Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Cefotaxime is a prescription-only antibiotic that must be administered by a qualified healthcare professional. Dosage and use must be determined by a physician.
Cefotaxime in Egypt: A Complete Guide to All Brands (Cefotax®, Foxime®, etc.)
Understanding the Different Brands and Preparations
The powerful injectable antibiotic, Cefotaxime, is available in Egypt from several pharmaceutical companies under different brand names and in various strengths. While the core medication is the same, it's important to know the specific brands and their manufacturers to avoid confusion.
1. E.I.P.I.CO.
- Brand Name: Cefotax®
- Available Preparations (Vials for IM/IV Injection): 250 mg, 500 mg, 1 g, 2 g.
2. UP Pharma (United Pharmaceutical)
- Brand Name: Cefotax UP Pharma
- Available Preparations (Vials for IM/IV Injection): 250 mg, 500 mg, 1 g, 2 g.
3. Eva Pharma
- Brand Name: Cefotaxime - Eva Pharma
- Available Preparations (Vials for IM/IV Injection): 0.5 g (500 mg), 1 g, 2 g.
4. Tabuk Health Care
- Brand Name: Foxime®
- Available Preparations (Vials for Injection): 1 g (IM/IV).
5. Al Ansar for Marketing
- Brand Name: Foxime®
- Available Preparations (Vials for IM/IV Injection): 500 mg.
The following medical information applies to all the brands listed above as they all contain Cefotaxime as the active ingredient.
General Medical Information for Cefotaxime
Category: Broad-Spectrum Third-Generation Cephalosporin Antibiotic
Active Ingredient: Cefotaxime (as sodium salt)
Summary
Cefotaxime is a potent, broad-spectrum, third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic administered by injection to treat a wide variety of serious bacterial infections. Its key advantages include high stability against beta-lactamase enzymes (a common bacterial defense mechanism) and excellent activity against a wide range of Gram-negative bacteria, making it a crucial tool for treating severe infections in a hospital setting.
Mechanism of Action: How Cefotaxime Works
Cefotaxime works by inhibiting the synthesis of the bacterial cell wall. This action is bactericidal (kills bacteria). Unlike earlier generations of cephalosporins, it is highly resistant to being broken down by beta-lactamase enzymes produced by many resistant bacteria. This allows it to effectively target a broader spectrum of pathogens, especially difficult-to-treat Gram-negative organisms like E. coli, Klebsiella, and Enterobacter.
Therapeutic Indications: When is Cefotaxime Used?
Cefotaxime is indicated for the treatment of serious infections caused by susceptible organisms, including:
- Lower Respiratory Tract Infections: Including pneumonia.
- Genitourinary Tract Infections: Complicated UTIs, pyelonephritis.
- Central Nervous System (CNS) Infections: Such as meningitis and ventriculitis.
- Bacteremia / Septicemia: Bloodstream infections.
- Intra-abdominal Infections: Including peritonitis.
- Bone and Joint Infections.
- Gynecological Infections: Such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
- Perioperative Prophylaxis: To prevent infections during and after surgery (e.g., Caesarian section).
Dosage and Administration
Important: Dosage is determined by the physician based on the type and severity of the infection, patient's age, weight, and renal function. The maximum daily dosage for adults should not exceed 12 grams.
- Adults (Moderate to Severe Infections): 1-2 grams every 6-8 hours via IV or deep IM injection.
- Life-Threatening Infections: May require up to 2 grams every 4 hours IV.
- Gonorrhea (uncomplicated): A single dose of 0.5 g or 1 g IM is often used.
- Pediatrics: Dosage is calculated based on age and body weight (e.g., 50-180 mg/kg/day in divided doses).
- Renal Impairment: The dose must be reduced in patients with severely impaired kidney function.
The medication must be reconstituted with a sterile diluent (like sterile water for injection) before administration.
Key Contraindications and Precautions
- Contraindications: Strictly contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to cephalosporins.
- Penicillin Allergy: Great care must be taken if administering to penicillin-sensitive patients due to the risk of cross-allergy.
- Drug Interactions:
- Aminoglycosides: Co-administration may increase the risk of nephrotoxicity (kidney damage). Renal function should be monitored.
- Probenecid: Reduces the renal clearance of Cefotaxime, leading to higher and more prolonged blood levels.
- Colitis: Use with caution in patients with a history of gastrointestinal disease, particularly colitis.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What makes Cefotaxime a "third-generation" cephalosporin?
- Third-generation cephalosporins like Cefotaxime have a significantly expanded spectrum of activity against Gram-negative bacteria and are more resistant to beta-lactamase enzymes compared to first and second-generation agents. This makes them effective for more serious infections.
- Why must Cefotaxime be given by injection?
- Cefotaxime is not absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, so it cannot be taken orally. It must be administered via intramuscular (IM) or intravenous (IV) injection to reach the bloodstream and the site of infection effectively.
- Can Cefotaxime be mixed with other antibiotics in the same syringe?
- No. Specifically, it should not be admixed with aminoglycoside solutions (like Gentamicin or Amikacin). If both are prescribed, they must be administered separately.
Sources
- Cefotaxime Professional Information - Drugs.com
- Cefotaxime - StatPearls, NCBI
- Official Product Leaflet for Cefotax®.
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