Cefotaxime
Cefotaxime for Injection, USP Rx Only PHARMACY BULK PACKAGE - NOT FOR DIRECT INFUSION
FULL PRESCRIBING INFORMATION: CONTENTS*
- CEFOTAXIME DESCRIPTION
- CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
- CEFOTAXIME INDICATIONS AND USAGE
- CEFOTAXIME CONTRAINDICATIONS
- WARNINGS
- PRECAUTIONS
- CEFOTAXIME ADVERSE REACTIONS
- OVERDOSAGE
- CEFOTAXIME DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
- HOW SUPPLIED
- REFERENCES
- PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL
FULL PRESCRIBING INFORMATION
To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of Cefotaxime for Injection, USP (cefotaxime sodium) and other antibacterial drugs, Cefotaxime for Injection, USP should be used only to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by bacteria.
CEFOTAXIME DESCRIPTION
Cefotaxime sodium is a semisynthetic, broad spectrum cephalosporin antibiotic for parenteral administration. It is the sodium salt of 7-[2-(2-amino-4-thiazolyl) glyoxylamido]-3-(hydroxymethyl)-8-oxo-5-thia-1-azabicyclo [4.2.0] oct-2-ene-2-carboxylate 72 (Z)-(o-methyloxime), acetate (ester). Cefotaxime contains approximately 50.5 mg (2.2 mEq) of sodium per gram of cefotaxime activity. Solutions of cefotaxime range from very pale yellow to light amber depending on the concentration and the diluent used. The pH of the injectable solutions usually ranges from 5.0 to 7.5. The structural formula is:
Cefotaxime for Injection, USP is supplied as a dry powder in Pharmacy Bulk Packages containing cefotaxime sodium equivalent to 10 g of cefotaxime. FURTHER DILUTION IS REQUIRED BEFORE USE. A Pharmacy Bulk Package is a container of a sterile preparation for parenteral use, which contains many single doses. This Pharmacy bulk package is for use in a pharmacy admixture service; it provides many single doses of cefotaxime for addition to suitable parenteral fluids in the preparation of admixtures for intravenous infusion. (See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION, and DIRECTIONS FOR PROPER USE OF PHARMACY BULK PACKAGE ).
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
Following IM administration of a single 500 mg or 1 g dose of cefotaxime to normal volunteers, mean peak serum concentrations of 11.7 and 20.5 mcg/mL respectively were attained within 30 minutes and declined with an elimination half-life of approximately 1 hour. There was a dose-dependent increase in serum levels after the IV administration of 500 mg, 1 g, and 2 g of cefotaxime (38.9, 101.7, and 214.4 mcg/mL, respectively) without alteration in the elimination half-life. There is no evidence of accumulation following repetitive IV infusion of 1 g doses every 6 hours for 14 days as there are no alterations of serum or renal clearance. About 60% of the administered dose was recovered from urine during the first 6 hours following the start of the infusion.
Approximately 20–36% of an intravenously administered dose of 14C-cefotaxime is excreted by the kidney as unchanged cefotaxime and 15–25% as the desacetyl derivative, the major metabolite. The desacetyl metabolite has been shown to contribute to the bactericidal activity. Two other urinary metabolites (M2 and M3) account for about 20–25%. They lack bactericidal activity.
A single 50 mg/kg dose of cefotaxime was administered as an intravenous infusion over a 10- to 15-minute period to 29 newborn infants grouped according to birth weight and age. The mean half-life of cefotaxime in infants with lower birth weights (≤1500 grams), regardless of age, was longer (4.6 hours) than the mean half-life (3.4 hours) in infants whose birth weight was greater than 1500 grams. Mean serum clearance was also smaller in the lower birth weight infants. Although the differences in mean half-life values are statistically significant for weight, they are not clinically important. Therefore, dosage should be based solely on age. (See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION section.)
Additionally, no disulfiram-like reactions were reported in a study conducted in 22 healthy volunteers administered cefotaxime and ethanol.
Microbiology
The bactericidal activity of cefotaxime sodium results from inhibition of cell wall synthesis. Cefotaxime has in vitro activity against a wide range of gram-positive and gram-negative organisms. Cefotaxime has a high degree of stability in the presence of β-lactamases, both penicillinases and cephalosporinases, of gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. Cefotaxime has been shown to be active against most strains of the following microorganisms both in vitro and in clinical infections as described in the INDICATIONS AND USAGE section.
