CEFOTAXIME  - cefotaxime sodium injection, powder, for solution 
Pfizer Laboratories, Division of Pfizer Inc

----------

cefotaxime for Injection, USP

PHARMACY BULK PACKAGE-NOT FOR DIRECT INFUSION


To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of cefotaxime sodium and other antibacterial drugs, cefotaxime sodium should be used only to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by bacteria.

DESCRIPTION


Sterile cefotaxime sodium is a semisynthetic, broad spectrum cephalosporin antibiotic for parenteral administration. It is the sodium salt of 7-[2-(2-amino-4-thiazolyl) glyoxylamido]-3-(hydroxymethyl)-8-oxo-5-thia-1-azabicyclo [4.2.0] oct-2-ene-2-carboxylate 72 (Z)-(o-methyloxime), acetate (ester). Cefotaxime sodium contains approximately 50.5 mg (2.2 mEq) of sodium per gram of cefotaxime activity. Solutions of cefotaxime range from very pale yellow to light amber depending on the concentration and the diluent used. The pH of the injectable solutions usually ranges from 5 to 7.5.
Chemical Structure

Cefotaxime for injection is supplied as a dry powder in 10 gram Pharmacy Bulk Packages. Each Pharmacy Bulk Package bottle contains Cefotaxime sodium equivalent to 10 grams of cefotaxime. This Pharmacy Bulk Package is intended for intravenous use.
 
A Pharmacy Bulk Package is a container of a sterile preparation for parenteral use that contains many single doses.  The contents are intended for use in a pharmacy admixture program and are restricted to the preparation of admixtures for intravenous infusion. RECONSTITUTED STOCK SOLUTION MUST BE TRANSFERRED AND FURTHER DILUTED FOR I.V. INFUSION.

CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY


There was a dose-dependent increase in serum levels after the IV administration of 500 mg, 1 g, and 2 g of cefotaxime (38.9, 101.7, and 214.4 mcg/mL respectively) without alteration in the elimination half-life. There is no evidence of accumulation following repetitive IV infusion of 1 g doses every 6 hours for 14 days as there are no alterations of serum or renal clearance. About 60% of the administered dose was recovered from urine during the first 6 hours following the start of the infusion.
 
Approximately 20 to 36% of an intravenously administered dose of 14C-cefotaxime is excreted by the kidney as unchanged cefotaxime and 15 to 25% as the desacetyl derivative, the major metabolite. The desacetyl metabolite has been shown to contribute to the bactericidal activity. Two other urinary metabolites (M2 and M3) account for about 20 to 25%. They lack bactericidal activity. 
 
A single 50 mg/kg dose of cefotaxime was administered as an intravenous infusion over a 10- to 15-minute period to 29 newborn infants grouped according to birth weight and age. The mean half-life of cefotaxime in infants with lower birth weights (≤1500 grams), regardless of age, was longer (4.6 hours) than the mean half-life (3.4 hours) in infants whose birth weight was greater than 1500 grams. Mean serum clearance was also smaller in the lower birth weight infants. Although the differences in mean half-life values are statistically significant for weight, they are not clinically important. Therefore, dosage should be based solely on age. (See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION section.)
 
Additionally, no disulfiram-like reactions were reported in a study conducted in 22 healthy volunteers administered cefotaxime and ethanol.

Microbiology


The bactericidal activity of cefotaxime sodium results from inhibition of cell wall synthesis. Cefotaxime sodium has in vitro activity against a wide range of gram-positive and gram-negative organisms. Cefotaxime sodium has a high degree of stability in the presence of β-lactamases, both penicillinases and cephalosporinases, of gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. Cefotaxime sodium has been shown to be active against most strains of the following microorganisms both in vitro and in clinical infections as described in the INDICATIONS AND USAGE section. 

Aerobes, Gram-positive


Enterococcus spp.
Staphylococcus aureus*, including β-lactamase-positive and negative strains
Staphylococcus epidermidis  
Streptococcus pneumoniae  
Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A beta-hemolytic streptococci)
Streptococcus spp.

*Staphylococci which are resistant to methicillin/oxacillin must be considered resistant to cefotaxime sodium. 

Aerobes, Gram-negative


Acinetobacter spp.
Citrobacter spp.
Enterobacter spp.
Escherichia coli  
Haemophilus influenzae (including ampicillin-resistant strains)
Haemophilus parainfluenzae  
Klebsiella spp. (including Klebsiella pneumoniae)
Morganella morganii  
Neisseria gonorrhoeae (including β-lactamase-positive and negative strains)
Neisseria meningitidis
Proteus mirabilis  
Proteus vulgaris  
Providencia rettgeri  
Providencia stuartii  
Serratia marcescens 

NOTE:
Many strains of the above organisms that are multiply resistant to other antibiotics, e.g., penicillins, cephalosporins, and aminoglycosides, are susceptible to cefotaxime sodium. Cefotaxime sodium is active against some strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. 

Anaerobes


Bacteroides spp., including some strains of Bacteroides fragilis 
Clostridium spp. (Note: Most strains of Clostridium difficile are resistant.)
Fusobacterium spp. (Including Fusobacterium nucleatum).
Peptococcus spp.
Peptostreptococcus spp.

