Firstline - Clinical Decisions

Antimicrobials

Cefotaxime

Restricted

C difficile risk High

Oral Bioavailability N/A

Cost IV: $$$

Spectrum of Activity

Antibiogram Data

Dosing

Neonatal

Infants & Children

Renal

Restricted Indications

General Information

Empiric Uses

Bacterial Meningitis: Neonates (Ampicillin + Cefotaxime)
Other immunocompromised patients (eg, solid organ transplant, autoimmune disorders): Liver and/or intestinal transplant outside the perioperative period: (Cefotaxime + Vancomycin ± Metronidazole*)
Septic Arthritis: neonate/infants 1-3months, Cloxacillin + Tobramycin (Cefotaxime may be used as alternative to Tobramycin)
Osteomyelitis (acute): Cloxacillin + Cefotaxime
Conjunctivitis: Neonate: N. gonorrhoeae

Funding

ODB funded (injection)

Adverse Effects

1% to 10%:

Dermatologic: Pruritus (≤2%), skin rash (≤2%)
Gastrointestinal: Colitis (≤1%), diarrhea (≤1%), nausea (≤1%), vomiting (≤1%)
Hematologic & oncologic: Eosinophilia (≤2%)
Local: Induration at injection site (IM ≤4%), inflammation at injection site (IV ≤4%), pain at injection site (IM ≤4%), tenderness at injection site (IM ≤4%)
Miscellaneous: Fever (≤2%)

Drug Monitoring

Observe for signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis during first dose
Monitor infusion site for extravasation
With prolonged therapy, monitor renal, hepatic, and hematologic function periodically
Number and type of stools/day for diarrhea