Cefotaxime is a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic that belongs to the β-lactam class. It works by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis, causing the death of susceptible bacteria. It is administered intravenously (IV) or intramuscularly (IM) and has a broad spectrum of activity against many Gram-negative bacteria, including Escherichia coli, Klebsiella, Proteus, and Haemophilus influenzae, as well as some Gram-positive bacteria. Cefotaxime is more effective against Gram-negative infections than earlier-generation cephalosporins and is resistant to some β-lactamases.
Uses
Cefotaxime is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections, including:
Respiratory tract infections: pneumonia, bronchitis, sinusitis
Urinary tract infections: pyelonephritis, cystitis
Septicemia (blood infections)
Meningitis: bacterial meningitis in children and adults
Skin and soft tissue infections
Bone and joint infections: osteomyelitis, septic arthritis
Intra-abdominal infections: peritonitis
Surgical prophylaxis: to prevent post-operative infections in high-risk cases