Cefotaxime sodium also demonstrates in vitro activity against the following microorganisms but the clinical significance is unknown. Cefotaxime sodium exhibits in vitro minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 8 mcg/mL or less against most (≥90%) strains of the following microorganisms; however, the safety and effectiveness of cefotaxime sodium in treating clinical infections due to these microorganisms have not been established in adequate and well-controlled clinical trials: 

Aerobes, Gram-negative


Providencia spp.
Salmonella spp. (including Salmonella typhi)
Shigella spp.
 
Cefotaxime sodium is highly stable in vitro to four of the five major classes of 5-lactamases described by Richmond et al.1, including type IIIa (TEM) which is produced by many gram-negative bacteria. The drug is also stable to β-lactamase (penicillinase) produced by staphylococci. In addition, cefotaxime sodium shows high affinity for penicillin-binding proteins in the cell wall, including PBP: Ib and III.
 
Cefotaxime sodium and aminoglycosides have been shown to be synergistic in vitro against some strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa but the clinical significance is unknown.

Susceptibility Tests

Dilution techniques


Quantitative methods that are used to determine minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) provide reproducible estimates of the susceptibility of bacteria to antimicrobial compounds. One such standardized procedure uses a standardized dilution method1 (broth or agar) or equivalent with cefotaxime sodium powder. The MIC values obtained should be interpreted according to the following criteria:
 
When testing organismsa other than Haemophilus spp., Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and Streptococcus spp.
   MIC (mcg/mL)      Interpretation   
≤8
16-32
≥64
Susceptible (S)
Intermediate (I)
Resistant (R)

When testing Haemophilus spp.b 
   MIC (mcg/mL)      Interpretationc   
≤2
Susceptible (S)

When testing Streptococcusd  
   MIC (mcg/mL)      Interpretation   
≤0.5
1
≥2
Susceptible (S)
Intermediate (I)
Resistant (R)
When testing Neisseria gonorrhoeaee  
   MIC (mcg/mL)      Interpretationc   
≤0.5
Susceptible (S)

a.  Staphylococci exhibiting resistance to methicillin/oxacillin, should be reported as also resistant to cefotaxime despite apparent in vitro susceptibility.
b.  Interpretive criteria is applicable only to tests performed by broth microdilution method using Haemophilus Test Media.2
c.  The absence of resistant strains precludes defining any interpretations other than susceptible.
d.  Streptococcus pneumoniae must be tested using cation-adjusted Mueller-Hinton broth with 2 to 5% lysed horse blood.
e.  Interpretive criteria applicable only to tests performed by agar dilution method using GC agar base with 1% defined growth supplement.2 

A report of “Susceptible” indicates that the pathogen is likely to be inhibited if the antimicrobial compound in the blood reaches the concentrations usually achievable. A report of “Intermediate” indicates that the result should be considered equivocal and if the microorganism is not fully susceptible to alternative clinically feasible drugs the test should be repeated. This category implies possible clinical applicability in body sites where the drug is physiologically concentrated or in situations where high dosage of drug can be used. This category also provides a buffer zone that prevents small uncontrolled technical factors from causing major discrepancies in interpretation. A report of “Resistant” indicates that the pathogen is not likely to be inhibited if the antimicrobial compound in the blood reaches the concentrations usually achievable, other therapy should be selected.
 
Standardized susceptibility test procedures require the use of laboratory control microorganisms to control the technical aspects of the laboratory procedure. Standard cefotaxime sodium powder should provide the following MIC values: 
Microorganism   MIC (mcg/mL)   
   Escherichia coli ATCC 25922
   Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213
   Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853
   Haemophilus influenzaea ATCC 49247
   Streptococcus pneumoniaeb ATCC 49619   
   Neisseria gonorrhoeaec ATCC 49226
0.06-0.25
1-4
4-16
0.12-0.5
0.06-0.25
0.015-0.06
a.  Ranges applicable only to tests performed by broth microdilution method using Haemophilus Test Media.2  
b.  Ranges applicable only to tests performed by broth microdilution method using cation-adjusted Mueller-Hinton broth with 2 to 5% lysed horse blood.2
c.  Ranges applicable only to tests performed by agar dilution method using GC agar base with 1% defined growth supplement.2  

Diffusion Techniques


Quantitative methods that require measurements of zone diameters also provide reproducible estimates of the susceptibility of bacteria to antimicrobial compounds. One such standardized procedure3 requires the use of standardized inoculum concentrations. This procedure uses paper disks impregnated with 30 mcg cefotaxime sodium to test the susceptibility of microorganisms to cefotaxime sodium. Reports from the laboratory providing results of the standard single-disk susceptibility test using a 30 mcg cefotaxime sodium disk should be interpreted according to the following criteria:
 
When testing organismsa other than Haemophilus spp., Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and Streptococcus spp.
   MIC (mcg/mL)      Interpretation   
≥23
15-22
≤14
Susceptible (S)
 Intermediate (I)
Resistant (R)