Aerobes, Gram-positive
Enterococcus spp.
Staphylococcus aureus*, including β-lactamase-positive and negative strains
Staphylococcus epidermidis
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A beta-hemolytic streptococci)
Streptococcus spp.
Aerobes, Gram-negative
Acinetobacter spp.
Citrobacter spp.
Enterobacter spp.
Escherichia coli
Haemophilus influenzae (including ampicillin-resistant strains)
Haemophilus parainfluenzae
Klebsiella spp. (including Klebsiella pneumoniae)
Morganella morganii
Neisseria gonorrhoeae (including β-lactamase-positive and negative strains)
Neisseria meningitidis
Proteus mirabilis
Proteus vulgaris
Providencia rettgeri
Providencia stuartii
Serratia marcescens
NOTE: Many strains of the above organisms that are multiply resistant to other antibiotics, e.g. penicillins, cephalosporins, and aminoglycosides, are susceptible to cefotaxime. Cefotaxime is active against some strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Anaerobes
Bacteroides spp., including some strains of Bacteroides fragilis
Clostridium spp. (Note: Most strains of Clostridium difficile are resistant.)
Fusobacterium spp. (including Fusobacterium nucleatum)
Peptococcus spp.
Peptostreptococcus spp.
Cefotaxime also demonstrates in vitro activity against the following microorganisms but the clinical significance is unknown . Cefotaxime exhibits in vitro minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 8 mcg/mL or less against most (≥90%) strains of the following microorganisms; however, the safety and effectiveness of cefotaxime in treating clinical infections due to these microorganisms have not been established in adequate and well-controlled clinical trials:
Aerobes, Gram-negative
Providencia spp.
Salmonella spp. (including Salmonella typhi)
Shigella spp.
Cefotaxime is highly stable in vitro to four of the five major classes of 5-lactamases described by Richmond et al.1, including type IIIa (TEM) which is produced by many gram-negative bacteria. The drug is also stable to β-lactamase (penicillinase) produced by staphylococci. In addition, cefotaxime shows high affinity for penicillin-binding proteins in the cell wall, including PBP: Ib and III.
Cefotaxime and aminoglycosides have been shown to be synergistic in vitro against some strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa but the clinical significance is unknown.
Susceptibility Tests
Dilution techniques
Quantitative methods that are used to determine minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC's) provide reproducible estimates of the susceptibility of bacteria to antimicrobial compounds. One such standardized procedure uses a standardized dilution method1 (broth or agar) or equivalent with cefotaxime sodium powder. The MIC values obtained should be interpreted according to the following criteria:
When testing organisms |
|
| MIC (mcg/mL) | Interpretation |
| ≤8 | Susceptible (S) |
| 16–32 | Intermediate (I) |
| ≥64 | Resistant (R) |
| When testing Haemophilus spp. |
|
| MIC (mcg/mL) |
Interpretation
|
| ≤2 | Susceptible (S) |
| When testing Streptococcus
|
|
| MIC (mcg/mL) | Interpretation |
| ≤0.5 | Susceptible (S) |
| 1 | Intermediate (I) |
| ≥2 | Resistant (R) |
| When testing Neisseria gonorrhoeae
|
|
| MIC (mcg/mL) |
Interpretation
|
| ≤0.5 | Susceptible (S) |
A report of "Susceptible" indicates that the pathogen is likely to be inhibited if the antimicrobial compound in the blood reaches the concentrations usually achievable. A report of "Intermediate" indicates that the result should be considered equivocal and if the microorganism is not fully susceptible to alternative clinically feasible drugs the test should be repeated. This category implies possible clinical applicability in body sites where the drug is physiologically concentrated or in situations where high dosage of drug can be used. This category also provides a buffer zone that prevents small uncontrolled technical factors from causing major discrepancies in interpretation. A report of "Resistant" indicates that the pathogen is not likely to be inhibited if the antimicrobial compound in the blood reaches the concentrations usually achievable, other therapy should be selected.
