiratory tract infections

  • Urinary tract infections (UTIs)

  • Skin infections

  • Liver and gallbladder infections

  • Bone and joint infections

  • Genital infections

  • Bloodstream infections

  • Heart infections

  • Prevention of infection from surgery

View Prices

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