When testing Haemophilus spp.b  

   Zone Diameter (mm)      Interpretationc   
≥26
Susceptible (S)

When testing Streptococcus other than Streptococcus pneumoniae
   Zone Diameter (mm)      Interpretation   
≥28
26-27
≤25
Susceptible (S)
 Intermediate (I)
Resistant (R)

When testing Neisseria gonorrhoeaed
   Zone Diameter (mm)      Interpretationc   
≥31
Susceptible (S)

a.  Staphylococci exhibiting resistance to methicillin/oxacillin, should be reported as also resistant to cefotaxime despite apparent in vitro susceptibility.
b.  Interpretive criteria is applicable only to tests performed by disk diffusion method using Haemophilus Test Media.3  
c.  The absence of resistant strains precludes defining any interpretations other than susceptible.
d.  Interpretive criteria applicable only to tests performed by disk diffusion method using GC agar base with 1% defined growth supplement.3
 
Interpretation should be as stated above for results using dilution techniques. Interpretation involves correlation of the diameter obtained in the disk test with the MIC for cefotaxime sodium.
 
As with standardized dilution techniques, diffusion methods require the use of laboratory control microorganisms that are used to control the technical aspects of the laboratory procedures. For the diffusion technique, the 30 mcg cefotaxime sodium disk should provide the following zone diameters in these laboratory test quality control strains:
 Microorganism   Zone Diameter (mm) 
  Escherichia coli ATCC 25922
  Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923
  Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853   
  Haemophilus influenzaea ATCC 49247
  Neisseria gonorrhoeaeb ATCC 49226
29-35
25-31
18-22
31-39
38-48
a.  Ranges applicable only to tests performed by disk diffusion method using Haemophilus Test Media.3
b.  Ranges applicable only to tests performed by disk diffusion method using GC agar base with 1% defined growth supplement.3  

Anaerobic Techniques


For anaerobic bacteria, the susceptibility to cefotaxime sodium as MICs can be determined by standardized test methods.4 The MIC values obtained should be interpreted according to the following criteria:

   MIC (mcg/mL)      Interpretation   
≤16
32
≥64
Susceptible (S)
 Intermediate (I)
Resistant (R)

Interpretation is identical to that stated above for results using dilution techniques.
 
As with other susceptibility techniques, the use of laboratory control microorganisms is required to control the technical aspects of the laboratory standardized procedures. Standardized cefotaxime sodium powder should provide the following MIC values:
Microorganism    MIC (mcg/mL)   
a.  Ranges applicable only to tests performed by agar dilution method.
   Bacteroides fragilisa ATCC 25285
   Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron ATCC 29741   
   Eubacterium lantem ATCC 43055
8-32
16-64
64-256

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Treatment


Cefotaxime for injection is indicated for the treatment of patients with serious infections caused by susceptible strains of the designated microorganisms in the diseases listed below.

(1)
   Lower respiratory tract infections, including pneumonia, caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae (formerly Diplococcus pneumoniae), Streptococcus pyogenes* (Group A streptococci) and other streptococci (excluding enterococci, e.g., Enterococcus faecalis), Staphylococcus aureus penicillinase and non-penicillinase producing), Escherichia coli, Klebsiella species, Haemophilus influenzae (including ampicillin resistant strains), Haemophilus parainfluenzae, Proteus mirabilis, Serratia marcescens*, Enterobacter species, indole positive Proteus and Pseudomonas species (including P. aeruginosa).

(2)  Genitourinary infections. 
Urinary tract infections caused by Enterococcus species, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus*, (penicillinase and non-penicillinase producing), Citrobacter species, Enterobacter species, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella species, Proteus mirabilis, Proteus vulgaris*, Providencia stuartii, Morganella morganii*, Providencia rettgeri*, Serratia marcescens and Pseudomonas species (including P. aeruginosa). Also, uncomplicated gonorrhea (cervical/urethral and rectal) caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae, including penicillinase producing strains.

(3)  Gynecologic infections,
including pelvic inflammatory disease, endometritis and pelvic cellulitis caused by Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus species, Enterococcus species, Enterobacter species*, Klebsiella species*, Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Bacteroides species (including Bacteroides fragilis*), Clostridium species, and anaerobic cocci (including Peptostreptococcus species and Peptococcus species) and Fusobacterium species (including F. nucleatum*).
 
Cefotaxime for injection, like other cephalosporins, has no activity against Chlamydia trachomatis. Therefore, when cephalosporins are used in the treatment of patients with pelvic inflammatory disease and C. trachomatis is one of the suspected pathogens, appropriate anti-chlamydial coverage should be added.

(4)
   Bacteremia/Septicemia caused by Escherichia coli, Klebsiella species, and Serratia marcescens, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus species (including S. pneumonia).

(5)   Skin and skin structure infections
caused by Staphylococcus aureus (penicillinase and non-penicillinase producing), Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A streptococci) and other streptococci, Enterococcus species, Acinetobacter species*, Escherichia coli, Citrobacter species (including C. freundii*), Enterobacter species, Klebsiella species, Proteus mirabilis, Proteus vulgaris*, Morganella morganii, Providencia rettgeri*, Pseudomonas species, Serratia marcescens, Bacteroides species, and anaerobic cocci (including Peptostreptococcus* species and Peptococcus species).

