Cefotaxime
Also known as: Claforan
Cefotaxime is a potent injectable antibiotic typically administered in a veterinary hospital setting to treat severe infections. * **Administration**: Because it is not absorbed through the GI tract, it must be given by injection (IV, IM, or under the skin). * **Side Effects**: Injections into the muscle can be painful. Watch the injection site for signs of swelling, redness, or pain. * **Allergies**: If your pet has had an allergic reaction to penicillins or other cephalosporins in the past, notify your veterinarian immediately. * **GI Upset**: As with many antibiotics, it can alter the normal bacteria in the gut, occasionally leading to diarrhea. Contact your veterinarian if diarrhea becomes severe or bloody.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Soft tissue infections
- Orthopedic infections
- Severe bacteremia
- Susceptible infections
- Sepsis
- CNS infections (spinal cord)
- Acute sepsis or serious susceptible infections
- Susceptible infections
- Susceptible infections (most birds)
- Bacterial infections, bacterial hepatitis
- Susceptible infections in ratites (young birds)
- Susceptible infections
- Severe bacteremia
- Susceptible infections
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Pain at the IM injection site
- Thrombophlebitis (after IV administration)
- Hypersensitivity reactions (rashes, fever, eosinophilia, anaphylaxis)
- Antibiotic-associated diarrhea (alteration of gut flora)
- Sterile abscesses or local tissue reactions
- Rarely: Nephrotoxicity, neurotoxicity (at high doses), neutropenia, agranulocytosis, thrombocytopenia, hepatitis
Cautions & contraindications
- Patients with a documented history of hypersensitivity to cephalosporins
- Use with caution in patients with documented hypersensitivity to other beta-lactam antibiotics (e.g., penicillins, carbapenems) due to potential cross-reactivity (estimated 1-15% in humans). Dosage adjustments may be necessary in patients with renal failure. May cause false-positive direct Coombs' tests, falsely elevated 17-ketosteroid urine values, and false-positive urine glucose determinations when using cupric sulfate solution tests (e.g., Clinitest).
Drug interactions
- Aminoglycosides / Nephrotoxic drugs (e.g., amphotericin B): Potential for additive nephrotoxicity. In vitro studies show synergistic antibacterial activity, but they must NOT be mixed in the same syringe or fluid bag.
- Probenecid: Competitively blocks the renal tubular secretion of cefotaxime, significantly increasing its serum levels and prolonging its elimination half-life.
- Oxytetracycline: Bacteriostatic agents may antagonize the bactericidal activity of cephalosporins.
- Erythromycin: Bacteriostatic agents may antagonize the bactericidal activity of cephalosporins.
- Aminoglycosides: Synergistic antibacterial effect, but do not mix in the same syringe due to chemical incompatibility.
- Amphotericin B: Increased risk of nephrotoxicity.
- Furosemide: Loop diuretics may increase the risk of nephrotoxicity when used with cephalosporins.
Frequently asked questions
What is Cefotaxime used for in pets?
Cefotaxime is a potent injectable antibiotic typically administered in a veterinary hospital setting to treat severe infections. * **Administration**: Because it is not absorbed through the GI tract, it must be given by injection (IV, IM, or under the skin). * **Side Effects**: Injections into the muscle can be painful. Watch the injection site for signs of swelling, redness, or pain. * **Allergies**: If your pet has had an allergic reaction to penicillins or other cephalosporins in the past, notify your veterinarian immediately. * **GI Upset**: As with many antibiotics, it can alter the normal bacteria in the gut, occasionally leading to diarrhea. Contact your veterinarian if diarrhea becomes severe or bloody.
Is Cefotaxime safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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