Cefixime Dispersible Tablets IP 100 mg

Cefixime Tablets IP

C Tax-O 100 DT

Each uncoated dispersible tablet contains:

Cefixime IP (as Trihydrate) equivalent to

Cefixime (Anhydrous)………………………… 100 mg

Excipients………………………………………...q.s.

Colour: Lake of Quinoline Yellow

Flavour added

C Tax-O 200

Each film coated tablet contains:

Cefixime IP (as Trihydrate)

equivalent to Cefixime (Anhydrous) ………………………200 mg

Excipients…………………………………… q.s.

Colour: Titanium Dioxide IP

100mg uncoated dispersible Tablets

200mg Tablets

4.1.Therapeutic indications

Oral cephalosporin- in the treatment of

• Urinary tract infection (UTI)
• Respiratory tract infections: upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) and lower respiratory tract infections
• Biliary tract infections

4.2. Posology and method of administration

The usual course of treatment is 7 days. This may be continued for up to 14 days if required.

Posology

Adults and Children over 10 years or weighing more than 50 kg:

The recommended dose is 200 – 400 mg daily according to the severity of infection, given either as a single dose or in two divided doses.

Elderly: Elderly patients may be given the same dose as recommended for adults. Renal function should be assessed and dosage should be adjusted in severe renal impairment.

Pediatric Patients (6 months or older)

The recommended dose is 8 mg/kg/day of the suspension. This may be administered as a single daily dose or may be given in two divided doses, as 4 mg/kg every 12 hours.

Table 1. Suggested doses for pediatric patients

Safety and effectiveness of cefixime in children aged less than six months old have not been established.

Children weighing more than 45 kg or older than 12 years should be treated with the recommended adult dose.

In the treatment of infections due to Streptococcus pyogenes, a therapeutic dosage of cefixime should be administered for at least 10 days.

Renal impairment:

Method for administration:

4.3.Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to cephalosporin antibiotics or to any of the excipients.

4.4. Special warnings and precautions for use

Encephalopathy

Beta-lactams, including cefixime, predispose the patient to encephalopathy risk (which may include convulsions, confusion, impairment of consciousness, movement disorders), particularly in case of overdose or renal impairment.

Severe cutaneous adverse reactions

Severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARS) including toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), and acute generalised exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) have been reported in association with cefixime. Patients should be informed about the signs and symptoms of serious skin manifestations and monitored closely. Treatment should be discontinued at the first appearance of skin rash, mucosal lesions, or any other sign of skin hypersensitivity.

Cefixime should be given with caution to patients who have shown hypersensitivity to other drugs.

Hypersensitivity to penicillins

As with other cephalosporins, cefixime should be given with caution to patients with a history of hypersensitivity to penicillin, as there is some evidence of partial cross-allergenicity between the penicillins and cephalosporins.

Patients have had severe reactions (including anaphylaxis) to both classes of drugs. If an allergic effect occurs with Cefixime, the drug should be discontinued and the patient treated with appropriate agents if necessary.

Haemolytic anaemia

Drug-induced haemolytic anaemia, including severe cases with a fatal outcome, has been described for cephalosporins (as a class). The recurrence of haemolytic anaemia after re-administration of cephalosporins in a patient with a history of cephalosporin (including cefixime) – associated haemolytic anaemia has also been reported.

Acute renal failure

As with other cephalosporins, cefixime may cause acute renal failure including tubulointerstitial nephritis as an underlying pathological condition. When acute renal failure occurs, cefixime should be discontinued and appropriate therapy and/or measures should be taken.

Renal impairment

Cefixime should be administered with caution in patients with markedly impaired renal function.

Paediatric use

Safety of cefixime in premature or new-born infant has not been established.

Antibiotic-associated colitis

Treatment with broad spectrum antibiotics alters the normal flora of the colon and may permit overgrowth of clostridia. Studies indicate that a toxin produced by Clostridium difficile is a primary cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea. Pseudomembranous colitis is associated with the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics (including macrolides, semi-synthetic penicillins, lincosamides and cephalosporins); it is therefore important to consider its diagnosis in patients who develop diarrhoea in association with the use of antibiotics. Symptoms of pseudomembranous colitis may occur during or after antibiotic treatment. Management of pseudomembranous colitis should include sigmoidoscopy, appropriate bacteriologic studies, fluids, electrolytes and protein supplementation. If the colitis does not improve after the drug has been discontinued, or if the symptoms are severe, oral vancomycin is the drug of choice for antibiotic-associated pseudomembranous colitis produced by C. difficile. Other causes of colitis should be excluded.

4.5. Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction

Anticoagulants

In common with other cephalosporins, increases in prothrombin times have been noted in a few patients. Care should therefore be taken in patients receiving anticoagulation therapy.

Cefixime should be administered with caution to patients receiving coumarin-type anticoagulants, e.g. warfarin potassium. Since cefixime may enhance effects of the anticoagulants, prolonged prothrombin time with or without bleeding may occur.

Other forms of interaction

A false positive reaction for glucose in the urine may occur with Benedict's or Fehling's solutions or with copper sulphate test tablets, but not with tests based on enzymatic glucose oxidase reactions.

A false positive direct Coombs test has been reported during treatment with cephalosporin antibiotics, therefore it should be recognised that a positive Coombs test may be due to the drug.

4.6. Fertility, pregnancy and lactation

Pregnancy

Pregnancy Category B

Reproduction studies have been performed in mice and rats at doses up to 40 times the human dose and have revealed no evidence of harm to the fetus due to cefixime. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.

Labor and Delivery

Cefixime has not been studied for use during labor and delivery. Treatment should only be given if clearly needed.

Nursing Mothers

It is not known whether cefixime is excreted in human milk. Consideration should be given to discontinuing nursing temporarily during treatment with this drug.

4.7. Effects on ability to drive and use machines

In the case of side effects such as encephalopathy (which may include convulsion, confusion, impairment of consciousness, movement disorders), the patient should not operate machines or drive a vehicle.

4.8. Undesirable effects

The most commonly seen adverse reactions were gastrointestinal events, which were reported in 30% of adult patients on either the twice-daily or the once-daily regimen. Clinically mild gastrointestinal side effects occurred in 20% of all patients, moderate events occurred in 9% of all patients and severe adverse reactions occurred in 2% of all patients.

Individual adverse reactions included diarrhoea (16%), loose or frequent stools (6%), abdominal pain (3%), nausea (7%), dyspepsia (3%), and flatulence (4%). Diarrhoea has been more commonly associated with higher doses. Other gastrointestinal side effects seen less frequently are vomiting and flatulence. Pseudomembranous colitis has been reported.

Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis has been reported with Cefixime use in India.

The following adverse reactions have been reported following the post-approval use of cefixime. Incidence rates were less than 1 in 50 (less than 2%).

Gastrointestinal: Diarrhea, loose stools, abdominal pain, dyspepsia, nausea, and vomiting, pseudomembranous colitis

Hypersensitivity Reactions: Anaphylactic/anaphylactoid reactions (including shock and fatalities), skin rashes, urticaria, drug fever, pruritus, angioedema, and facial edema. Erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and serum sickness-like reactions have been reported;

Hepatic: Transient elevations in SGPT, SGOT, alkaline phosphatase, hepatitis, jaundice; Renal : Transient elevations in BUN or creatinine, acute renal failure; Central Nervous System : Headaches, dizziness, seizures;

Hemic and Lymphatic Systems: Transient thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, neutropenia, and eosinophilia. Prolongation in prothrombin time was seen rarely;

Abnormal Laboratory Tests: Hyperbilirubinemia;

Other: Genital pruritus, vaginitis, candidiasis, toxic epidermal necrolysis. In addition to the adverse reactions listed above which have been observed in patients treated with cefixime, the following adverse reactions and altered laboratory tests have been reported for cephalosporin-class antibiotics:

Adverse reactions: Allergic reactions, superinfection, renal dysfunction, toxic nephropathy, hepatic dysfunction including cholestasis, aplastic anemia, hemolytic anemia, haemorrhage and colitis. Several cephalosporins have been implicated in triggering seizures, particularly in patients with renal impairment when the dosage was not reduced. If seizures associated with drug therapy occur, the drug should be discontinued. Anticonvulsant therapy can be given if clinically indicated.

Abnormal Laboratory Tests: Positive direct Coombs test, elevated LDH, pancytopenia, agranulocytosis.

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via email to:medico@zuventus.com

Website: https://www.zuventus.com/drug-safety-reporting

By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

4.9.Overdose

There is a risk of encephalopathy in cases of administration of beta-lactam antibiotics, including cefixime, particularly in case of overdose or renal impairment.

Adverse reactions seen at dose levels up to 2 g cefixime in normal subjects did not differ from the profile seen in patients treated at the recommended doses. Cefixime is not removed from the circulation in significant quantities by dialysis.

No specific antidote exists. General supportive measures are recommended.

5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties

Mechanism of Action

Pharmacotherapeutic group: third generation cephalosporin, ATC code: J01DD08

Cefixime is an oral third generation cephalosporin which has marked in vitro bactericidal activity against a wide variety of Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms.

Clinical efficacy has been demonstrated in infections caused by commonly occurring pathogens including Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes, Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Klebsiella species, Haemophilus influenzae (beta-lactamase positive and negative), Branhamella catarrhalis (beta-lactamase positive and negative) and Enterobacter species. It is highly stable in the presence of beta-lactamase enzymes.

Most strains of enterococci (Streptococcus faecalis, group D Streptococci) and Staphylococci (including coagulase positive and negative strains and methicillin-resistant strains) are resistant to cefixime. In addition, most strains of Pseudomonas, Bacteroides fragilis, Listeria monocytogenes and Clostridia are resistant to cefixime.

5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties

Absorption

The absolute oral bioavailability of cefixime is in the range of 22 to 54%. Cefixime tablets and suspension, given orally, are about 40 to 50% absorbed whether administered with or without food; however, time to maximal absorption is increased approximately 0.8 hours when administered with food. Typically, the peak serum levels following the recommended adult or paediatric doses are between 1.5 and 3 mcg/ml. A single 200 mg tablet of cefixime produces an average peak serum concentration of approximately 2 mcg/mL(range: 1 to 4 mcg/mL). The oral suspension produces average peak concentrations approximately 25 to 50% higher than the tablets, when tested in normal adultvolunteers. Oral suspension 200 mg doses produce average peak concentrations of 3 mcg/mL (range: 1 to 4.5 mcg/mL), when tested in normal adult volunteers. The area under the time versus concentration curve (AUC) is greater by approximately 10 to 25% with the oral suspension than with the tablet after doses of 100 to 400 mg, when tested in normal adult volunteers. This increased absorption should be taken into consideration if the oral suspension is to be substituted for the tablet. Because of the lack of bioequivalence, tablets should not be substituted for oral suspension in the treatment

of otitis media. Crossover studies of tablet versus suspension have not been performed in children.

Absorption is not significantly modified by the presence of food. Cefixime may, therefore, be given without regard to meals. Peak serum concentrations occur between 2 and 6 hours following oral administration of a single 200 mg tablet, a single 400 mg tablet, or 400 mg of cefixime suspension. Peak serum concentrations occur between 2 and 5 hours following a single administration of 200 mg of suspension.

From in vitro studies, serum or urine concentrations of 1 mcg/ml or greater were considered to be adequate for most common pathogens against which cefixime is active.

Distribution

Cefixime is almost exclusively bound to the albumin fraction, the mean free fraction being approximately 30%. Serum protein binding is concentration independent, with a bound fraction of approximately 65%. Protein binding of cefixime is only concentration-dependent in human serum at very high concentrations, which are not seen following clinical dosing. In a multiple-dose study conducted with a research formulation, which is less bioavailable than the tablet or suspension, there was little accumulation of drug in serum or urine after dosing for 14 days.

Metabolism and Excretion

There is no evidence of metabolism of cefixime in vivo. Approximately 50% of the absorbed dose is excreted unchanged in the urine in 24 hours. Glomerular filtration is considered the predominant mechanism. Metabolites of cefixime have not been isolated from human serum or urine. In animal studies, it was noted that cefixime is also excreted in the bile in excess of 10% of the administered dose. The serum half-life of cefixime in healthy subjects is independent of dosage form and averages 3 to 4 hours, but may range up to 9 hours in some normal volunteers.

Special Populations

Geriatrics

Average AUCs at steady state in elderly patients are approximately 40% higher than average AUCs in other healthy adults. Differences in the pharmacokinetic parameters between 12 young and 12 elderly subjects who received 400 mg of cefixime once daily for 5 days are summarized as follows: Pharmacokinetic Parameters (mean ± SD) for Cefixime in Both Young & Elderly Subjects

Renal Impairment:

In subjects with moderate impairment of renal function (20 to 40 mL/min creatinine clearance), the average serum half-life of cefixime is prolonged to 6.4 hours. In severe renal impairment (5 to 20 mL/min creatinine clearance), the half-life increased to an average of 11.5 hours. The drug is not cleared significantly from the blood by hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis. However, a study indicated that with doses of 400 mg, patients undergoing hemodialysis have similar blood profiles as subjects with creatinine clearances of 21 to 60 mL/min.