(6)  Intra-abdominal infections
including peritonitis caused by Streptococcus species*, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella species, Bacteroides species, and anaerobic cocci (including Peptostreptococcus* species and Peptococcus* species) Proteus mirabilis*, and Clostridium species*.

(7)  Bone and/or joint infections
caused by Staphylococcus aureus (penicillinase and non-penicillinase producing strains), Streptococcus species (including S. pyogenes*), Pseudomonas species (including P. aeruginosa*), and Proteus mirabilis*.

(8)  Central nervous system infections,
e.g., meningitis and ventriculitis, caused by Neisseria meningitidis, Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Klebsiella pneumoniae* and Escherichia coli*. 
 
(*) Efficacy for this organism, in this organ system, has been studied in fewer than 10 infections.
 
Although many strains of enterococci (e.g., S. faecalis) and Pseudomonas species are resistant to cefotaxime sodium in vitro, cefotaxime has been used successfully in treating patients with infections caused by susceptible organisms.
 
Specimens for bacteriologic culture should be obtained prior to therapy in order to isolate and identify causative organisms and to determine their susceptibilities to cefotaxime. Therapy may be instituted before results of susceptibility studies are known; however, once these results become available, the antibiotic treatment should be adjusted accordingly.
 
In certain cases of confirmed or suspected gram-positive or gram-negative sepsis or in patients with other serious infections in which the causative organism has not been identified, cefotaxime may be used concomitantly with an aminoglycoside. The dosage recommended in the labeling of both antibiotics may be given and depends on the severity of the infection and the patient’s condition. Renal function should be carefully monitored, especially if higher dosages of the aminoglycosides are to be administered or if therapy is prolonged, because of the potential nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity of aminoglycoside antibiotics. It is possible that nephrotoxicity may be potentiated if cefotaxime is used concomitantly with an aminoglycoside. 

Prevention


The administration of cefotaxime for injection preoperatively reduces the incidence of certain infections in patients undergoing surgical procedures (e.g., abdominal or vaginal hysterectomy, gastrointestinal and genitourinary tract surgery) that may be classified as contaminated or potentially contaminated.

In patients undergoing cesarean section, intraoperative (after clamping the umbilical cord) and postoperative use of cefotaxime for injection may also reduce the incidence of certain postoperative infections. See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION section.
 
Effective use for elective surgery depends on the time of administration. To achieve effective tissue levels, cefotaxime for injection should be given 1/2 or 1 1/2 hours before surgery. See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION section.
 
For patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgery, preoperative bowel preparation by mechanical cleansing as well as with a non-absorbable antibiotic (e.g., neomycin) is recommended.
 
If there are signs of infection, specimens for culture should be obtained for identification of the causative organism so that appropriate therapy may be instituted.
 
To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of cefotaxime sodium and other antibacterial drugs, cefotaxime sodium should be used only to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria. When culture and susceptibility information are available, they should be considered in selecting or modifying antibacterial therapy. In the absence of such data, local epidemiology and susceptibility patterns may contribute to the empiric selection of therapy.

CONTRAINDICATIONS


Cefotaxime for injection is contraindicated in patients who have shown hypersensitivity to cefotaxime sodium, or the cephalosporin group of antibiotics.

WARNINGS


BEFORE THERAPY WITH CEFOTAXIME IS INSTITUTED, CAREFUL INQUIRY SHOULD BE MADE TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE PATIENT HAS HAD PREVIOUS HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTIONS TO CEFOTAXIME SODIUM, CEPHALOSPORINS, PENICILLINS, OR OTHER DRUGS. THIS PRODUCT SHOULD BE GIVEN WITH CAUTION TO PATIENTS WITH TYPE I HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTIONS TO PENICILLIN. ANTIBIOTICS SHOULD BE ADMINISTERED WITH CAUTION TO ANY PATIENT WHO HAS DEMONSTRATED SOME FORM OF ALLERGY, PARTICULARLY TO DRUGS. IF AN ALLERGIC REACTION TO CEFOTAXIME OCCURS, DISCONTINUE TREATMENT WITH THE DRUG. SERIOUS HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTIONS MAY REQUIRE EPINEPHRINE AND OTHER EMERGENCY MEASURES.
 
During post-marketing surveillance, a potentially life-threatening arrhythmia was reported in each of six patients who received a rapid (less than 60 seconds) bolus injection of cefotaxime through a central venous catheter. Therefore, cefotaxime should only be administered as instructed in the DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION section.

Clostridium difficile
associated diarrhea (CDAD) has been reported with use of nearly all antibacterial agents, including cefotaxime, and may range in severity from mild diarrhea to fatal colitis. Treatment with antibacterial agents alters the normal flora of the colon leading to overgrowth of C. difficile.

