Cefotaxime
General Information
Third generation cephalosporin antibiotic
Do NOT use if patient has a history of severe penicillin allergy. If in doubt, discuss with Micro/ID.
Formulary antimicrobial: Use in accordance with Trust guidelines
AWaRe antibiotic classification: 'Watch'. Use as per guidelines. All other indications to be discussed with Micro/ID.
For all information regarding interactions, contraception, pregnancy and breastfeeding and additional information, see BNF.
Dosing
| Intravenous dose | |
| Standard dose | 1g BD-TDS |
| Severe infection |
2g QDS (Maximum 12g per day) |
Obesity
No dose adjustment required
Renal and hepatic impairment
Renal impairment
|
eGFR (mL/min/1.73m2) |
Dose |
|
5 and above |
Dose as in normal renal function |
|
Less than 5 |
Initial dose of 1g then use half normal dose and keep frequency the same |
|
HD/HDF/High Flux |
Dialysed; give post-dialysis on dialysis days Dose as in eGFR less than 5 mL/min/1.73m2 |
|
PD |
Not dialysed Dose as in eGFR less than 5 mL/min/1.73m2 |
Hepatic impairment
No dose adjustment required.
References
- Bowmed Ibisqus Limited. Cefotaxime 500mg powder for solution for injection/infusion vials summary of product characteristics. Electronic medicines compendium. Last revision of the text 25/6/24. Accessed via www.medicines.org.uk Accessed 5/3/26.
- British National Formulary. Cefotaxime. BNF online accessed via www.medicinescomplete.com Accessed 5/3/26.
- The Renal Drug Database. Cefotaxime. Last updated 29/10/24. Accessed via https://renaldrugdatabase.com Accessed 5/3/26.
- All-Wales Antimicrobial Pharmacists’ Group (2022) Antimicrobial dosing in extremes of body weight in adults. Accessed 5/3/26.
- Sanford guide [online]. Cefotaxime. Last updated 2/12/25. Accessed via https://webedition.sanfordguide.com Accessed 5/3/26.