There are no pre-clinical data of relevance to the prescriber which are additional to that already included in other sections of the Summary of Product Characteristics.

Cefixime is a semisynthetic, cephalosporin antibacterial for oral administration. Chemically, it is (6R,7R)-7-[2-(2-Amino-4-thiazolyl)glyoxylamido]-8-oxo-3-vinyl-5-thia-1-azabicyclo [4.2.0] oct-2-ene-2-carboxylic acid, 72-(Z)-[O-(carboxy methyl) oxime] trihydrate.

Molecular weight = 507.50 as the Trihydrate.

Chemical Formula is C₁₆H₁₅N₅O₇S₂.3H₂O

The structural formula for cefixime is:

1.Incompatibilities

Not applicable.

2.Shelf-life

Refer on the pack.

3.Packaging information

C Tax-O 100 DT: A Strip of 10 tablets.

C Tax-O 200: A Strip of 10 tablets.

4.Storage and handing instructions

C Tax-O 100 DT: Store protected from moisture at a temperature not

exceeding 25°C. C Tax-O 200: Store in a cool & dry place. Protect from light. Keep out of reach of children.

Counsel patients that antibacterial drugs, including cefixime, should only be used to treat bacterial infections. They do not treat viral infections (e.g., the common cold). When cefixime 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 cefixime tablets or other antibacterial drugs in the future.

Advise patients that diarrhea is a common problem caused by antibacterial drugs which usually ends when the antibacterial drug is discontinued. Sometimes after starting treatment with antibacterial drugs, 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 antibacterial drug. If this occurs, patients should contact their physician as soon as possible.

18th Sept. 2024

Cefotaxime Sodium Injection IP 250 mg / 500 mg / 1 gm

C-Tax 250

Each vial contains:

Cefotaxime Sodium IP

equivalent to Cefotaxime 250 mg

This pack contains Sterile Water for Injections IP 5 ml.

C-Tax 500

Each vial contains:

Cefotaxime Sodium IP

equivalent to Cefotaxime 500 mg

This pack contains Sterile Water for Injections IP 5 ml.

C-Tax 1.0 g

Each vial contains:

Cefotaxime Sodium IP

equivalent to Cefotaxime 1.0 g

This pack contains Sterile Water for Injections IP 5 ml.

Powder for solution for injection/infusion

250 mg / 500 mg / 1 gm

4.1.Therapeutic indication

Indicated in the treatment of patients with serious infections.

1. Cefotaxime is indicated in the treatment of serious infections, either before the infecting organism has been identified or when caused by bacteria of established sensitivity, including

• osteomyelitis,
• septicaemia,
• bacterial endocarditis,
• meningitis,
• peritonitis
• and other serious bacterial infections suitable for parenteral antibiotic therapy.

2. Cefotaxime may be used for pre-operative prophylaxis in patients undergoing surgical procedures, that may be classified as contaminated or potentially so.

4.2.Posology and method of administration

Cefotaxime may be administered intravenously by bolus injection or by infusion, or by intramuscular injection. The dosage, route and frequency of administration should be determined by the severity of infection, the sensitivity of causative organisms and condition of the patient. Therapy may be initiated before the results of sensitivity tests are known.

Adults:

The recommended dosage for mild to moderate infections is 1g 12 hourly. However, dosage may be varied according to the severity of the infection, sensitivity of causative organisms and condition of the patient. Therapy may be initiated before the results of sensitivity tests are known.

In severe infections dosage may be increased up to 12g daily given in three or four divided doses. For infections caused by sensitive Pseudomonas species daily doses of greater than 6g will usually be required.

Children:

The usual dosage range is 100-150mg/kg/day in two to four divided doses. However, in very severe infection doses of up to 200mg/kg/day may be required.

Neonates: The recommended dosage is 50mg/kg/day in two to four divided doses. In severe infections 150-200mg/kg/day, in divided doses, have been given.

Dosage in renal impairment: Because of extra-renal elimination, it is only necessary to reduce the dosage of cefotaxime in severe renal failure (GFR <5ml/min = serum creatinine approximately 751 micromol/litre). After an initial loading dose of 1g, daily dose should be halved without change in the frequency of dosing, i.e. 1g twelve hourly becomes 0.5g twelve hourly, 1g eight hourly becomes 0.5g eight hourly, 2g eight hourly becomes 1g eight hourly etc. As in all other patients, dosage may require further adjustment according to the course of the infection and the general condition of the patient.

Dosage in hepatic impairment: No dosage adjustment is required.

Intravenous and Intramuscular Administration

Dissolve the contents in 3 ml (for 250 mg / 500 mg) or 5 ml (for 1 gm) of Sterile Water for Injections IP, provided with this pack. Use immediately after reconstitution. Any unused portion must be discarded. After reconstitution, do not use in case any foreign particulate matter is observed inside the vial.

Intravenous Administration (Injection or Infusion): For intermittent I.V. injections, the solution must be injected over a period of 3 to 5 minutes.

Intravenous Infusion: 1-2 gm cefotaxime are dissolved in 40-100 ml of infusion fluid. After 24 hours any unused solution should be discarded. The prepared infusion may be administered over 20-60 minutes. Cefotaxime and aminoglycosides should not be mixed in the same syringe or perfusion fluid.

Compatible Infusion Solutions:

• Sodium Chloride 0.9%
• Dextrose 5 and 10%
• Ringer-Lactate Solution

Intramuscular Administration: Cefotaxime should be injected well within the body of a relatively large muscle such as the upper outer quadrant of the buttock; aspiration is necessary to avoid inadvertent injection into a blood vessel.

4.3.Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to cephalosporins.
• In patients with a history of hypersensitivity to Cefotaxime and/or to any of the component listed in the formulation, a penicillin or to any other type of β-lactam drug.
• Allergic cross reactions can exist between penicillins and cephalosporins.

4.4.Special warnings and precautions for use

As with other antibiotics, the use of cefotaxime, especially if prolonged, may result in overgrowth of non-susceptible organisms, such as Enterococcus spp, candida, Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Repeated evaluation of the condition of the patient is essential. If superinfection occurs during treatment with cefotaxime, appropriate measures should be taken and specific anti-microbial therapy should be instituted if considered clinically necessary.

