Cefotaxime

The Basics

What is Cefotaxime?

Used to treat bacterial infections including pneumonia; gonorrhea; meningitis; and abdominal, female reproductive organs, skin, blood, bone, joint, and urinary tract infections.

Brand names for Cefotaxime

Claforan

How Cefotaxime is classified

Anti-Infective Agents, Antibacterial Agents, Cephalosporins

Cefotaxime During Pregnancy

Cefotaxime pregnancy category

Category BNote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.

What we know about taking Cefotaxime while pregnant

Reproduction studies have been performed in pregnant mice given CLAFORAN intravenously at doses up to 1200 mg/kg/day (0.4 times the recommended human dose based on mg/m²) 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/m²). No evidence of embryotoxicity or teratogenicity was seen in these studies. Although cefotaxime has been reported to cross the placental barrier and appear in cord blood, the effect on the human fetus is not known. There are no well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Because animal reproductive studies are not always predictive of human response, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.

Taking Cefotaxime While Breastfeeding

What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Cefotaxime?

Limited information indicates that cefotaxime produces low levels in milk that are not expected to cause adverse effects in breastfed infants. Occasionally disruption of the infant’s gastrointestinal flora, resulting in diarrhea or thrush have been reported with cephalosporins, but these effects have not been adequately evaluated. Cefotaxime is acceptable in nursing mothers.

Maternal / infant drug levels

Limited information indicates that cefotaxime produces low levels in milk that are not expected to cause adverse effects in breastfed infants. Occasionally disruption of the infant’s gastrointestinal flora, resulting in diarrhea or thrush have been reported with cephalosporins, but these effects have not been adequately evaluated. Cefotaxime is acceptable in nursing mothers.

Possible effects of Cefotaxime on milk supply

Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Possible alternatives to Cefotaxime

None listed