1 May 2026Injectable drugs
Cefotaxime injectable
Cefotaxime guidance for meningitis, urinary infection, pneumonia, and gonococcal conjunctivitis, with neonatal dosing included.
Prescription under medical supervision
This guide page is for structured reference only and does not replace a clinician, pharmacist, or emergency review. Dose choice, route choice, interactions, and safety decisions still need professional judgment.
Therapeutic action
Third-generation cephalosporin antibacterial.
Indications
- Bacterial meningitis, in combination with another antibacterial.
- Urinary infection.
- Pneumonia.
- Gonococcal conjunctivitis, if ceftriaxone is not available or contraindicated.
Forms and strengths, route of administration
In neonates, cefotaxime is used as specified below.
- Powder for injection, in 250 mg and 500 mg vials, to be dissolved in 2 ml water for injection, for IM or slow IV injection or IV infusion in 0.9% sodium chloride or 5% glucose.
Dose
Meningitis, urinary infection, pneumonia
- 0 to 7 days under 2 kg: 50 mg/kg every 12 hours.
- 0 to 7 days 2 kg and over: 50 mg/kg every 8 hours.
- 8 days to under 1 month: 50 mg/kg every 8 hours.
Gonococcal conjunctivitis
- 100 mg/kg IM single dose.
Duration
Depending on indication and clinical response.
Contra-indications, adverse effects, precautions
- Once reconstituted, the solution must be used immediately.
- Do not administer to patients allergic to cephalosporins or penicillins.
- Administer with caution and reduce dosage in patients with renal impairment.
- Avoid or monitor combination with other nephrotoxic drugs.
- May cause gastrointestinal disturbances, haematological disorders, heart rhythm disorders if IV injection is too fast, allergic reactions, and cutaneous reactions sometimes severe.
- Do not mix with other drugs in the same syringe or bottle.
Source
MSF Essential drugs practical guidelines (January 2026)
This page reproduces the structured reference information for this batch while leaving out the Storage and Remarks sections.
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