Cefotaxime dosage

Erythromycin is considered the optimal drug for treatment of Campylobacter infections. The rate of resistance of Campylobacter to erythromycin remains low. Other advantages of this drug include ease of administration, low cost, lack of major toxicity, and narrow spectrum of activity.14 The recommended dosage for adults is 250 mg orally four times daily or 500 mg orally twice daily for 5 to 7 days. For very ill patients, treatment with gentamicin, imipenem, cefotaxime, or chloramphenicol is indicated, but susceptibility tests should be performed. 

The variability associated with drug absorption from the gastrointestinal tract can be overcome by using a parenteral preparation (dosage form). It should preferably be administered either by intravenous infusion or slow intravenous injection to avoid circulatory overload. Intraosseous administration is a useful alternative to intravenous injection of some antimicrobial agents (e.g. sodium ampicillin or amoxycillin, cefotaxime, ceftriaxone, gentamicin or amikacin sulphate) in neonatal foals (Fig. 7.1) (Golenz et al, 1994) and puppies (Lavy et al, 1995). This particularly applies when the neonate is in a state of septic shock and/or dehydration. Total plasma protein concentration is an inaccurate index of hydration status unless monitored (repeatedly measured) and interpreted in conjunction with packed cell volume (PCV). 

GENERAL FEATURES OF THE CEPHALOSPORINS Cephalosporins are excreted primarily by the kidney, and dosage should be decreased in patients with renal insufficiency. Cefpi-ramide (not available in U.S.) and cefoperazone are excreted predominantly in the bUe. Cefotaxime is deacetylated to a metabolite with less antimicrobial activity than the parent compound and excreted by the kidneys. The other cephalosporins do not undergo appreciable metabolism. 

Doses of cefotaxime may need to be reduced in the presence of either azlocillin or mezlocillin. One report suggests a dosage reduction of cefotaxime is advisable if the glomerular filtration rate is 20 to 40 mL/minute and azlocillin is also given. ... 

---