Anaphylactic reactions: Preliminary enquiry about hypersensitivity to penicillin and other β -Lactam antibiotics is necessary before prescribing cephalosporins since cross allergy occurs in 5– 10% of cases. The use of cefotaxime is strictly contra-indicated in subjects with a previous history of immediate-type hypersensitivity to cephalosporins. Since cross allergy exists between penicillins and cephalosporins, use of the latter should be undertaken with extreme caution in penicillin sensitive subjects. Serious, including fatal hypersensitivity reactions have been reported in patients receiving cefotaxime (see sections 4.3 and 4.8). If a hypersensitivity reaction occurs, treatment must be stopped.

Severe skin reactions: Severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs) including acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP), Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), which can be life-threatening or fatal, have been reported post-marketing in association with cefotaxime treatment.

At the time of prescription patients should be advised of the signs and symptoms for skin reactions.

If signs and symptoms suggestive of these reactions appear, cefotaxime should be withdrawn immediately. If the patient has developed AGEP, SJS, TEN or DRESS with the use of cefotaxime, treatment with cefotaxime must not be restarted and should be permanently discontinued.

In children, the presentation of a rash can be mistaken for the underlying infection or an alternative infectious process, and physicians should consider the possibility of a reaction to cefotaxime in children that develop symptoms of rash and fever during therapy with cefotaxime.

Patients with renal insufficiency: The dosage should be modified according to the creatinine clearance calculated. Patients with severe renal dysfunction should be placed on the dosage schedule recommended under “Posology and Method of Administration”.

Caution should be exercised if cefotaxime is administered together with aminoglycosides, probenecid or other nephrotoxic drugs (see section 4.5). Renal function must be monitored in these patients, the elderly, and those with pre-existing renal impairment.

Haematological reactions: Leukopenia, neutropenia, and more rarely, agranulocytosis may develop during treatment with cefotaxime, particularly if given over long periods. For treatment courses lasting longer than 7-10 days, the blood white cell count should be monitored and treatment stopped in the event of neutropenia.

Some cases of eosinophilia and thrombocytopenia, rapidly reversible on stopping treatment, have been reported. Cases of haemolytic anaemia have also been reported (see section 4.8).

Sodium intake: The sodium content of cefotaxime (2.09mmol/g) should be taken into account when prescribing to patients requiring sodium restriction.

Clostridium difficile associated disease (e.g. pseudomembranous colitis): Cefotaxime may predispose patients to pseudomembranous colitis. Although any antibiotic may predispose to pseudomembranous colitis, the risk is higher with broad spectrum drugs, such as cephalosporins. This side effect, which may occur more frequently in patients receiving higher doses for prolonged periods, should be considered as potentially serious.

Diarrhoea, particularly if severe and/or persistent, occurring during treatment or in the initial weeks following treatment, may be symptomatic of Clostridium difficile associated disease (CDAD). CDAD may range in severity from mild to life threatening, the most severe form of which is pseudo-membranous colitis.

The diagnosis of this rare but possibly fatal condition can be confirmed by endoscopy and/or histology.

It is important to consider this diagnosis in patients who present with diarrhoea during or subsequent to the administration of cefotaxime.

If a diagnosis of pseudomembranous colitis is suspected, cefotaxime should be stopped immediately and appropriate specific antibody therapy should be started without delay.

Clostridium difficile associated disease can be favoured by faecal stasis.

Medicinal products that inhibit peristalsis should not be given.

Neurotoxicity: High doses of beta-lactam antibiotics, including cefotaxime, particularly in patients with renal insufficiency, may result in encephalopathy (e.g. impairment of consciousness, abnormal movements and convulsions).

Patients should be advised to contact their doctor immediately prior to continuing treatment if such reactions occur.

Precautions for administration: During post-marketing surveillance, potentially life-threatening arrhythmia has been reported in a very few patients who received rapid intravenous administration of cefotaxime through a central venous catheter. The recommended time for injection or infusion should be followed.

Effects on Laboratory Tests: As with other cephalosporins a positive Coombs' test has been found in some patients treated with cefotaxime. This phenomenon can interfere with the cross-matching of blood.

Urinary glucose testing with non-specific reducing agents may yield false-positive results. This phenomenon is not seen when a glucose-oxydase specific method is used.

4.5.Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction

Aminoglycoside antibiotics and diuretics: As with other cephalosporins, cefotaxime may potentiate the nephrotoxic effects of nephrotoxic drugs such as aminoglycosides or potent diuretics (e.g. furosemide). Renal function must be monitored.

Uricosurics: Probenecid interferes with renal tubular transfer of cefotaxime, thereby increasing cefotaxime exposure about 2-fold and reducing renal clearance to about half at therapeutic doses. Due to the large therapeutic index of cefotaxime, no dosage adjustment is needed in patients with normal renal function. Dosage adjustment may be needed in patients with renal impairment.

Interference with Laboratory Tests: A false positive Coombs test may be seen during treatment with cephalosporins. This phenomenon may occur during treatment with cefotaxime and can interfere with blood cross-matching.

A false positive reaction to urinary glucose may occur with copper reduction methods (Benedict's, Fehling's or Clinitest) but not with the use of specific glucose oxidase methods.

There is a potential for mezlocillin and azlocillin to reduce the clearance of cefotaxime.

4.6. Fertility, pregnancy and lactation

Pregnancy: Teratogenic Effects: Pregnancy Category B:

Reproduction studies have been performed in pregnant mice given C TAX injection 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.

Lactation: Cefotaxime passes into human breast milk in small amounts and is usually compatible with breast feeding, but careful monitoring of the infant is recommended. Effects on the physiological intestinal flora of the breast-fed infant leading to diarrhoea, colonisation by yeast-like fungi, and sensitisation of the infant cannot be excluded.

Therefore, a decision must be made whether to discontinue breast-feeding or to discontinue therapy taking into account the benefit of breast-feeding for the child and the benefit of therapy for the woman.

4.7. Effects on ability to drive and use machines

Cefotaxime has been associated with dizziness, which may affect the ability to drive or operate machinery. There is no evidence that cefotaxime directly impairs the ability to drive or to operate machines. High doses of cefotaxime, particularly in patients with renal insufficiency, may cause encephalopathy (e.g. impairment of consciousness, abnormal movements and convulsions). Patients should be advised not to drive or operate machinery if any such symptoms occur.

4.8.Undesirable effects

Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction

For the treatment of borreliosis, a Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction may develop during the first days of treatment.

