Disclaimer to the Online Edition
This Manual has been designed for use in the NICU at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC), London, Ontario, Canada, and represents clinical practice at this institution. The information contained within the Manual may not be applicable to other centres. If users of this Manual are not familiar with a drug, it is recommended that the official monograph be consulted before it is prescribed and administered. Any user of this information is advised that the contributors, Editor and LHSC are not responsible for any errors or omissions, and / or any consequences arising from the use of the information in this Manual.
CefoTAXIME
Indication
- A third-generation cephalosporin used in the treatment of documented or suspected late onset sepsis or meningitis caused by susceptible organisms (E. coli, Klebsiella, Proteus and ampicillin resistant H. influenza) and for Gram-negative coverage of early onset sepsis or meningitis in patients in whom it is preferable not to use an aminoglycoside.
- Not effective for infections caused by Enterococcus or Pseudomonas.
Dosage Guidelines
Sepsis:
Postnatal Age | Dose |
0 to 7 days | 50 mg/kg/dose IV/IM q12 hours |
Greater than 7 days to 28 days | 50 mg/kg/dose IV/IM q8 hours |
Greater than 28 days | 50 mg/kg/dose IV/IM q6 hours |
Meningitis:
- 50 mg/kg/dose IV q6 hours for all ages.
Administration
- IV intermittent slow infusion over 30 minutes
- To make 20 mL of a 50 mg/mL solution:
- Reconstitution: add 9.5 mL sterile water for injection to 1 g vial (concentration = 100 mg/mL)
- Draw up 10 mL of the 100 mg/mL reconstituted solution,
- Add to 10 mL of normal saline to make a total volume of 20 mL (Final concentration = 50 mg/mL)
- IM (if no IV available)
Adverse Effects
- Rare, but include rash, fever (hypersensitivity reactions), phlebitis, diarrhea, vomiting (GI effects), hematological effects (thrombocytopenia, neutropenia), transient increase in liver enzymes
- Increased risk of candidiasis
Comments
- Reduce dose frequency in renal impairment
Supplied As
- 1 g vial
- 50 mg/mL syringe, prepared by Pharmacy