How should I use cefotaxime injection?
Cefotaxime is given as an injection into a muscle or a vein. It is sometimes given through
a central IV line placed into a large vein in your chest.
Your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider will give you this injection. You may be
given instructions on how to use your injections at home. Do not use this medicine at home if
you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of needles, syringes,
and other items used in giving the medicine.
Use the medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in
larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the instructions
on your prescription label.
You will need to mix cefotaxime with a liquid (diluent) before using it. If you are using
the injections at home, be sure you understand how to properly mix and store the medication.
Use this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your
symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Cefotaxime is usually given
for up to 3 days after lab tests show that the infection has cleared. Very severe infections may
need to be treated for several weeks.
This medication can cause you to have unusual results with certain lab tests to check for
glucose (sugar) in the urine. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using cefotaxime.
If your medicine is frozen when you receive it, keep it frozen until you are ready to
use the medicine. It is best to store the medicine in a deep freezer at a temperature of 4 degrees
below 0.
To use the medicine, thaw it in a refrigerator or at room temperature. Do not warm in a
microwave or boiling water. Keep thawed medicine in the refrigerator and use it within 10 days
after thawing it. Do not refreeze thawed medicine.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Use the medication as soon as you remember the missed dose. If it is almost time for
your next dose, skip the missed dose and use the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
If you are receiving this medication at a clinic, call your doctor if you miss an
appointment for your injection.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this
medicine. Symptoms of a cefotaxime overdose may include weakness, cold feeling,
pale skin,
blue lips, or
seizure (convulsions).
What should I avoid while using cefotaxime injection?
Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you
have diarrhea that is watery or has blood in it, call your doctor. Do not use any medicine to stop
the diarrhea unless your doctor has told you to.
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