Cefotaxime

DRUG INFORMATION

  ADULT
    - For intravenous use: Reconstitute VIALS with at least 10 mL of Sterile Water for
      Injection.
      Source: US FDA label for cefotaxime (Cefotaxime), section 'dosage and
      administration', retrieved 2026-08-29
    - 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.
      Source: US FDA label for cefotaxime (Cefotaxime), section 'dosage and
      administration', retrieved 2026-08-29
    - 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 may be administered IM or IV
      after reconstitution. The maximum daily dosage should not exceed 12 grams.
      Source: US FDA label for cefotaxime (Cefotaxime), section 'dosage and
      administration', retrieved 2026-08-29

  CHILD
    - 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 may be administered IM or IV
      after reconstitution. The maximum daily dosage should not exceed 12 grams.
      Source: US FDA label for cefotaxime (Cefotaxime), section 'dosage and
      administration', retrieved 2026-08-29
    - 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.
      Source: US FDA label for cefotaxime (Cefotaxime), section 'dosage and
      administration', retrieved 2026-08-29
    - 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.
      Source: US FDA label for cefotaxime (Cefotaxime), section 'dosage and
      administration', retrieved 2026-08-29

  RENAL IMPAIRMENT
    - No kidney-impairment dose in this label. Not a statement that none is needed.
      Source: Read and found silent: the US FDA label for cefotaxime (Cefotaxime),
      retrieved 2026-08-29

  HEPATIC IMPAIRMENT
    - No liver-impairment dose in this label. Not a statement that none is needed.
      Source: Read and found silent: the US FDA label for cefotaxime (Cefotaxime),
      retrieved 2026-08-29

  PREGNANCY
    - Teratogenic Effects 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/m 2 ) 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/m 2 ).
      Source: US FDA label for cefotaxime (Cefotaxime), section 'pregnancy', retrieved
      2026-08-29
    - No evidence of embryotoxicity or teratogenicity was seen in these studies.
      Source: US FDA label for cefotaxime (Cefotaxime), section 'pregnancy', retrieved
      2026-08-29
    - Although cefotaxime has been reported to cross the placental barrier and appear in
      cord blood, the effect on the human fetus is not known.
      Source: US FDA label for cefotaxime (Cefotaxime), section 'pregnancy', retrieved
      2026-08-29

  BREASTFEEDING   [ CAUTION ]
    The label allows it only when the benefit is judged to outweigh the risk. Read the
      quote below.
    - Cefotaxime is excreted in human milk in low concentrations.
      Source: US FDA label for cefotaxime (Cefotaxime), section 'nursing mothers',
      retrieved 2026-08-29
    - Caution should be exercised when cefotaxime is administered to a nursing woman.
      Source: US FDA label for cefotaxime (Cefotaxime), section 'nursing mothers',
      retrieved 2026-08-29