C. difficile
produces toxins A and B which contribute to the development of CDAD. Hypertoxin producing strains of C. difficile cause increased morbidity and mortality, as these infections can be refractory to antimicrobial therapy and may require colectomy. CDAD must be considered in all patients who present with diarrhea following antibiotic use. Careful medical history is necessary since CDAD has been reported to occur over two months after the administration of antibacterial agents.
 
If CDAD is suspected or confirmed, ongoing antibiotic use not directed against C. difficile may need to be discontinued. Appropriate fluid and electrolyte management, protein supplementation, antibiotic treatment of C. difficile, and surgical evaluation should be instituted as clinically indicated.

PRECAUTIONS

General


Prescribing cefotaxime in the absence of a proven or strongly suspected bacterial infection or a prophylactic indication is unlikely to provide benefit to the patient and increases the risk of the development of drug-resistant bacteria.
 
Cefotaxime should be prescribed with caution in individuals with a history of gastrointestinal disease, particularly colitis.
 
Because high and prolonged serum antibiotic concentrations can occur from usual doses in patients with transient or persistent reduction of urinary output because of renal insufficiency, the total daily dosage should be reduced when cefotaxime is administered to such patients. Continued dosage should be determined by degree of renal impairment, severity of infection, and susceptibility of the causative organism.
 
Although there is no clinical evidence supporting the necessity of changing the dosage of cefotaxime sodium in patients with even profound renal dysfunction, it is suggested that, until further data are obtained, the dose of cefotaxime sodium be halved in patients with estimated creatinine clearances of less than 20 mL/min/1.73 m2.
 
When only serum creatinine is available, the following formula5 (based on sex, weight, and age of the patient) may be used to convert this value into creatinine clearance. The serum creatinine should represent a steady state of renal function.
 
                                Weight (kg) x (140 - age) 
        Males:                 72 x serum creatinine
 
        Females:              0.85 x above value
 
As with other antibiotics, prolonged use of cefotaxime may result in overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms. Repeated evaluation of the patient’s condition is essential. If superinfection occurs during therapy, appropriate measures should be taken.
 
As with other beta-lactam antibiotics, granulocytopenia and, more rarely, agranulocytosis may develop during treatment with cefotaxime, particularly if given over long periods. For courses of treatment lasting longer than 10 days, blood counts should therefore be monitored.
 
Cefotaxime, like other parenteral anti-infective drugs, may be locally irritating to tissues. In most cases, perivascular extravasation of cefotaxime responds to changing of the infusion site. In rare instances, extensive perivascular extravasation of cefotaxime may result in tissue damage and require surgical treatment. To minimize the potential for tissue inflammation, infusion sites should be monitored regularly and changed when appropriate.

Information for Patients


Patients should be counseled that antibacterial drugs including cefotaxime should only be used to treat bacterial infections. They do not treat viral infections (e.g., the common cold). When cefotaxime is prescribed to treat a bacterial infection, patients should be told that although it is common to feel better early in the course of therapy, the medication should be taken exactly as directed. Skipping doses or not completing the full course of therapy may (1) decrease the effectiveness of the immediate treatment and (2) increase the likelihood that bacteria will develop resistance and will not be treatable by cefotaxime or other antibacterial drugs in the future.

Diarrhea is a common problem caused by antibiotics which usually ends when the antibiotic is discontinued. Sometimes after starting treatment with antibiotics, patients can develop watery and bloody stools (with or without stomach cramps and fever) even as late as two or more months after having taken the last dose of the antibiotic. If this occurs, patients should contact their physician as soon as possible.

Drug Interactions


Increased nephrotoxicity has been reported following concomitant admin­istration of cephalosporins and aminoglycoside antibiotics.

Drug/Laboratory Test Interactions


Cephalosporins, including cefotaxime sodium, are known to occasionally induce a positive direct Coombs’ test.

Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis


Lifetime studies in animals to evaluate carcinogenic potential have not been conducted. Cefotaxime was not mutagenic in the mouse micronucleus test or in the Ames’ test. Cefotaxime did not impair fertility to rats when administered subcutaneously at doses up to 250 mg/kg/day (0.2 times the maximum recommended human dose based on mg/m2) or in mice when administered intravenously at doses up to 2000 mg/kg/day (0.7 times the recommended human dose based on mg/m2).

Pregnancy

Teratogenic Effects


Pregnancy Category B
 
Reproduction studies have been performed in pregnant mice given cefotaxime 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.

Nonteratogenic Effects


Use of the drug in women of child-bearing potential requires that the anticipated benefit be weighed against the possible risks.
 
In perinatal and postnatal studies with rats, the pups in the group given 1200 mg/kg/day of cefotaxime were significantly lighter in weight at birth and remained smaller than pups in the control group during the 21 days of nursing.

Nursing Mothers


Cefotaxime is excreted in human milk in low concentrations. Caution should be exercised when cefotaxime is administered to a nursing woman.

Pediatric Use


See PRECAUTIONS above regarding perivascular extravasation.

Geriatric Use


Of the 1409 subjects in clinical studies of cefotaxime, 632 (45%) were 65 and over, while 258 (18%) were 75 and over. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between these subjects and younger subjects, and other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients, but greater sensitivity of some older individuals cannot be ruled out.
 
