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In this Article

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

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

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

• cefaclor (Ceclor);
• cefadroxil (Duricef);
• cefdinir (Omnicef);
• cefditoren (Spectracef);
• cefixime (Suprax);
• cefprozil (Cefzil);
• ceftazidime (Fortaz);
• cefuroxime (Ceftin);
• cephalexin (Keflex); and others.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs (especially penicillins), or if you have:

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

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use cefotaxime, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

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 injection (Claforan)?

Cefotaxime is given as an injection into a muscle or a vein. It is sometimes given through a central IV line placed into a large vein in your chest.

Your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider will give you this injection. You may be given instructions on how to use your injections at home. Do not use this medicine at home if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of needles, syringes, IV tubing, and other items used in giving the medicine.

Use the medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the instructions on your prescription label.

You will need to mix cefotaxime 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 each disposable needle only one time. 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 entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Cefotaxime is usually given for up to 3 days after lab tests show that the infection has cleared. Very severe infections may need to be treated for several weeks.

This medication can cause you to have unusual results with certain lab tests to check 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.