Spectrum: Local Antimicrobial Stewardship, for Eastern Health

Cefotaxime

Restricted
Restricted

C. diff Risk

High

Oral Bioavailability

NA

Approximate Cost

$17.25/day

Spectrum Of Activity

General Spectrum of Activity

Spectrum Of Activity

Dosing

Renal

Adult

1-2g IV q6-12h

General Information

Common Usage

Common Usage

Empiric therapy for:

  •  Bacterial meningitis

  •  Pneumonia (in combination with a macrolide)

  •  Intra-abdominal infection including SBP

  •  Musculoskeletal i.e. septic arthritis

  •  Urinary tract infection

Adverse Effects

Adverse Effects

  •  Rash

  •  Localized phlebitis at injection site

  •  Allergy

  •  Positive Coombs test

  •  Neutropenia

  •  Abnormalities in liver enzymes

  •  Diarrhea

  •  CDI

Coverage

NLPDP Status

N/A

Additional Information

Additional Information

Orders for cefotaxime are automatically substituted to therapeutically equivalent dose of ceftriaxone at Eastern Health.

EH Prescribing Restrictions
Automatic substitution as noted above

Community IV formulary (St. John's Metro)
YES

IV Administration
Dilute in 50-100 mL D5W or NS and administer over 20-30 min.

Pharmacology

Pharmacology

Antimicrobial class: 3rd Generation Cephalosporin

Pregnancy category: B

Average serum half life: 1.5 hours

Biliary penetration: Moderate

CSF penetration: Therapeutic

Lung penetration: Therapeutic

Urine penetration: Therapeutic