The occurrence of one or more of the following symptoms has been reported after several week's treatment of borreliosis: skin rash, itching, fever, leucopenia, increase in liver enzymes, difficulty of breathing, joint discomfort.

Hepatobiliary disorders

Increase in liver enzymes (ALAT, ASAT, LDH, gamma-GT and/or alkaline phosphatase) and/or bilirubin have been observed. These laboratory abnormalities may rarely exceed twice the upper limit of the normal range and elicit a pattern of liver injury, usually cholestatic and most often asymptomatic.

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions

via email to: medico@zuventus.com

Website: Website: https://www.zuventus.com/drug-safety-reporting

By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

4.9.Overdose

Symptoms of overdose may largely correspond to the profile of side effects. There is a risk of reversible encephalopathy in cases of administration of high doses of β – lactam antibiotics including cefotaxime.

In case of overdose, cefotaxime must be discontinued, and supportive treatment initiated, which includes measures to accelerate elimination, and symptomatic treatment of adverse reactions (e.g. convulsions). No specific antidote exists. Serum levels of cefotaxime may be reduced by peritoneal dialysis or haemodialysis.

5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties

Pharmacotherapeutic group: Beta-lactam antibiotics, cephalosporins.

ATC Code: J01D A10

Mode of action

Cefotaxime is a third generation broad spectrum bactericidal cephalosporin antibiotic. The bactericidal properties are due to the inhibitory effect of cefotaxime on bacterial cell wall synthesis.

Mechanisms of resistance

Resistance to Cefotaxime may be due to production of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases that can efficiently hydrolyse the drug, to the induction and/or constitutive expression of AmpC enzymes, to impermeability or to efflux pump mechanisms. More than one of these possible mechanisms may co-exist in a single bacterium.

Breakpoints:

Current MIC breakpoints used to interpret cefotaxime susceptibility data are shown below.

European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST) Clinical MIC Breakpoints (V1.1, 31/03/2006)

1. Non-species related breakpoints have been determined mainly on the basis of PK/PD data and are independent of MIC distributions of specific species. They are for use only for species that have not been given a species-specific breakpoint and not for those species where susceptibility testing is not recommended (marked with -- or IE in the table).

2. The cephalosporin breakpoints for Enterobacteriaceae will detect resistance mediated by most ESBLs and other clinically important beta-lactamases in Enterobacteriaceae. However, some ESBL-producing strains may appear susceptible or intermediate with these breakpoints. Laboratories may want to use a test which specifically screens for the presence of ESBL.

3. Susceptibility of staphylococci to cephalosporins is inferred from the methicillin susceptibility (except ceftazidime which should not be used for staphylococcal infections).

4. Strains with MIC values above the S/I breakpoint are very rare or not yet reported. The identification and antimicrobial susceptibility tests on any such isolate must be repeated and if the result is confirmed the isolate sent to a reference laboratory. Until there is evidence regarding clinical response for confirmed isolates with MIC above the current resistant breakpoint (in italics) they should be reported resistant.-- = Susceptibility testing not recommended as the species is a poor target for therapy with the drug.

IE = There is insufficient evidence that the species in question is a good target for therapy with the drug.

RD = rationale document listing data used by EUCAST for determining breakpoints.

Susceptibility

The prevalence of resistance may vary geographically and with time for selected species and local information on resistance is desirable, particularly when treating severe infections. This information gives only an approximate guidance on the probabilities whether micro-organisms will be susceptible to cefotaxime or not.

Methicillin-(oxacillin) resistant staphylococci (MRSA) are resistant to all currently available β -lactam antibiotics including cefotaxime.

Penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae show a variable degree of cross-resistance to cephalosporins such as cefotaxime.

5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties

After a 1000mg intravenous bolus, mean peak plasma concentrations of cefotaxime usually range between 81 and 102 microgram/ml. Doses of 500mg and 2000mg produce plasma concentrations of 38 and 200 micrograms/ml, respectively. There is no accumulation following administration of 1000mg intravenously or 500mg intramuscularly for 10 or 14 days.

The apparent volume of distribution at steady-state of cefotaxime is 21.6 litres/1.73m2 after 1g intravenous 30-minute infusion.

Concentrations of cefotaxime (usually determined by non-selective assay) have been studied in a wide range of human body tissues and fluids. Cerebrospinal fluid concentrations are low when the meninges are not inflamed, but are between 3 and 30 microgram/ml in children with meningitis. Cefotaxime usually passes the blood-brain barrier in levels above the minimum inhibitory concentration of common sensitive pathogens when the meninges are inflamed. Concentrations (0.2-5.4 microgram/ml), inhibitory for most Gram-negative bacteria, are attained in purulent sputum, bronchial secretions and pleural fluid after doses of 1 or 2g. Concentrations likely to be effective against most sensitive organisms are similarly attained in female reproductive organs, otitis media effusions, prostatic tissue, interstitial fluid, renal tissue, peritoneal fluid and gall bladder wall, after usual therapeutic doses. High concentrations of cefotaxime and desacetyl-cefotaxime are attained in bile.

Cefotaxime is partially metabolised prior to excretion. The principal metabolite is the microbiologically active product, desacetyl-cefotaxime. Most of a dose of cefotaxime is excreted in the urine - about 60% as unchanged drug and a further 24% as desacetyl-cefotaxime. Plasma clearance is reported to be between 260 and 390ml/minute and renal clearance 145 to 217 ml/minute.

After intravenous administration of cefotaxime to healthy adults, the elimination half-life of the parent compound is 0.9 to 1.14 hours and that of the desacetyl metabolite, about 1.3 hours.

In neonates the pharmacokinetics are influenced by gestational and chronological age, the half-life being prolonged in premature and low birth weight neonates of the same age.

In severe renal dysfunction the elimination half-life of cefotaxime itself is increased minimally to about 2.5 hours, whereas that of desacetyl-cefotaxime is increased to about 10 hours. Total urinary recovery of cefotaxime and its principal metabolite decreases with reduction in renal function.

Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis

Lifetime studies in animals to evaluate carcinogenic potential have not been conducted. C TAX injection was not mutagenic in the mouse micronucleus test or in the Ames test. C TAX injection 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).

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 C TAX injection were significantly lighter in weight at birth and remained smaller than pups in the control group during the 21 days of nursing.

C TAX injection (cefotaxime sodium) is a semisynthetic, broad spectrum cephalosporin antibiotic for parenteral administration.

IUPAC Name:

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).

The molecular formula of cefotaxime is C₁₆H₁₆N₅NaO₇S₂ Molecular weight is 477.442 g/mol.