Standardized susceptibility test procedures require the use of laboratory control microorganisms to control the technical aspects of the laboratory procedure. Standard cefotaxime powder should provide the following MIC values:
| Microorganism | MIC (mcg/mL) |
| Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 | 0.06–0.25 |
| Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213 | 1–4 |
| Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 | 4–16 |
| Haemophilus influenzae
|
0.12–0.5 |
| Streptococcus pneumoniae
|
0.06–0.25 |
| Neisseria gonorrhoeae
|
0.015–0.06 |
Diffusion Techniques
Quantitative methods that require measurements of zone diameters also provide reproducible estimates of the susceptibility of bacteria to antimicrobial compounds. One such standardized procedure3 requires the use of standardized inoculum concentrations. This procedure uses paper disks impregnated with 30 mcg cefotaxime to test the susceptibility of microorganisms to cefotaxime sodium. Reports from the laboratory providing results of the standard single-disk susceptibility test using a 30 mcg cefotaxime disk should be interpreted according to the following criteria:
| When testing organisms |
|
| MIC (mcg/mL) | Interpretation |
| ≥23 | Susceptible (S) |
| 15–22 | Intermediate (I) |
| ≤14 | Resistant (R) |
| When testing Haemophilus spp. |
|
| Zone Diameter (mm) |
Interpretation
|
| ≥26 | Susceptible (S) |
| When testing Streptococcus other than Streptococcus pneumoniae | |
| Zone Diameter (mm) | Interpretation |
| ≥28 | Susceptible (S) |
| 26–27 | Intermediate (I) |
| ≤25 | Resistant (R) |
| When testing Neisseria gonorrhoeae
|
|
| Zone Diameter (mm) |
Interpretation
|
| ≥31 | Susceptible (S) |
Interpretation should be as stated above for results using dilution techniques. Interpretation involves correlation of the diameter obtained in the disk test with the MIC for cefotaxime.
As with standardized dilution techniques, diffusion methods require the use of laboratory control microorganisms that are used to control the technical aspects of the laboratory procedures. For the diffusion technique, the 30 mcg cefotaxime sodium disk should provide the following zone diameters in these laboratory test quality control strains:
| Microorganism | MIC (mcg/mL) |
| Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 | 29–35 |
| Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 | 25–31 |
| Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 | 18–22 |
| Haemophilus influenzae
|
31–39 |
| Neisseria gonorrhoeae
|
38–48 |
Anaerobic Techniques
For anaerobic bacteria, the susceptibility to cefotaxime as MICs can be determined by standardized test methods.4 The MIC values obtained should be interpreted according to the following criteria:
| MIC (mcg/mL) | Interpretation |
| ≤16 | Susceptible (S) |
| 32 | Intermediate (I) |
| ≥64 | Resistant (R) |
Interpretation is identical to that stated above for results using dilution techniques.
As with other susceptibility techniques, the use of laboratory control microorganisms is required to control the technical aspects of the laboratory standardized procedures. Standardized cefotaxime powder should provide the following MIC values:
| Microorganism | MIC (mcg/mL) |
| Bacteroides fragilis
|
8–32 |
| Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron ATCC 29741 | 16–64 |
| Eubacterium lantem ATCC 43055 | 64–256 |
CEFOTAXIME INDICATIONS AND USAGE
Treatment
Cefotaxime for Injection, USP is indicated for the treatment of patients with serious infections caused by susceptible strains of the designated microorganisms in the diseases listed below.
(1) Lower respiratory tract infections, including pneumonia, caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae (formerly Diplococcus pneumoniae), Streptococcus pyogenes
(2) Genitourinary infections. Urinary tract infections caused by Enterococcus species, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus
(3) Gynecologic infections, including pelvic inflammatory disease, endometritis and pelvic cellulitis caused by Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus species, Enterococcus species, Enterobacter species
Cefotaxime, like other cephalosporins, has no activity against Chlamydia trachomatis. Therefore, when cephalosporins are used in the treatment of patients with pelvic inflammatory disease and C. trachomatis is one of the suspected pathogens, appropriate anti-chlamydial coverage should be added.
(4) Bacteremia/Septicemia caused by Escherichia coli, Klebsiella species, and Serratia marcescens, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus species (including S. pneumoniae).
(5) Skin and skin structure infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus (penicillinase and non-penicillinase producing), Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A streptococci) and other streptococci, Enterococcus species, Acinetobacter species
(6) Intra-abdominal infections including peritonitis caused by Streptococcus species
(7) Bone and/or joint infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus (penicillinase and non-penicillinase producing strains), Streptococcus species (including S. pyogenes
(8) Central nervous system infections, e.g., meningitis and ventriculitis, caused by Neisseria meningitidis, Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Klebsiella pneumoniae
Although many strains of enterococci (e.g., S. faecalis) and Pseudomonas species are resistant to cefotaxime sodium in vitro, cefotaxime has been used successfully in treating patients with infections caused by susceptible organisms.