This drug is known to be substantially excreted by the kidney, and the risk of toxic reactions to this drug may be greater in patients with impaired renal function. Because elderly patients are more likely to have decreased renal function, care should be taken in dose selection, and it may be useful to monitor renal function (see PRECAUTIONS, General).

ADVERSE REACTIONS

Clinical Trials Experience


Cefotaxime for injection is generally well tolerated. The most common adverse reactions have been local reactions following IM or IV injection. Other adverse reactions have been encountered infrequently.
 
The most frequent adverse reactions (greater than 1%) are:
 
Local (4.3%) - Injection site inflammation with IV administration. Pain, induration, and tenderness after IM injection.
 
Hypersensitivity (2.4%) - Rash, pruritus, fever, eosinophilia.
 
Gastrointestinal (1.4%) - Colitis, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.
 
Symptoms of pseudomembranous colitis can appear during or after antibiotic treatment.
 
Nausea and vomiting have been reported rarely.
 
Less frequent adverse reactions (less than 1%) are:
 
Hematologic System - Neutropenia, transient leukopenia, have been reported. Some individuals have developed positive direct Coombs Tests during treatment with cefotaxime for injection and other cephalosporin antibiotics. 
 
Genitourinary System - Moniliasis, vaginitis.
 
Central Nervous System - Headache.
 
Liver - Transient elevations in AST, ALT, serum LDH, and serum alkaline phosphatase levels have been reported.
 
Kidney - As with some other cephalosporins, transient elevations of BUN have been occasionally observed with cefotaxime for injection.

Post-Marketing Experience


The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of cefotaxime for injection. Because these reactions were reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.
 
Cardiovascular System - Potentially life-threatening arrhythmias follow­ing rapid (less than 60 seconds) bolus administration via central venous catheter have been observed.
 
Cutaneous - As with other cephalosporins, isolated cases of toxic epidermal necrolysis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and erythema multiforme have been reported.
 
Hematologic System - Hemolytic anemia, agranulocytosis, thrombocytopenia.
 
Hypersensitivity - Anaphylaxis, urticaria.
 
Kidney - Interstitial nephritis, transient elevations of creatinine.
 
Liver - Hepatitis, jaundice, cholestasis, elevations of gamma GT and bilirubin.

Cephalosporin Class Labeling


In addition to the adverse reactions listed above which have been observed in patients treated with cefotaxime sodium, the following adverse reactions and altered laboratory tests have been reported for cephalosporin class antibiotics: allergic reactions, hepatic dysfunction including cholestasis, aplastic anemia, hemorrhage, and false-positive test for urinary glucose.
 
Several cephalosporins have been implicated in triggering seizures, particularly in patients with renal impairment when the dosage was not reduced. See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION and OVERDOSAGE. If seizures associated with drug therapy occur, the drug should be discontinued. Anticonvulsant therapy can be given if clinically indicated.

To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE EVENTS contact FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

OVERDOSAGE


The acute toxicity of cefotaxime was evaluated in neonatal and adult mice and rats. Significant mortality was seen at parenteral doses in excess of 6000 mg/kg/day in all groups. Common toxic signs in animals that died were a decrease in spontaneous activity, tonic and clonic convulsions, dyspnea, hypothermia, and cyanosis. Cefotaxime sodium overdosage has occurred in patients. Most cases have shown no overt toxicity. The most frequent reactions were elevations of BUN and creatinine. There is a risk of reversible encephalopathy in cases of administration of high doses of beta-lactam antibiotics including cefotaxime. No specific antidote exists. Patients who receive an acute overdosage should be carefully observed and given supportive treatment.

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION


The intent of this Pharmacy Bulk Package is for the preparation of solutions for intravenous infusion only.

Adults


Dosage and route of administration should be determined by susceptibility of the causative organisms, severity of the infection, and the condition of the patient (see table for dosage guideline). Cefotaxime for injection may be administered IV after reconstitution. The maximum daily dosage should not exceed 12 grams.
GUIDELINES FOR DOSAGE OF CEFOTAXIME FOR INJECTION
 Type of Infection
  Daily Dose 
   (grams) 

Frequency and Route
  Uncomplicated infections
2
  1 gram every 12 hours IV
  Moderate to severe infections
3-6
  1 to 2 grams every 8 hours IV
  Infections commonly needing
  antibiotics in higher dosage (e.g., septicemia) 
 
6-8

  2 grams every 6 to 8 hours IV 
  Life-threatening infections
up to 12
  2 grams every 4 hours IV

If C. trachomatis is a suspected pathogen, appropriate anti-chlamydial coverage should be added, because cefotaxime sodium has no activity against this organism.
 
To prevent postoperative infection in contaminated or potentially contaminated surgery, the recommended dose is a single 1 gram IV administered 30 to 90 minutes prior to start of surgery.

Cesarean Section Patients

The first dose of 1 gram is administered intravenously as soon as the umbilical cord is clamped. The second and third doses should be given as 1 gram intravenously at 6 and 12 hours after the first dose.

