Cefotaxime

Generic name: cefotaxime [ SEF-oh-TAX-eem ]
Brand names: Claforan, Claforan ADD-Vantage
Dosage form: injectable powder for injection (1 g; 10 g; 2 g; 500 mg)
Drug class:Third generation cephalosporins

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Mar 12, 2021. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is cefotaxime?

Cefotaxime is a cephalosporin (SEF a low spor in) antibiotic.

Cefotaxime is used to treat many kinds of bacterial infections, including severe or life-threatening forms. Cefotaxime is also used to prevent infection in people having certain types of surgery.

Cefotaxime may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

You should not use cefotaxime if you are allergic to cefotaxime or another cephalosporin antibiotic (cefdinir, cefalexin, Keflex, Omnicef, and others).

Before taking this medicine

You should not use cefotaxime if you have ever had a severe allergic reaction to any type of cephalosporin antibiotic (cefdinir, cefalexin, Keflex, Omnicef, and others).

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• an allergy to penicillin;

• kidney disease;

• liver disease;

• a stomach or intestinal disorder such as colitis;

• diabetes; or

• heart problems.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How should I use cefotaxime?

Cefotaxime is injected into a muscle, or given as an inf...