Specimens for bacteriologic culture should be obtained prior to therapy in order to isolate and identify causative organisms and to determine their susceptibilities to cefotaxime. Therapy may be instituted before results of susceptibility studies are known; however, once these results become available, the antibiotic treatment should be adjusted accordingly.
In certain cases of confirmed or suspected gram-positive or gram-negative sepsis or in patients with other serious infections in which the causative organism has not been identified, cefotaxime may be used concomitantly with an aminoglycoside. The dosage recommended in the labeling of both antibiotics may be given and depends on the severity of the infection and the patient's condition. Renal function should be carefully monitored, especially if higher dosages of the aminoglycosides are to be administered or if therapy is prolonged, because of the potential nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity of aminoglycoside antibiotics. It is possible that nephrotoxicity may be potentiated if cefotaxime is used concomitantly with an aminoglycoside.
Prevention
The administration of cefotaxime preoperatively reduces the incidence of certain infections in patients undergoing surgical procedures (e.g., abdominal or vaginal hysterectomy, gastrointestinal and genitourinary tract surgery) that may be classified as contaminated or potentially contaminated.
In patients undergoing cesarean section, intraoperative (after clamping the umbilical cord) and postoperative use of cefotaxime may also reduce the incidence of certain postoperative infections. See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION section.
Effective use for elective surgery depends on the time of administration. To achieve effective tissue levels, cefotaxime should be given 1/2 or 1 1/2 hours before surgery. See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION section.
For patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgery, preoperative bowel preparation by mechanical cleansing as well as with a non-absorbable antibiotic (e.g., neomycin) is recommended.
If there are signs of infection, specimens for culture should be obtained for identification of the causative organism so that appropriate therapy may be instituted.
To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of Cefotaxime for Injection, USP and other antibacterial drugs, Cefotaxime for Injection, USP should be used only to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria. When culture and susceptibility information are available, they should be considered in selecting or modifying antibacterial therapy. In the absence of such data, local epidemiology and susceptibility patterns may contribute to the empiric selection of therapy.
CEFOTAXIME CONTRAINDICATIONS
Cefotaxime for Injection, USP is contraindicated in patients who have shown hypersensitivity to cefotaxime sodium or the cephalosporin group of antibiotics.
WARNINGS
BEFORE THERAPY WITH CEFOTAXIME IS INSTITUTED, CAREFUL INQUIRY SHOULD BE MADE TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE PATIENT HAS HAD PREVIOUS HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTIONS TO CEFOTAXIME SODIUM, CEPHALOSPORINS, PENICILLINS, OR OTHER DRUGS. THIS PRODUCT SHOULD BE GIVEN WITH CAUTION TO PATIENTS WITH TYPE I HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTIONS TO PENICILLIN. ANTIBIOTICS SHOULD BE ADMINISTERED WITH CAUTION TO ANY PATIENT WHO HAS DEMONSTRATED SOME FORM OF ALLERGY, PARTICULARLY TO DRUGS. IF AN ALLERGIC REACTION TO CEFOTAXIME OCCURS, DISCONTINUE TREATMENT WITH THE DRUG. SERIOUS HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTIONS MAY REQUIRE EPINEPHRINE AND OTHER EMERGENCY MEASURES.
During post-marketing surveillance, a potentially life-threatening arrhythmia was reported in each of six patients who received a rapid (less than 60 seconds) bolus injection of cefotaxime through a central venous catheter. Therefore, cefotaxime should only be administered as instructed in the DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION section.
Pseudomembranous colitis has been reported with nearly all antibacterial agents, including cefotaxime, and may range from mild to life threatening. Therefore, it is important to consider its diagnosis in patients with diarrhea subsequent to the administration of antibacterial agents.
Treatment with antibacterial agents alters the normal flora of the colon and may permit overgrowth of Clostridia. Studies indicate that a toxin produced by Clostridium difficile is one primary cause of antibiotic-associated colitis.
After the diagnosis of pesudomembranous colitis has been established, appropriate therapeutic measures should be initiated. Mild cases of colitis may respond to drug discontinuance alone. In moderate to severe cases, consideration should be given to management with fluids and electrolytes, protein supplementation, and tretment with an antibacterial drug clinically effective against Clostridium difficile colitis.
