Healthdirect Free Australian health advice you can count on.

Medical problem? Call 1800 022 222. If you need urgent medical help, call triple zero immediately

healthdirect Australia is a free service where you can talk to a nurse or doctor who can help you know what to do.

beginning of content

Brand name: Cefotaxime (Mayne Pharma) TM

Active ingredients: cefotaxime

What it is used for

INDICATIONS: Cefotaxime is indicated for the treatment of the following types of injection when caused by susceptible micro-organisms: Infections of the respiratory tract (upper and lower). Infections of the urinary tract. Septicaemia - concomitant therapy with an aminoglycoside may be instituted prior to isolation of the causative organism. Intra-abdominal infection. Gonorrhoea (including gonorrhoea caused by beta lactamase producing strains of N. gonorrhoeae). Ear, nose and throat infections. Skin and skin structure infections. Bone and joint infections. Meningitis - cefotaxime should be combined with an appropriate alternative antibiotic (ampicillin, chloramphenicol or pencillin G) for initial therapy in children, (excluding neonates) pending the availability of culture and sensitivity results. In adults, the empirical use of cefotaxime should be restricted to patients suspected of having meningitis caused by Gram negative enteric bacilli. Cefotaxime may be used for the prevention of post-operative infection in obstetrical surgery, vaginal and abdominal hysterectomy and biliary surgery. In serious cases, cefotaxime may be used, if considered appropriate,before the results of sensitivity tests become available. The emergency of resistance to cefotaxime may complicate treatment.

How to take it

The way to take this medicine is: Intravenous. This medicine or fluids is given through a needle or tube (catheter) inserted into a vein.

  • Store below 25 degrees Celsius
  • Protect from Light
  • Shelf lifetime is 3 Years.

You should seek medical advice in relation to medicines and use only as directed by a healthcare professional.

Always read the label. If symptoms persist see your healthcare professional.

Visual appearance

Clear glass vial containing a white to pale yellow crystalline powder.

Do I need a prescription?

This medicine is available from a pharmacist and requires a prescription. It is Schedule 4 : Prescription Only Medicine.

Pregnant or planning a pregnancy?

For the active ingredient cefotaxime

You should seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist about taking this medicine. They can help you balance the risks and the benefits of this medicine during pregnancy.

Download leaflet

For side effects, taking other medicines and more

Download consumer medicine information leaflet (pdf) from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) website

Reporting side effects

You can help ensure medicines are safe by reporting the side effects you experience.

You can report side effects to your doctor, or directly at www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems

Back to top back to top

Healthdirect 24hr 7 days a week hotline

24 hour health advice you can count on

1800 022 222

Government Accredited with over 140 information partners

We are a government-funded service, providing quality, approved health information and advice

Australian Government, health department logo ACT Government logo New South Wales government, health department logo Northen Territory Government logo Queensland Government logo Government of South Australia, health department logo Tasmanian government logo Victorian government logo Government of Western Australia, health department logo

Healthdirect Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners and to Elders both past and present.