Neonates, Infants, and Children


The following dosage schedule is recommended:
 
Neonates (birth to 1 month):
 
0 to 1 week of age            50 mg/kg per dose every 12 hours IV
1 to 4 weeks of age          50 mg/kg per dose every 8 hours IV
 
It is not necessary to differentiate between premature and normal-gestational age infants.
 
Infants and Children (1 month to 12 years):
 
For body weights less than 50 kg, the recommended daily dose is 50 to 180 mg/kg IV body weight divided into four to six equal doses. The higher dosages should be used for more severe or serious infections, including meningitis. For body weights 50 kg or more, the usual adult dosage should be used; the maximum daily dosage should not exceed 12 grams.

Geriatric Use


This drug is known to be substantially excreted by the kidney, and the risk of toxic reactions to this drug may be greater in patients with impaired renal function. Because elderly patients are more likely to have decreased renal function, care should be taken in dose selection, and it may be useful to monitor renal function. (See PRECAUTIONS, General and PRECAUTIONS, Geriatric Use.)

Impaired Renal Function


See PRECAUTIONS, General

NOTE: 
As with antibiotic therapy in general, administration of cefotaxime should be continued for a minimum of 48 to 72 hours after the patient defervesces or after evidence of bacterial eradication has been obtained; a minimum of 10 days of treatment is recommended for infections caused by Group A beta-hemolytic streptococci in order to guard against the risk of rheumatic fever or glomerulonephritis; frequent bacteriologic and clinical appraisal is necessary during therapy of chronic urinary tract infection and may be required for several months after therapy has been completed; persistent infections may require treatment of several weeks and doses smaller than those indicated above should not be used.

Preparation of Cefotaxime for Injection Pharmacy Bulk Package


After constitution, cefotaxime for injection can be administered by intravenous injection.
 
Cefotaxime for injection IV administration should be reconstituted as follows:
  Bottle Size    Amount of 
Diluent
  Withdrawable 
Volume
Approximate
 Concentration
  10 grams 
47 mL
52 mL
1 gram/5 mL
97 mL
102 mL
1 gram/10 mL

Shake to dissolve; inspect for particulate matter and discoloration prior to use.  Solutions of cefotaxime for injection range from very pale yellow to light amber, depending on concentration, diluent used, and length and condition of storage.

Directions for proper use of Pharmacy Bulk Package


RECONSTITUTED STOCK SOLUTION MUST BE TRANSFERRED AND FURTHER DILUTED FOR I.V. INFUSION.
 
Reconstitute with 47 mL of diluent for an approximate concentration of  200 mg/mL or 97 mL of diluent for an approximate concentration of 100 mg/mL.

For intravenous use

 
A 1 gram and 2 gram dose should be further diluted with 50 or 100 mL of 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection or 5% Dextrose Injection. For other diluents, see Compatibility and Stability section.
 
The container closure of the pharmacy bulk bottle may be penetrated ONLY ONE TIME, utilizing a suitable sterile transfer device or dispensing set which allows measured distribution of the contents. Use of cefotaxime in a Pharmacy Bulk Package is restricted to a suitable work area, such as a laminar flow hood.
 
The withdrawal of the bottle contents from a pharmacy bulk package should be accomplished without delay.  However, if this is not possible, a maximum time of 4 hours from the initial closure entry is permitted to complete fluid transfer operations. This time limit should begin with the introduction of diluent into the Pharmacy Bulk Package.

NOTE:
Solutions of cefotaxime must not be admixed with aminoglycoside solutions. If cefotaxime and aminoglycosides are to be administered to the same patient, they must be administered separately and not as mixed injection.
 
A SOLUTION OF 1 G CEFOTAXIME IN 14 ML OF STERILE WATER FOR INJECTION IS ISOTONIC.

IV Administration


The IV route is preferable for patients with bacteremia, bacterial septicemia, peritonitis, meningitis, or other severe or life-threatening infections, or for patients who may be poor risks because of lowered resistance resulting from such debilitating conditions as malnutrition, trauma, surgery, diabetes, heart failure, or malignancy, particularly if shock is present or impending.
 
For intermittent IV administration: With an infusion system a solution containing 1 gram or  2 grams may be given through the tubing system by which the patient may be receiving other IV solutions. However, during infusion of the solution containing cefotaxime, it is advisable to discontinue temporarily the administration of other solutions at the same site.

Compatibility and Stability


Withdraw reconstituted contents immediately. However, if it is not possible, aliquoting operations must be completed within four hours of reconstitution. Discard the reconstituted stock solution 4 hours after initial entry.
 
Reconstituted solutions may be further diluted up to 1000 mL with the following solutions and maintain satisfactory potency for 24 hours at or below 22°C, and at least 5 days under refrigeration (at or below 5°C): 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection; 5 or 10% Dextrose Injection; 5% Dextrose and 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection; 5% Dextrose and 0.45% Sodium Chloride Injection; 5% Dextrose and 0.2% Sodium Chloride Injection; Lactated Ringers Solution; Sodium Lactate Injection (M/6); 10% Invert Sugar Injection; 8.5% TRAVASOL® (Amino Acid) Injection without Electrolytes.
 