When the colitis is not relieved by drug discontinuance or when it is severe, oral vancomycin is the treatment of choice for antibiotic-associated pseudomembranous colitis produced by C. difficile. Other causes of colitis should also be considered.
PRECAUTIONS
General
Prescribing Cefotaxime for Injection, USP in the absence of a proven or strongly suspected bacterial infection or a prophylactic indication is unlikely to provide benefit to the patient and increases the risk of the development of drug-resistant bacteria.
Cefotaxime for Injection, USP should be prescribed with caution in individuals with a history of gastrointestinal disease, particularly colitis.
Because high and prolonged serum antibiotic concentrations can occur from usual doses in patients with transient or persistent reduction of urinary output because of renal insufficiency, the total daily dosage should be reduced when cefotaxime is administered to such patients. Continued dosage should be determined by degree of renal impairment, severity of infection, and susceptibility of the causative organism.
Although there is no clinical evidence supporting the necessity of changing the dosage of cefotaxime sodium in patients with even profound renal dysfunction, it is suggested that, until further data are obtained, the dose of cefotaxime sodium be halved in patients with estimated creatinine clearances of less than 20 mL/min/1.73 m2.
When only serum creatinine is available, the following formula5 (based on sex, weight, and age of the patient) may be used to convert this value into creatinine clearance. The serum creatinine should represent a steady state of renal function.
Weight (kg) × (140 - age)
Males: 72 × serum creatinine
Females: 0.85 × above value
As with other antibiotics, prolonged use of cefotaxime may result in overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms. Repeated evaluation of the patient's condition is essential. If superinfection occurs during therapy, appropriate measures should be taken.
As with other beta-lactam antibiotics, granulocytopenia and, more rarely, agranulocytosis may develop during treatment with cefotaxime, particularly if given over long periods. For courses of treatment lasting longer than 10 days, blood counts should therefore be monitored.
Cefotaxime, like other parenteral anti-infective drugs, may be locally irritating to tissues. In most cases, perivascular extravasation of cefotaxime responds to changing of the infusion site. In rare instances, extensive perivascular extravasation of cefotaxime may result in tissue damage and require surgical treatment. To minimize the potential for tissue inflammation, infusion sites should be monitored regularly and changed when appropriate.
Information for patients
Patients should be counseled that antibacterial drugs including Ceotaxime for Injection, USP should only be used to treat bacterial infections. They do not treat viral infections (e.g., the common cold). When Cefotaxime for Injection, USP is prescribed to treat a bacterial infection, patients should be told that although it is common to feel better early in the course of therapy, the medication should be taken exactly as directed. Skipping doses or not completing the full course of therapy may (1) decrease the effectiveness of the immediate treatment and (2) increase the likelihood that bacteria will develop resistance and will not be treatable by Cefotaxime for Injection, USP or other antibacterial drugs in the future.
Drug Interactions
Increased nephrotoxicity has been reported following concomitant administration of cephalosporins and aminoglycoside antibiotics.
Drug/Laboratory Test Interactions
Cephalosporins, including cefotaxime sodium, are known to occasionally induce a positive direct Coombs' test.
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis
Lifetime studies in animals to evaluate carcinogenic potential have not been conducted. Cefotaxime was not mutagenic in the mouse micronucleus test or in the Ames' test. Cefotaxime did not impair fertility to rats when administered subcutaneously at doses up to 250 mg/kg/day (0.2 times the maximum recommended human dose based on mg/m2) or in mice when administered intravenously at doses up to 2000 mg/kg/day (0.7 times the recommended human dose based on mg/m2).
Pregnancy
Teratogenic Effects
Pregnancy Category B: Reproduction studies have been performed in pregnant mice given cefotaxime intravenously at doses up to 1200 mg/kg/day (0.4 times the recommended human dose based on mg/m2) or in pregnant rats when administered intravenously at doses up to 1200 mg/kg/day (0.8 times the recommended human dose based on mg/m2). No evidence of embryotoxicity or teratogenicity was seen in these studies. There are no well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Because animal reproductive studies are not always predictive of human response, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.
Nonteratogenic Effects
Use of the drug in women of child-bearing potential requires that the anticipated benefit be weighed against the possible risks.
In perinatal and postnatal studies with rats, the pups in the group given 1200 mg/kg/day of cefotaxime were significantly lighter in weight at birth and remained smaller than pups in the control group during the 21 days of nursing.
