Cefotaxime

Indications:

• infections due to sensitive Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria. All third generation cephalosporins are more active against certain Gram negative bacteria than second generation but are less active against Gram positive bacteria, notably Staph. aureus.

Cautions include

• penicillin sensitivity
• pregnancy and breast-feeding
• renal impairment

NB Beware false positive Coomb's test and urinary glucose.

Contra-indications:

• cephalosporin hypersensitivity
• porphyria

Side-effects:-

• see 'cephalosporins (general side-effects)'

Routes of administration;

• i.m. injection
• i.v. injection
• i.v. infusion