Escherichia coli (Gram Negative Bacillus - ICU)
Cefotaxime

Cefotaxime

High
N/A

General Information

Empiric therapy for:

  • Bacterial meningitis
  • Pneumonia (in combination with a macrolide)
  • Intra-abdominal infection including SBP
  • Musculoskeletal i.e. septic arthritis
  • Urinary tract infection

Monitor CBC with differential for treatment courses longer than 10 days.

Monitor renal function, and signs and symptoms of superinfection.

Common

  • Injection site phlebitis/pain
  • Rash
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting

Serious

  • Cardiac dysrhythmia
  • Erythema multiforme
  • Stevens-Johnson syndrome
  • Toxic epidermal necrolysis
  • Agranulocytosis
  • Granulocytopenic disorder
  • Leukopenia
  • Neutropenic disorder
  • Pancytopenia
  • Hypersensitivity reaction
  • Warfarin- increased risk of bleeding
  • Cholera vaccine, live

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

Precautions:

  • Dose reduction recommended in renal insufficiency.
  • Monitoring recommended for therapy lasting >10 days.
  • Urine glucose test utilizing copper reduction may induce false positive reaction.
  • Prefer ceftriaxone for CNS infection in renal failure.