Nursing Mothers
Cefotaxime is excreted in human milk in low concentrations. Caution should be exercised when cefotaxime is administered to a nursing woman.
Pediatric Use
See Precautions above regarding perivascular extravasation.
Geriatric Use
Of the 1409 subjects in clinical studies of cefotaxime, 632 (45%) were 65 and over, while 258 (18%) were 75 and over. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between these subjects and younger subjects, and other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients, but greater sensitivity of some older individuals cannot be ruled out.
This drug is known to be substantially excreted by the kidney, and the risk of toxic reactions to this drug may be greater in patients with impaired renal function. Because elderly patients are more likely to have decreased renal function, care should be taken in dose selection, and it may be useful to monitor renal function (see PRECAUTIONS, General ).
CEFOTAXIME ADVERSE REACTIONS
Cefotaxime is generally well tolerated. The most common adverse reactions have been local reactions following IM or IV injection. Other adverse reactions have been encountered infrequently.
The most frequent adverse reactions (greater than 1%) are:
Local (4.3%) - Injection site inflammation with IV administration. Pain, induration, and tenderness after IM injection.
Hypersensitivity (2.4%) - Rash, pruritus, fever, eosinophilia and less frequently urticaria and anaphylaxis.
Gastrointestinal (1.4%) - Colitis, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.
Symptoms of pseudomembranous colitis can appear during or after antibiotic treatment.
Nausea and vomiting have been reported rarely.
Less frequent adverse reactions (less than 1%) are:
Cardiovascular System - Potentially life-threatening arrhythmias following rapid (less than 60 seconds) bolus administration via central venous catheter have been observed.
Hematologic System - Neutropenia, transient leukopenia, eosinophilia, thrombocytopenia and agranulocytosis have been reported. Some individuals have developed positive direct Coombs Tests during treatment with cefotaxime, and other Cephalosporin antibiotics. Rare cases of hemolytic anemia have been reported.
Genitourinary System - Moniliasis, vaginitis.
Central Nervous System - Headache.
Liver - Transient elevations in SGOT, SGPT, serum LDH, and serum alkaline phosphatase levels have been reported. Kidney - As with some other cephalosporins, interstitial nephritis and transient elevations of BUN and creatinine have been occasionally observed with cefotaxime.
Cutaneous - As with other cephalosporins, isolated cases of erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and toxic epidermal necrolysis have been reported.
Cephalosporin Class Labeling
In addition to the adverse reactions listed above which have been observed in patients treated with cefotaxime sodium, the following adverse reactions and altered laboratory tests have been reported for cephalosporin class antibiotics: allergic reactions, hepatic dysfunction including cholestasis, aplastic anemia, hemorrhage, and false-positive test for urinary glucose.
Several cephalosporins have been implicated in triggering seizures, particularly in patients with renal impairment when the dosage was not reduced. See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION and OVERDOSAGE . If seizures associated with drug therapy occur, the drug should be discontinued. Anticonvulsant therapy can be given if clinically indicated.
OVERDOSAGE
The acute toxicity of cefotaxime was evaluated in neonatal and adult mice and rats. Significant mortality was seen at parenteral doses in excess of 6000 mg/kg/day in all groups. Common toxic signs in animals that died were a decrease in spontaneous activity, tonic and clonic convulsions, dyspnea, hypothermia, and cyanosis. Cefotaxime sodium overdosage has occurred in patients. Most cases have shown no overt toxicity. The most frequent reactions were elevations of BUN and creatinine. Patients who receive an acute overdosage should be carefully observed and given supportive treatment.
CEFOTAXIME DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
The intent of this Pharmacy Bulk Package is for the preparation of solutions for intravenous infusion only. Dosing references to the intramuscular route of administration are for informational purposes only.