1.Incompatibilities

Cefotaxime sodium should not be mixed with alkaline solutions such as sodium bicarbonate injection or solutions containing aminophylline.

Cefotaxime should not be admixed with aminoglycosides. If they are used concurrently they should be administered in separate sites.

2.Shelf-life

Refer on the pack.

3. Packaging information

C-Tax 250: A vial of 250 mg with SWFI IP 5 ml.

C-Tax 500: A vial of 500 mg with SWFI IP 5 ml.

C-Tax 1.0 g: A vial of 1 g with SWFI IP 5 ml.

4. Storage and handing instructions

Store in a cool & dry place. Protect from light.

Keep out of reach of children.

After reconstitution, do not use in case any foreign particulate matter is observed inside the vial.

Patients should be counseled that antibacterial drugs including C-Tax injection should only be used to treat bacterial infections. They do not treat viral infections (e.g., the common cold). When C-Tax injection 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 C-Tax injection 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.

17th Sept. 2024

Cefotaxime Sodium Injection IP 250 mg / 500 mg / 1 gm

C-Tax 250

Each vial contains:

Cefotaxime Sodium IP

equivalent to Cefotaxime 250 mg

This pack contains Sterile Water for Injections IP 5 ml.

C-Tax 500

Each vial contains:

Cefotaxime Sodium IP

equivalent to Cefotaxime 500 mg

This pack contains Sterile Water for Injections IP 5 ml.

C-Tax 1.0 g

Each vial contains:

Cefotaxime Sodium IP

equivalent to Cefotaxime 1.0 g

This pack contains Sterile Water for Injections IP 5 ml.

Powder for solution for injection/infusion

250 mg / 500 mg / 1 gm

4.1.Therapeutic indication

Indicated in the treatment of patients with serious infections.

1. Cefotaxime is indicated in the treatment of serious infections, either before the infecting organism has been identified or when caused by bacteria of established sensitivity, including

• osteomyelitis,
• septicaemia,
• bacterial endocarditis,
• meningitis,
• peritonitis
• and other serious bacterial infections suitable for parenteral antibiotic therapy.

2. Cefotaxime may be used for pre-operative prophylaxis in patients undergoing surgical procedures, that may be classified as contaminated or potentially so.

4.2.Posology and method of administration

Cefotaxime may be administered intravenously by bolus injection or by infusion, or by intramuscular injection. The dosage, route and frequency of administration should be determined by the severity of infection, the sensitivity of causative organisms and condition of the patient. Therapy may be initiated before the results of sensitivity tests are known.

Adults:

The recommended dosage for mild to moderate infections is 1g 12 hourly. However, dosage may be varied according to the severity of the infection, sensitivity of causative organisms and condition of the patient. Therapy may be initiated before the results of sensitivity tests are known.

In severe infections dosage may be increased up to 12g daily given in three or four divided doses. For infections caused by sensitive Pseudomonas species daily doses of greater than 6g will usually be required.

Children:

The usual dosage range is 100-150mg/kg/day in two to four divided doses. However, in very severe infection doses of up to 200mg/kg/day may be required.

Neonates: The recommended dosage is 50mg/kg/day in two to four divided doses. In severe infections 150-200mg/kg/day, in divided doses, have been given.

Dosage in renal impairment: Because of extra-renal elimination, it is only necessary to reduce the dosage of cefotaxime in severe renal failure (GFR <5ml/min = serum creatinine approximately 751 micromol/litre). After an initial loading dose of 1g, daily dose should be halved without change in the frequency of dosing, i.e. 1g twelve hourly becomes 0.5g twelve hourly, 1g eight hourly becomes 0.5g eight hourly, 2g eight hourly becomes 1g eight hourly etc. As in all other patients, dosage may require further adjustment according to the course of the infection and the general condition of the patient.

Dosage in hepatic impairment: No dosage adjustment is required.

Intravenous and Intramuscular Administration

Dissolve the contents in 3 ml (for 250 mg / 500 mg) or 5 ml (for 1 gm) of Sterile Water for Injections IP, provided with this pack. Use immediately after reconstitution. Any unused portion must be discarded. After reconstitution, do not use in case any foreign particulate matter is observed inside the vial.

Intravenous Administration (Injection or Infusion): For intermittent I.V. injections, the solution must be injected over a period of 3 to 5 minutes.

Intravenous Infusion: 1-2 gm cefotaxime are dissolved in 40-100 ml of infusion fluid. After 24 hours any unused solution should be discarded. The prepared infusion may be administered over 20-60 minutes. Cefotaxime and aminoglycosides should not be mixed in the same syringe or perfusion fluid.

Compatible Infusion Solutions:

• Sodium Chloride 0.9%
• Dextrose 5 and 10%
• Ringer-Lactate Solution

Intramuscular Administration: Cefotaxime should be injected well within the body of a relatively large muscle such as the upper outer quadrant of the buttock; aspiration is necessary to avoid inadvertent injection into a blood vessel.

4.3.Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to cephalosporins.
• In patients with a history of hypersensitivity to Cefotaxime and/or to any of the component listed in the formulation, a penicillin or to any other type of β-lactam drug.
• Allergic cross reactions can exist between penicillins and cephalosporins.

4.4.Special warnings and precautions for use

As with other antibiotics, the use of cefotaxime, especially if prolonged, may result in overgrowth of non-susceptible organisms, such as Enterococcus spp, candida, Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Repeated evaluation of the condition of the patient is essential. If superinfection occurs during treatment with cefotaxime, appropriate measures should be taken and specific anti-microbial therapy should be instituted if considered clinically necessary.

Anaphylactic reactions: Preliminary enquiry about hypersensitivity to penicillin and other β -Lactam antibiotics is necessary before prescribing cephalosporins since cross allergy occurs in 5– 10% of cases. The use of cefotaxime is strictly contra-indicated in subjects with a previous history of immediate-type hypersensitivity to cephalosporins. Since cross allergy exists between penicillins and cephalosporins, use of the latter should be undertaken with extreme caution in penicillin sensitive subjects. Serious, including fatal hypersensitivity reactions have been reported in patients receiving cefotaxime (see sections 4.3 and 4.8). If a hypersensitivity reaction occurs, treatment must be stopped.

Severe skin reactions: Severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs) including acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP), Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), which can be life-threatening or fatal, have been reported post-marketing in association with cefotaxime treatment.

At the time of prescription patients should be advised of the signs and symptoms for skin reactions.

