Cefotaxime 250 mg

Cefotaxime 250 mg — Uses and Benefits

Cefotaxime 250 mg is used to treat infections caused by susceptible bacteria in different parts of the body.

WHAT THIS MEDICINE IS USED FOR

• Respiratory tract infections such as pneumonia and bronchitis
• Urinary tract infections
• Skin and soft tissue infections
• Bone and joint infections
• Infections of the abdomen (in combination with other antibiotics)
• Meningitis caused by susceptible bacteria
• Gonorrhoea
• Septicaemia (blood infection)
• Prevention of infection during certain surgeries

HOW IT WORKS

• Cefotaxime belongs to a class of antibiotics called third-generation cephalosporins
• It works by stopping bacteria from building their protective cell wall
• Without a proper cell wall, bacteria cannot survive and are destroyed

WHAT IT IS NOT USED FOR

• Viral infections such as common cold, flu, or most sore throats
• Fungal infections
• As a general pain reliever
• Self-treatment without a doctor's prescription

How to Use Cefotaxime 250 mg

HOW TO TAKE IT

• This medicine is given as an injection into a vein or muscle, usually by a doctor or nurse in a hospital or clinic
• It is not meant to be taken by mouth
• Use exactly as prescribed by your doctor, at the frequency and duration advised
• Complete the full course even if you start feeling better, unless your doctor tells you otherwise
• Do not stop the treatment early as this can lead to the infection returning or becoming resistant to treatment

IF YOU MISS A DOSE

• Since this is usually administered in a hospital or clinical setting, missed doses are uncommon
• If you miss a scheduled dose, contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible to reschedule
• Do not try to self-administer a double dose to make up for a missed one

STORAGE

• Store as directed by your pharmacist or healthcare facility, usually in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
• Keep out of reach of children
• Prepared injection solutions should be used promptly as advised by the healthcare provider
• Do not use if the vial appears discoloured or has particles in it

Cefotaxime 250 mg — Side Effects

COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Pain, redness or swelling at the injection site
• Nausea
• Diarrhoea
• Rash

LESS COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Vomiting
• Abdominal discomfort
• Headache
• Vaginal itching or discharge (due to changes in normal flora)
• Changes in blood tests (liver enzymes)

SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS — STOP AND SEE A DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY

• Signs of severe allergic reaction such as swelling of face, lips or throat, difficulty breathing
• Severe or watery diarrhoea (may indicate a serious gut infection)
• Yellowing of skin or eyes
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Seizures or confusion
• Severe skin reactions with blistering or peeling

This is not a complete list. Report any unusual or persistent symptom to your doctor or pharmacist.

Cefotaxime 250 mg — Safety Information and Precautions

This is a prescription-only medicine in India and should only be used under medical supervision.

DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE IF YOU

• Are allergic to cefotaxime or other cephalosporin antibiotics
• Have had a severe allergic reaction to penicillin antibiotics in the past (cross-reaction is possible)

TELL YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE STARTING IF YOU

• Have kidney disease
• Have a history of gastrointestinal disease, especially colitis
• Are pregnant or planning pregnancy
• Are breastfeeding
• Have any known drug allergies

MEDICINES THAT CAN INTERACT

• Probenecid, which can increase levels of cefotaxime in the body
• Other antibiotics such as aminoglycosides, which may increase risk of kidney effects
• Blood thinners such as warfarin
• Any other medicines you are currently taking, including supplements

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I take this medicine at home?

Usually no, as it is given as an injection by a healthcare professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

Will this medicine work against viral infections like cold or flu?

No, this medicine only works against bacterial infections and has no effect on viruses.

Can I stop the medicine once I feel better?

• No, you should complete the full course as prescribed by your doctor to prevent the infection from returning or becoming resistant.
• Doctor ya pharmacist se salah lein.