Adults
Dosage and route of administration should be determined by susceptibility of the causative organisms, severity of the infection, and the condition of the patient (see table for dosage guideline). Cefotaxime for Injection, USP may be administered IM or IV after reconstitution. The maximum daily dosage should not exceed 12 grams.
| Type of Infection | Daily Dose (grams) | Frequency and Route |
|---|---|---|
| Gonococcal urethritis/ cervicitis in males and females |
0.5 | 0.5 gram IM (single dose) |
| Rectal gonorrhea in females | 0.5 | 0.5 gram IM (single dose) |
| Rectal gonorrhea in males | 1 | 1 gram IM (single dose) |
| Uncomplicated infections | 2 | 1 gram every 12 hours IM or IV |
| Moderate to severe infections | 3–6 | 1–2 grams every 8 hours IM or IV |
| Infections commonly needing antibiotics in higher dosage (e.g., septicemia) |
6–8 | 2 grams every 6–8 hours IV |
| Life-threatening infections | up to 12 | 2 grams every 4 hours IV |
If C. trachomatis is a suspected pathogen, appropriate anti-chlamydial coverage should be added, because cefotaxime sodium has no activity against this organism.
To prevent postoperative infection in contaminated or potentially contaminated surgery, the recommended dose is a single 1 gram IM or IV administered 30 to 90 minutes prior to start of surgery.
Cesarean Section Patients
The first dose of 1 gram is administered intravenously as soon as the umbilical cord is clamped. The second and third doses should be given as 1 gram intravenously or intramuscularly at 6 and 12 hours after the first dose.
Neonates, Infants, and Children
The following dosage schedule is recommended:
Neonates (birth to 1 month):
0–1 week of age 50 mg/kg per dose every 12 hours IV
1–4 weeks of age 50 mg/kg per dose every 8 hours IV
It is not necessary to differentiate between premature and normal-gestational age infants.
Infants and Children (1 month to 12 years):
For body weights less than 50 kg, the recommended daily dose is 50 to 180 mg/kg IM or IV body weight divided into four to six equal doses. The higher dosages should be used for more severe or serious infections, including meningitis. For body weights 50 kg or more, the usual adult dosage should be used; the maximum daily dosage should not exceed 12 grams.
Geriatric Use
This drug is known to be substantially excreted by the kidney, and the risk of toxic reactions to this drug may be greater in patients with impaired renal function. Because elderly patients are more likely to have decreased renal function, care should be taken in dose selection, and it may be useful to monitor renal function. (See PRECAUTIONS, General and PRECAUTIONS, Geriatric Use .)
Impaired Renal Function
see PRECAUTIONS, General.
NOTE: As with antibiotic therapy in general, administration of cefotaxime should be continued for a minimum of 48 to 72 hours after the patient defervesces or after evidence of bacterial eradication has been obtained; a minimum of 10 days of treatment is recommended for infections caused by Group A beta-hemolytic streptococci in order to guard against the risk of rheumatic fever or glomerulonephritis; frequent bacteriologic and clinical appraisal is necessary during therapy of chronic urinary tract infection and may be required for several months after therapy has been completed; persistent infections may require treatment of several weeks and doses smaller than those indicated above should not be used.
The 10 gram Pharmacy Bulk Package should be penetrated ONLY ONE TIME utilizing a suitable sterile transfer device or dispensing set and should be reconstituted with 47 mL of diluent for an approximate concentration of 200 mg/mL (withdrawable volume 52.0 mL) or 97 mL of diluent or an approximate concentration of 100 mg/mL (withdrawable volume 102.0 mL), in a suitable work area such as a laminar flow hood, using septic technique. Shake to dissolve; inspect for particulate matter and discoloration prior to use. Stock solutions may be further diluted for IV infusion with diluents as listed in COMPATIBILITY AND STABILITY section. The reconstituted content of the 10 g Pharmacy Bulk Package should be withdrawn immediately, using a suitable sterile transfer device or dispensing set which allows measured dispensing of the contents. However, if it is not possible, aliquoting operations must be completed within four hours o reconstitution. Discard the reconstituted stock solution 4 hours after initial entry. Solutions of cefotaxime range from very pale yellow to light amber, depending on concentration, diluent used, and length and condition of storage.
Reconstituted Bulk Solutions Should Not Be Used For Direct Infusion
NOTE: Solutions of cefotaxime must not be admixed with aminoglycoside solutions. If cefotaxime and aminoglycosides are to be administered to the same patient, they must be administered separately and not as mixed injection.
A SOLUTION OF 1G CEFOTAXIME FOR INJECTION IN 14 ML OF STERILE WATER FOR INJECTION IS ISOTONIC.
IM Administration
As with all IM preparations, cefotaxime should be injected well within the body of a relatively large muscle such as the upper outer quadrant of the buttock (i.e., gluteus maximus); aspiration is necessary to avoid inadvertent injection into a blood vessel. Individual IM doses of 2 grams may be given if the dose is divided and is admiistered in different intramuscular sites.
