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About CEFOTAXIME
CEFOTAXIME belongs to a group of antibiotics known as third-generation cephalosporin. CEFOTAXIME is generally prescribed for the lower respiratory tract, genito-urinary tract, central nervous system, intra-abdominal infections, bone and joint infections, skin infections, gynecologic infections, and septicemia.
CEFOTAXIME contains cefotaxime which exerts its bactericidal action through the inhibition of bacterial cell wall synthesis. CEFOTAXIME is a broad-spectrum antibiotic active against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, including resistance to other antibiotics such as penicillin.
In some cases, you may experience certain common side effects, such as abdominal/stomach cramps or tenderness, diarrhoea, and skin rash. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.
Before starting CEFOTAXIME, please inform your doctor if you have any allergy (against any antibiotic), liver or kidney problems, are pregnant, planning for pregnancy or breastfeeding. Do not take CEFOTAXIME on your own, as self-medication may lead to antibiotic resistance in which antibiotics fail to act against specific bacterial infections.
Uses of CEFOTAXIME
Bacterial infections.
Medicinal Benefits
CEFOTAXIME is a broad-spectrum cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. CEFOTAXIME exerts its bactericidal action through the inhibition of bacterial cell wall synthesis. It is stable against the action of most β-lactamases. Besides this, its broad-spectrum activity makes the drug effective in multiple infections like the lower respiratory tract, genito-urinary tract, central nervous system, intra-abdominal infections, bone and joint infections, skin infections, gynecologic infections, and septicemia.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of CEFOTAXIME
- Abdominal/stomach cramps or tenderness
- Black, tarry stools
- Bloating
- Diarrhoea
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
After taking CEFOTAXIME if you have allergy-like symptoms, including rash, swelling of the face/lips/throat, difficulty in breathing, or tightness in the chest, immediately contact your doctor. Do not take CEFOTAXIME if you have an allergy to any of its components, cephalosporins penicillin class of antibiotics, as it may cause a skin rash, itching, and difficulty breathing. People having liver disease or jaundice (yellowing of skin/eye) should not take CEFOTAXIME, as it can damage the liver severely.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: CEFOTAXIME may enhance the nephrotoxic effect of aminoglycosides (amikacin).
Drug-Food Interaction: Avoid taking eating high-fat meals as this makes it harder for your body to absorb CEFOTAXIME.
Drug-Disease Interaction: People affected with colitis (bowel disease that affects the large intestine, causing irritation, inflammation, and ulcers in the colon), liver disease (like jaundice), renal dysfunction, dialysis, glandular fever (viral infection with fever and sore throat), seizure disorders should not take CEFOTAXIME.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionAvoid consuming alcohol while taking CEFOTAXIME as it causes increased side effects.
Pregnancy
cautionCEFOTAXIME is not recommended during pregnancy unless your doctor considers it essential. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you.
Breast Feeding
cautionCEFOTAXIME is not recommended during breastfeeding. However, your doctor may prescribe it for you during breastfeeding if he/she feels that the benefits to you outweighs the risk.
Driving
cautionCEFOTAXIME may cause dizziness in some people, so drive only if you are alert.
Liver
cautionCEFOTAXIME to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of liver diseases/conditions. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
Kidney
cautionCEFOTAXIME to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of kidney diseases/conditions. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
Children
safe if prescribedFor children, CEFOTAXIME is safe. The dose needs to be adjusted and recommended by a child specialist only.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Probiotics should be taken after taking the full course of CEFOTAXIME in order to restore some healthy bacteria in the intestines that may have been killed. Taking probiotics after antibiotic treatment can reduce the risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea. Certain fermented foods like yoghurt, cheese, sauerkraut, kombucha, and kimchi can help to restore the good bacteria of the intestine.
- Include more fibre-enriched food in your diet, as it can be easily digested by gut bacteria, which helps stimulate their growth. Whole grains like whole-grain bread and brown rice should be included in your diet.
- Avoid intake of alcoholic beverages with CEFOTAXIME as it can make you dehydrated and may affect your sleep. This can make it harder for your body to aid CEFOTAXIME in fighting off infections.
Special Advise
- Do not skip any doses and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better. Stopping it early may make the infection harder to treat.
- Discontinue CEFOTAXIME and inform your doctor immediately if you get a rash, itchy skin, swelling of your face and mouth, or difficulty breathing.
- Diarrhoea may occur as a side effect but should stop when your course is complete. Inform your doctor if it does not stop or if you find blood in your stools.
- If you feel nauseous after taking CEFOTAXIME, stick to simple meals like porridge, khichdi, dal roti, and other home-cooked meals. Avoid spicy and fatty food.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Bacterial infection: It is a condition in which harmful bacteria enter, multiply, and infect the body. It can target any organ of the body and multiply very quickly. Bacterial infections vary from minor illnesses (like sore throat and ear infections) to severe brain infections (like meningitis and encephalitis). When you get infected with bacteria, you can experience generalized symptoms like fevers, chills, and fatigue. Anyone can get a bacterial infection, but people with a weak immune system or taking immunosuppressive medicines like steroids are more prone to infections.
FAQs
Can I stop taking CEFOTAXIME when my symptoms are relieved or when I feel better?
What if I do not get better after using CEFOTAXIME?
Can I take CEFOTAXIME for cough, cold and flu condition?
Can CEFOTAXIME cause stomach upset?
Can the use of CEFOTAXIME cause diarrhoea?
Available Medicines for
CEFOTAXIME