Solutions of cefotaxime sterile reconstituted in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection or 5% Dextrose Injection in small volume plastic bags for intravenous use maintain satisfactory potency for 24 hours at or below 22°C, 5 days under refrigeration (at or below 5°C) and 13 weeks frozen.

NOTE:
Cefotaxime solutions exhibit maximum stability in the pH 5 to 7 range. Solutions of cefotaxime for injection should not be prepared with diluents having a pH above 7.5, such as Sodium Bicarbonate Injection.
 
Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit.

HOW SUPPLIED


Each Pharmacy Bulk Package bottle contains Cefotaxime sodium equivalent to 10 grams of cefotaxime.

Cefotaxime for Injection USP, 10 g
is off-white to pale yellow crystalline powder supplied in Pharmacy Bulk Package bottles as follows:

         Ten Pharmacy Bulk Package bottles per carton              NDC 0069-0028-01


                                  
Store dry powder a
t 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F); excursions permitted to 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. The dry material as well as solutions tend to darken depending on storage conditions and should be protected from elevated temperatures and excessive light.

REFERENCES

 
  1. Richmond, M. H. and Sykes R. B.: The β-Lactamases of Gram-Negative Bacteria and their Possible Physiological Role, Advances in Microbial Physiology 9:31-88, 1973.
  2. National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards. Methods for Dilution Antimicrobial Susceptibility Tests for Bacteria that Grow Aerobically - Third Edition. Approved Standard NCCLS Document M7-A3, Vol. 13, No. 25, NCCLS, Villanova, PA, December, 1993.
  3. National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards. Performance Standard for Antimicrobial Disk Susceptibility Tests - Fifth Edition. Approved Standard NCCLS Document M2-A5, Vol. 13, No. 24, NCCLS, Villanova, PA, December, 1993.
  4. National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards. Methods for Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing of Anaerobic Bacteria - Third Edition. Approved Standard NCCLS Document M11-A3, NCCLS, Villanova, PA, December, 1993.
  5. Cockcroft, D.W. and Gault, M.H.: Prediction of Creatinine Clearance from Serum Creatinine, Nephron 16:31-41, 1976.

TRAVASOL® is a registered trademark of BAXTER HEALTH CARE CORP.
 

Pfizer Injectables

Distributed by
Pfizer Labs
Division of Pfizer Inc
New York, NY 10017
 
Code No.: 78/MD/AP/96/F/B/R

Issued: 12/2009

PACKAGE LABEL-PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 10 grams Pharmacy Bulk Package Label


10 grams* per Pharmacy
Bulk Package
NDC 0069-0028-12
One Pharmacy Bulk Package Bottle
cefotaxime for
Injection, USP

PHARMACY BULK PACKAGE-NOT FOR DIRECT INFUSION
10 grams* per Pharmacy
Bulk Package

CAUTION: NOT FOR DIRECT INFUSION
Rx only
Pfizer Injectables

PACKAGE LABEL-PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 10 grams Pharmacy Bulk Package Label
 
 
 

PACKAGE LABEL-PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 10 grams Pharmacy Bulk Package Carton (10 Vial)


NDC 0069-0028-01
Contains 10 of NDC 0069-0028-12
Ten Pharmacy Bulk Package Bottles
            Rx only
cefotaxime for Injection, USP
PHARMACY BULK PACKAGE-NOT FOR DIRECT INFUSION
10 grams* per Pharmacy Bulk Package
CAUTION: NOT FOR DIRECT INFUSION
Pfizer Injectables
PACKAGE LABEL-PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 10 grams Pharmacy Bulk Package Carton (10 Vial)

 
 
CEFOTAXIME 
cefotaxime sodium   injection, powder, for solution
Product Information
Product TypeHUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUGNDC Product Code (Source)0069-0028
Route of AdministrationINTRAVENOUSDEA Schedule    
Active Ingredient/Active Moiety
Ingredient NameBasis of StrengthStrength
CEFOTAXIME SODIUM (CEFOTAXIME) CEFOTAXIME10 g
Inactive Ingredients
Ingredient NameStrength
No Inactive Ingredients Found
Product Characteristics
ColorYELLOW (Off-white to Pale Yellow) Score    
ShapeSize
FlavorImprint Code
Contains    
Packaging
#NDCPackage DescriptionMultilevel Packaging
10069-0028-0110 VIAL In 1 CARTONcontains a VIAL, PHARMACY BULK PACKAGE (0069-0028-12)
10069-0028-121 VIAL In 1 VIAL, PHARMACY BULK PACKAGEThis package is contained within the CARTON (0069-0028-01)

Marketing Information
Marketing CategoryApplication Number or Monograph CitationMarketing Start DateMarketing End Date
ANDAANDA06551611/05/2009

Labeler - Pfizer Laboratories, Division of Pfizer Inc (134489525)
Revised: 01/2010Pfizer Laboratories, Division of Pfizer Inc