IV Administration
The IV route is preferable for patients with bacteremia, bacterial septicemia, peritonitis, meningitis, or other severe or life-threatening infections, or for patients who may be poor risks because of lowered resistance resulting from such debilitating conditions as malnutrition, trauma, surgery, diabetes, heart failure, or malignancy, particularly if shock is present or impending.
For intermittent IV administration, a solution containing 1 gram or 2 grams in 10 mL of Sterile Water for Injection can be injected over a period of three to five minutes. Cefotaxime should not be administered over a period of less than three minutes. (See WARNINGS). With an infusion system, it may also be given over a longer period of time through the tubing system by which the patient may be receiving other IV solutions. However, during infusion of the solution containing cefotaxime, it is advisable to discontinue temporarily the administration of other solutions at the same site.
For the administration of higher doses by continuous IV infusion, a solution of cefotaxime may be added to IV bottles containing the solutions discussed below.
Compatibility and Stability
Solutions of cefotaxime reconstituted as described above ( DIRECTIONS FOR PROPER USE OF PHARMACY BULK PACKAGE ) should be discarded 4 hours after initial entry.
Reconstituted solutions may be further diluted up to 1000 mL with the following solutions and maintain satisfactory potency for 24 hours at or below 22°C, and at least 5 days under refrigeration (at or below 5°C): 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection; 5 or 10% Dextrose Injection; 5% Dextrose and 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, 5% Dextrose and 0.45% Sodium Chloride Injection; 5% Dextrose and 0.2% Sodium Chloride Injection; Lactated Ringer's Solution; Sodium Lactate Injection (M/6); 10% Invert Sugar Injection, 8.5% TRAVASOL® (Amino Acid) Injection without Electrolytes.
NOTE: Cefotaxime solutions exhibit maximum stability in the pH 5–7 range. Solutions of cefotaxime should not be prepared with diluents having a pH above 7.5, such as Sodium Bicarbonate Injection.
Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit.
HOW SUPPLIED
Cefotaxime for Injection, USP in Pharmacy Bulk Packages, is a dry off-white to pale yellow crystalline powder supplied in vials and bottles containing cefotaxime sodium as follows:
10 g Cefotaxime (free acid equivalent) in bottles, packages of 1. PHARMACY BULK PACKAGE - NOT FOR DIRECT ADMINISTRATION.
Also available as:
500 mg cefotaxime (free acid equivalent) in vials in packages of 10.
1 g cefotaxime (free acid equivalent) in vials in packages of 25.
2 g cefotaxime (free acid equivalent) in vials in packages of 25.
NOTE: Cefotaxime for injection in the dry state should be stored at 20-25°C (68-77°F) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature]. The dry material as well as solutions tend to darken depending on storage conditions and should be protected from elevated temperatures and excessive light.
REFERENCES
- 1)Richmond, M. H. and Sykes R. B.: The β-Lactamases of Gram-Negative Bacteria and their Possible Physiological Role, Advances in Microbial Physiology 9:31–88, 1973.
- 2)National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards. Methods for Dilution Antimicrobial Susceptibility Tests for Bacteria that Grow Aerobically - Third Edition. Approved Standard NCCLS Document M7-A3, Vol. 13, No. 25, NCCLS, Villanova, PA, December, 1993.
- 3)National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards. Performance Standard for Antimicrobial Disk Susceptibility Tests - Fifth Edition. Approved Standard NCCLS Document M2-A5, Vol. 13, No. 24, NCCLS, Villanova, PA, December, 1993.
- 4)National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards. Methods for Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing of Anaerobic Bacteria - Third Edition. Approved Standard NCCLS Document M11-A3, NCCLS, Villanova, PA, December, 1993.
- 5)Cockcroft, D.W. and Gault, M.H.: Prediction of Creatinine Clearance from Serum Creatinine, Nephron 16:31–41, 1976.
*Travasol® Manufactured by Clintec
Distributed by:
West-ward Pharmaceutical Corp.
Eatontown, NJ 07724
Manufactured by:
Hikma Farmaceutica (Portugal) S.A.
Estrada do Rio da M6, 8, 8A e 8B, Fervenca
2705-906 Terrugem SNT, Portugal
Iss. Jun 2006
PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL
CefotaximeCefotaxime INJECTION
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