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](https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/meningitis/meningitis-causes-symptoms-treatment-prevention)). It's also sometimes given to treat certain [sexually transmitted infections (STIs)](https://www.goodrx.com/health-topic/stds). In addition, you might receive it to prevent infection before certain surgeries involving the uterus, stomach, and urinary tract.

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](https://www.goodrx.com/classes/cephalosporin-antibiotics) or [penicillin](https://www.goodrx.com/classes/penicillin-antibiotics) 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)*](https://www.goodrx.com/health-topic/infections/c-difficile-infection-colitis). This reaction can be life-threatening if not treated.

What STIs does cefotaxime treat?

Cefotaxime can be used to treat infections caused by [gonorrhea](https://www.goodrx.com/health-topic/stds/gonorrhea-causes-symptoms-testing-treatment) in the urethra, cervix, and rectum. This medication works well to treat gonorrhea, but it's [not the first-choice antibiotic](https://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment-guidelines/gonorrhea-adults.htm). Cefotaxime doesn't work to treat [chlamydia](https://www.goodrx.com/health-topic/stds/chlamydia-symptoms-treatments), another common STI. If a person has both gonorrhea and chlamydia, cefotaxime should be used along with another antibiotic.

cefotaxime

Generic Claforan

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

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:

Sarah Lobello Pearson, PharmD

Daisy Chau, PharmD

Last reviewed on June 8, 2022

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

Are you looking for information on ceftriaxone or cefuroxime instead?

Drug facts

Common Brands	Claforan(brand no longer available)
Drug Class	Cephalosporin antibiotic
Controlled Substance Classification	Not a controlled medication
Generic Status	No lower-cost generic available
Availability	Prescription only

Common Brands

Claforan(brand no longer available)

Drug Class

Cephalosporin antibiotic

Controlled Substance Classification

Not a controlled medication

Generic Status

No lower-cost generic available

Availability

Prescription only

Common questions about Cefotaxime

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.