Cefotaxime

Cefotaxime: Uses, Dosage and Side Effects

Overview

• cefotaxime is a 3rd generation of cephalosporin that binds to proteins involved in bacterial cell wall synthesis, thereby decreasing cell wall strength and rigidity, and affecting cell division. Resistant to many bacterial beta-lactamases, particularly those produced by Staphylococcus spp.
• As other beta-lactam antibacterials work in a time-dependent fashion.

Uses of Cefotaxime

• Good activity against many Gram-negative organisms, especially Enterobacteriaceae (not Pseudomonas) but lower activity against many Gram-positive organisms than 1st and 2nd generation cephalosporins.
• Use should be reserved for: patients with acute sepsis or severe infection where cultures are pending or culture and sensitivity testing show sensitivity; or where other
  licensed preparations are not appropriate, and the animal is not a good candidate for intensive aminoglycoside therapy (e.g. pre-existing renal dysfunction).

Dose of Cefotaxime in Dogs and Cats

Dogs, Cats:

• 40–50 mg/kg i.v., i.m., s.c. q8h.
• Some authors have suggested that lower doses of 10–20 mg/kg q12h have good clinical efficacy in the dog.

Side Effects of Cefotaxime in Dogs and Cats

• May produce pain on injection.
• GI disturbance.
• Superinfection with resistant microorganisms is a potential risk.

Contraindications of Cefotaxime in Dogs and Cats

• Patients hypersensitive to penicillins may also be sensitive to cephalosporins (cross-hypersensitivity in <10% of human patients); avoid use in animals with reported sensitivity to other beta-lactam antimicrobials.

Some Notes:

• Use with care in patients with renal disease and consider increasing dose interval.
• Bactericidal activity may be affected by the concomitant use of bacteriostatic agents (e.g. oxytetracycline, erythromycin).
• The cephalosporins are synergistic with the aminoglycosides, but should not be mixed in the same syringe.
• May be an increased risk of nephrotoxicity if cephalosporins are used with amphotericin or loop diuretics (e.g. furosemide); monitor renal function.