Cefotaxime

Question 1

What is Cefotaxime?

Answer 1

Broad spectrum antibiotic used for treatment of septicaemia and meningitis.

Used to provide initial antimicrobial prophylaxis of clinically apparent open long bone fractures

Question 2

Indications?

Answer 2

Suspected meningococcal septicaemia/ clinical meningitis where there is a known suspected allergy to benzlypenicillin

Question 3

Contra indications

Answer 3

Known or suspected allergy to cephalosporins or treatment with another antimicrobial prophylaxis has already been given by another health care professional

Question 4

Side effects

Answer 4

Diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, headache

Question 5

Dosage and admin

Answer 5

Slow IV.
500 mg vial with 2ml water injection
shake well