In this Article

• What is cefotaxime (Claforan)?
• What are the possible side effects of cefotaxime (Claforan)?
• What is the most important information I should know about cefotaxime (Claforan)?
• What should I discuss with my health care provider before using cefotaxime (Claforan)?
• How should I use cefotaxime (Claforan)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Claforan)?
• What happens if I overdose (Claforan)?
• What should I avoid while using cefotaxime (Claforan)?
• What other drugs will affect cefotaxime (Claforan)?
• Where can I get more information?

What should I discuss with my health care provider before using cefotaxime (Claforan)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to cefotaxime, or to other cephalosporin antibiotics, such as:

• cefaclor (Raniclor);
• cefadroxil (Duricef);
• cefazolin (Ancef);
• cefdinir (Omnicef);
• cefditoren (Spectracef);
• cefpodoxime (Vantin);
• cefprozil (Cefzil);
• ceftibuten (Cedax);
• cefuroxime (Ceftin);
• cephalexin (Keflex); or
• cephradine (Velosef).

To make sure you can safely use cefotaxime, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• allergy to penicillin;
• kidney disease;
• liver disease;
• a stomach or intestinal disorder such as colitis;
• diabetes; or
• a heart rhythm disorder.

FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

Cefotaxime can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use cefotaxime (Claforan)?

Cefotaxime is injected into a muscle or into a vein through an IV. It is sometimes given through a central IV line placed into a large vein in your chest. You may be shown how to use an IV at home. Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of used needles, IV tubing, and other items used to inject the medicine.

Cefotaxime must be mixed with a liquid (diluent) before using it. If you are using the injections at home, be sure you understand how to properly mix and store the medication.

Use a disposable needle only once. Throw away used needles in a puncture-proof container (ask your pharmacist where you can get one and how to dispose of it). Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.

Use this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Cefotaxime will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

This medication can cause unusual results with certain lab tests for glucose (sugar) in the urine. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using cefotaxime.

If your medicine is frozen when you receive it, keep it frozen until you are ready to use the medicine. It is best to store the medicine in a deep freezer at a temperature of 4 degrees below 0.

To use the medicine, thaw it in a refrigerator or at room temperature. Do not warm in a microwave or boiling water. Keep thawed medicine in the refrigerator and use it within 10 days after thawing it. Do not refreeze thawed medicine.