If signs and symptoms suggestive of these reactions appear, cefotaxime should be withdrawn immediately. If the patient has developed AGEP, SJS, TEN or DRESS with the use of cefotaxime, treatment with cefotaxime must not be restarted and should be permanently discontinued.

In children, the presentation of a rash can be mistaken for the underlying infection or an alternative infectious process, and physicians should consider the possibility of a reaction to cefotaxime in children that develop symptoms of rash and fever during therapy with cefotaxime.

Patients with renal insufficiency: The dosage should be modified according to the creatinine clearance calculated. Patients with severe renal dysfunction should be placed on the dosage schedule recommended under “Posology and Method of Administration”.

Caution should be exercised if cefotaxime is administered together with aminoglycosides, probenecid or other nephrotoxic drugs (see section 4.5). Renal function must be monitored in these patients, the elderly, and those with pre-existing renal impairment.

Haematological reactions: Leukopenia, neutropenia, and more rarely, agranulocytosis may develop during treatment with cefotaxime, particularly if given over long periods. For treatment courses lasting longer than 7-10 days, the blood white cell count should be monitored and treatment stopped in the event of neutropenia.

Some cases of eosinophilia and thrombocytopenia, rapidly reversible on stopping treatment, have been reported. Cases of haemolytic anaemia have also been reported (see section 4.8).

Sodium intake: The sodium content of cefotaxime (2.09mmol/g) should be taken into account when prescribing to patients requiring sodium restriction.

Clostridium difficile associated disease (e.g. pseudomembranous colitis): Cefotaxime may predispose patients to pseudomembranous colitis. Although any antibiotic may predispose to pseudomembranous colitis, the risk is higher with broad spectrum drugs, such as cephalosporins. This side effect, which may occur more frequently in patients receiving higher doses for prolonged periods, should be considered as potentially serious.

Diarrhoea, particularly if severe and/or persistent, occurring during treatment or in the initial weeks following treatment, may be symptomatic of Clostridium difficile associated disease (CDAD). CDAD may range in severity from mild to life threatening, the most severe form of which is pseudo-membranous colitis.

The diagnosis of this rare but possibly fatal condition can be confirmed by endoscopy and/or histology.

It is important to consider this diagnosis in patients who present with diarrhoea during or subsequent to the administration of cefotaxime.

If a diagnosis of pseudomembranous colitis is suspected, cefotaxime should be stopped immediately and appropriate specific antibody therapy should be started without delay.

Clostridium difficile associated disease can be favoured by faecal stasis.

Medicinal products that inhibit peristalsis should not be given.

Neurotoxicity: High doses of beta-lactam antibiotics, including cefotaxime, particularly in patients with renal insufficiency, may result in encephalopathy (e.g. impairment of consciousness, abnormal movements and convulsions).

Patients should be advised to contact their doctor immediately prior to continuing treatment if such reactions occur.

Precautions for administration: During post-marketing surveillance, potentially life-threatening arrhythmia has been reported in a very few patients who received rapid intravenous administration of cefotaxime through a central venous catheter. The recommended time for injection or infusion should be followed.

Effects on Laboratory Tests: As with other cephalosporins a positive Coombs' test has been found in some patients treated with cefotaxime. This phenomenon can interfere with the cross-matching of blood.

Urinary glucose testing with non-specific reducing agents may yield false-positive results. This phenomenon is not seen when a glucose-oxydase specific method is used.

4.5.Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction

Aminoglycoside antibiotics and diuretics: As with other cephalosporins, cefotaxime may potentiate the nephrotoxic effects of nephrotoxic drugs such as aminoglycosides or potent diuretics (e.g. furosemide). Renal function must be monitored.

Uricosurics: Probenecid interferes with renal tubular transfer of cefotaxime, thereby increasing cefotaxime exposure about 2-fold and reducing renal clearance to about half at therapeutic doses. Due to the large therapeutic index of cefotaxime, no dosage adjustment is needed in patients with normal renal function. Dosage adjustment may be needed in patients with renal impairment.

Interference with Laboratory Tests: A false positive Coombs test may be seen during treatment with cephalosporins. This phenomenon may occur during treatment with cefotaxime and can interfere with blood cross-matching.

A false positive reaction to urinary glucose may occur with copper reduction methods (Benedict's, Fehling's or Clinitest) but not with the use of specific glucose oxidase methods.

There is a potential for mezlocillin and azlocillin to reduce the clearance of cefotaxime.

4.6. Fertility, pregnancy and lactation

Pregnancy: Teratogenic Effects: Pregnancy Category B:

Reproduction studies have been performed in pregnant mice given C TAX injection 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.

Lactation: Cefotaxime passes into human breast milk in small amounts and is usually compatible with breast feeding, but careful monitoring of the infant is recommended. Effects on the physiological intestinal flora of the breast-fed infant leading to diarrhoea, colonisation by yeast-like fungi, and sensitisation of the infant cannot be excluded.

Therefore, a decision must be made whether to discontinue breast-feeding or to discontinue therapy taking into account the benefit of breast-feeding for the child and the benefit of therapy for the woman.

4.7. Effects on ability to drive and use machines

Cefotaxime has been associated with dizziness, which may affect the ability to drive or operate machinery. There is no evidence that cefotaxime directly impairs the ability to drive or to operate machines. High doses of cefotaxime, particularly in patients with renal insufficiency, may cause encephalopathy (e.g. impairment of consciousness, abnormal movements and convulsions). Patients should be advised not to drive or operate machinery if any such symptoms occur.

4.8.Undesirable effects

Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction

For the treatment of borreliosis, a Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction may develop during the first days of treatment.

The occurrence of one or more of the following symptoms has been reported after several week's treatment of borreliosis: skin rash, itching, fever, leucopenia, increase in liver enzymes, difficulty of breathing, joint discomfort.

Hepatobiliary disorders

Increase in liver enzymes (ALAT, ASAT, LDH, gamma-GT and/or alkaline phosphatase) and/or bilirubin have been observed. These laboratory abnormalities may rarely exceed twice the upper limit of the normal range and elicit a pattern of liver injury, usually cholestatic and most often asymptomatic.

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions

via email to: medico@zuventus.com

Website: Website: https://www.zuventus.com/drug-safety-reporting

By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

4.9.Overdose

Symptoms of overdose may largely correspond to the profile of side effects. There is a risk of reversible encephalopathy in cases of administration of high doses of β – lactam antibiotics including cefotaxime.

In case of overdose, cefotaxime must be discontinued, and supportive treatment initiated, which includes measures to accelerate elimination, and symptomatic treatment of adverse reactions (e.g. convulsions). No specific antidote exists. Serum levels of cefotaxime may be reduced by peritoneal dialysis or haemodialysis.

5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties

Pharmacotherapeutic group: Beta-lactam antibiotics, cephalosporins.

ATC Code: J01D A10

Mode of action

Cefotaxime is a third generation broad spectrum bactericidal cephalosporin antibiotic. The bactericidal properties are due to the inhibitory effect of cefotaxime on bacterial cell wall synthesis.

Mechanisms of resistance

Resistance to Cefotaxime may be due to production of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases that can efficiently hydrolyse the drug, to the induction and/or constitutive expression of AmpC enzymes, to impermeability or to efflux pump mechanisms. More than one of these possible mechanisms may co-exist in a single bacterium.

Breakpoints:

Current MIC breakpoints used to interpret cefotaxime susceptibility data are shown below.

European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST) Clinical MIC Breakpoints (V1.1, 31/03/2006)

1. Non-species related breakpoints have been determined mainly on the basis of PK/PD data and are independent of MIC distributions of specific species. They are for use only for species that have not been given a species-specific breakpoint and not for those species where susceptibility testing is not recommended (marked with -- or IE in the table).

2. The cephalosporin breakpoints for Enterobacteriaceae will detect resistance mediated by most ESBLs and other clinically important beta-lactamases in Enterobacteriaceae. However, some ESBL-producing strains may appear susceptible or intermediate with these breakpoints. Laboratories may want to use a test which specifically screens for the presence of ESBL.

3. Susceptibility of staphylococci to cephalosporins is inferred from the methicillin susceptibility (except ceftazidime which should not be used for staphylococcal infections).

4. Strains with MIC values above the S/I breakpoint are very rare or not yet reported. The identification and antimicrobial susceptibility tests on any such isolate must be repeated and if the result is confirmed the isolate sent to a reference laboratory. Until there is evidence regarding clinical response for confirmed isolates with MIC above the current resistant breakpoint (in italics) they should be reported resistant.-- = Susceptibility testing not recommended as the species is a poor target for therapy with the drug.

IE = There is insufficient evidence that the species in question is a good target for therapy with the drug.

RD = rationale document listing data used by EUCAST for determining breakpoints.

Susceptibility

The prevalence of resistance may vary geographically and with time for selected species and local information on resistance is desirable, particularly when treating severe infections. This information gives only an approximate guidance on the probabilities whether micro-organisms will be susceptible to cefotaxime or not.

Methicillin-(oxacillin) resistant staphylococci (MRSA) are resistant to all currently available β -lactam antibiotics including cefotaxime.

Penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae show a variable degree of cross-resistance to cephalosporins such as cefotaxime.

5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties

After a 1000mg intravenous bolus, mean peak plasma concentrations of cefotaxime usually range between 81 and 102 microgram/ml. Doses of 500mg and 2000mg produce plasma concentrations of 38 and 200 micrograms/ml, respectively. There is no accumulation following administration of 1000mg intravenously or 500mg intramuscularly for 10 or 14 days.

The apparent volume of distribution at steady-state of cefotaxime is 21.6 litres/1.73m2 after 1g intravenous 30-minute infusion.

Concentrations of cefotaxime (usually determined by non-selective assay) have been studied in a wide range of human body tissues and fluids. Cerebrospinal fluid concentrations are low when the meninges are not inflamed, but are between 3 and 30 microgram/ml in children with meningitis. Cefotaxime usually passes the blood-brain barrier in levels above the minimum inhibitory concentration of common sensitive pathogens when the meninges are inflamed. Concentrations (0.2-5.4 microgram/ml), inhibitory for most Gram-negative bacteria, are attained in purulent sputum, bronchial secretions and pleural fluid after doses of 1 or 2g. Concentrations likely to be effective against most sensitive organisms are similarly attained in female reproductive organs, otitis media effusions, prostatic tissue, interstitial fluid, renal tissue, peritoneal fluid and gall bladder wall, after usual therapeutic doses. High concentrations of cefotaxime and desacetyl-cefotaxime are attained in bile.

Cefotaxime is partially metabolised prior to excretion. The principal metabolite is the microbiologically active product, desacetyl-cefotaxime. Most of a dose of cefotaxime is excreted in the urine - about 60% as unchanged drug and a further 24% as desacetyl-cefotaxime. Plasma clearance is reported to be between 260 and 390ml/minute and renal clearance 145 to 217 ml/minute.

After intravenous administration of cefotaxime to healthy adults, the elimination half-life of the parent compound is 0.9 to 1.14 hours and that of the desacetyl metabolite, about 1.3 hours.

In neonates the pharmacokinetics are influenced by gestational and chronological age, the half-life being prolonged in premature and low birth weight neonates of the same age.

In severe renal dysfunction the elimination half-life of cefotaxime itself is increased minimally to about 2.5 hours, whereas that of desacetyl-cefotaxime is increased to about 10 hours. Total urinary recovery of cefotaxime and its principal metabolite decreases with reduction in renal function.

Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis

Lifetime studies in animals to evaluate carcinogenic potential have not been conducted. C TAX injection was not mutagenic in the mouse micronucleus test or in the Ames test. C TAX injection 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).

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 C TAX injection were significantly lighter in weight at birth and remained smaller than pups in the control group during the 21 days of nursing.

C TAX injection (cefotaxime sodium) is a semisynthetic, broad spectrum cephalosporin antibiotic for parenteral administration.

IUPAC Name:

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).

The molecular formula of cefotaxime is C₁₆H₁₆N₅NaO₇S₂ Molecular weight is 477.442 g/mol.

1.Incompatibilities

Cefotaxime sodium should not be mixed with alkaline solutions such as sodium bicarbonate injection or solutions containing aminophylline.

Cefotaxime should not be admixed with aminoglycosides. If they are used concurrently they should be administered in separate sites.

2.Shelf-life

Refer on the pack.

3. Packaging information

C-Tax 250: A vial of 250 mg with SWFI IP 5 ml.

C-Tax 500: A vial of 500 mg with SWFI IP 5 ml.

C-Tax 1.0 g: A vial of 1 g with SWFI IP 5 ml.

4. Storage and handing instructions

Store in a cool & dry place. Protect from light.

Keep out of reach of children.

After reconstitution, do not use in case any foreign particulate matter is observed inside the vial.

Patients should be counseled that antibacterial drugs including C-Tax injection should only be used to treat bacterial infections. They do not treat viral infections (e.g., the common cold). When C-Tax injection 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 C-Tax injection 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.

17th Sept. 2024