Cefotaxime 1 G Powder For Solution For Injection / Infusion
SUMMARY OF PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS
1 NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT
Cefotaxime 1 g powder for solution for injection / infusion
2 QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE COMPOSITION
1 vial contains cefotaxime sodium corresponding to 1 g cefotaxime.
Each vial contains 2.1 mmol (or 48 mg) sodium per 1000 mg dose.
3 PHARMACEUTICAL FORM
Powder for solution for injection / infusion White to slightly yellow powder.
4 CLINICAL PARTICULARS
4.1 Therapeutic indications
Cefotaxime is indicated in the treatment of the following severe infections when known or thought very likely to be caused by bacteria that are susceptible to cefotaxime (see section 4.4 and 5.1):
• Bacterial pneumonia
• Complicated infections of the urinary tract including pyelonephritis
• Severe skin and soft tissue infections
• Genital infections, including gonorrhoea
• Intra-abdominal infections (such as peritonitis)
• Bacterial meningitis
• Endocarditis
• Borreliosis
Treatment of patients with bacteraemia that occurs in association with, or is suspected to be associated with, any of the infections listed above.
Perioperative prophylaxis. For surgical operations with increased risk of infections with anaerobic pathogens, e.g. colorectal surgery, a combination with an appropriate drug with activity against anaerobes is recommended.
Consideration should be given to official guidance on the appropriate use of antibacterial agents.
4.2 Posology and method of administration
Cefotaxime may be administered by intravenous bolus injection or intravenous infusion or by intramuscular injection after reconstitution of the solution. Dosage and mode of administration should be determined by the severity of the infection, susceptibility of the causative organism and the patient’s condition. Therapy may be started before the result of microbiological tests are known.
Adults and adolescents over 12 years
Adults and adolescents usually receive 2 to 6 g cefotaxime daily. The daily dose should be divided in two single doses every 12 hours.
• Common infections in presence (or suspicion) of sensitive bacteria: 1 g every 12 hours.
• Infections in presence (or suspicion) of several sensitive or moderately sensitive bacteria: 1-2 g every 12 hours.
• Severe infections or for infections that cannot be localised: 2-3 g as a single dose every 6 to 8 hours (maximum daily dose: 12 g).
A combination of cefotaxime and other antibiotics is indicated in severe infections.
Term newborn (0-28 days), infants and children up to 12 years of age Depending on the severity of the infection: 50-100-150 mg/kg/day, 12-6 hourly.
In life-threatening situations the daily dose may be raised to 200 mg/kg/day under careful attention of the renal function, especially in the newborn period 0-7 days due to not fully matured kidney function.
Premature infants
The recommended dosage is 50 mg/kg/day divided into 2 to 4 doses (every 12 to 6 hours). This maximum dose should not be exceeded due to the not yet fully matured kidneys.
Elderly
No dosage adjustment is required, provided that the function of the kidneys and the liver is normal.
Other special recommendations
Gonorrhoea
For gonorrhoea, a single injection (intramuscularly or intravenously) of 0.51 g cefotaxime. For complicated infections, consideration should be given to available official guidelines. Syphilis should be excluded before initiating treatment.
Bacterial meningitis
Adults: Daily dose of 9-12 g cefotaxime divided into equal doses every 6-8 hours (3 g 3-4 times daily).
Children: 150-200 mg/kg/day divided into equal doses every 6-8 hours. Newborns: 0-7 days: 50 mg/kg every 12 hours, 7-28 days: 50 mg/kg every 8 hours.
Perioperative prophylaxis
1 - 2 g as single dose as close to start of surgery as possible. In those cases where the operation time exceeds 90 minute an additional dose of prophylactic antibiotic should be given.
Intra-abdominal infections
Intra-abdominal infections should be treated with cefotaxime in combination with other antibiotics with coverage for anaerobic bacteria.
Dosage in renal function impairment
In adult patients with a creatinine clearance of <5 ml/min, the initial dose equal to the recommended usual dose but the maintenance dose should be reduced by half without change in the frequency of dosing. Blood tests to determine the required dose may be carried out.
Dosage in dialysis or peritoneal dialysis
In patients on haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis an intravenous injection of 0.5-2 g, given at the end of each dialysis session and repeated every 24 hours, is sufficient to treat most infections efficaciously.
Duration of therapy
The duration of therapy with cefotaxime depends on the clinical condition of the patient and varies according to the bacteriological progress. Administration of cefotaxime should be continued until symptoms have subsided or evidence of bacterial eradication has been obtained. Treatment over at least 10 days is necessary in infections caused by Streptococcus pyogenes (parenteral therapy may be switched to an adequate oral therapy before the end of the 10 day period).
Method of administration
Intravenous infusion
In order to avoid any risk of infection, the reconstitution of the solution for infusion should be done in close aseptic conditions. Do not postpone the infusion after the reconstitution of the solution.
For short intravenous infusion: Following reconstitution, the solution should be administered over 20 minutes.
For long lasting intravenous infusion: Following reconstitution, the solution should be administered over 50-60 minutes.
Intravenous injection
For intermittent i.v. injections, the solution must be injected over a period of 3 to 5 minutes. 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.
Intramuscular injection
The intramuscular method of administration is restricted to exceptional clinical situations (e.g. gonorrhoea). It is not indicated in severe infections and should undergo a risk-benefit assessment. It is recommended that no more than 4 ml are injected unilaterally. If the daily dose exceeds 2 g cefotaxime or if cefotaxime is injected more frequently than twice per day, the intravenous route is recommended. In case of severe infections, intramuscular injection is not recommended.
The solution should be administered by deep intramuscular injection.
Solutions with lidocaine must not be administered intravenously. Cefotaxime reconstituted with lidocaine should not be administrated to children in the first year of age. The product information of the chosen lidocain containing medicinal product must be regarded.
For instructions on reconstitution and dilution of the medicinal product before administration, see section 6.6. Cefotaxime and aminoglycosides should not be mixed in the same syringe or perfusion fluid.
4.3 Contraindications
• Hypersensitivity to the active substance, to other cephalosporins or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.
• Previous, immediate and/or severe hypersensitivity reaction to penicillin or any beta-lactam antibiotic.
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. Repeated evaluation of the patient's condition is essential. If superinfection occurs during therapy, appropriate measures should be taken.
• Anaphylactic reactions
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.
Since cross allergy exists between penicillins and cephalosporins, use of the latter should be undertaken with caution in penicillin sensitive subjects (for contraindications see section 4.3).
• Serious bullous reactions
Cases of serious bullous skin reactions like Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis have been reported with cefotaxime ( see section 4.8). Patients should be advised to contact their doctor immediately prior to continuing treatment if skin and/or mucosal reactions occur.
• Clostridium difficile associated disease (e.g. pseudomembranous colitis)
Diarrhea, 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 antibiotic 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.
• Haematological reactions
Leucopenia, 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 anemia have also been reported. (see section 4.8)
• Patients with renal insufficiency
The dosage should be modified according to the creatinine clearance calculated.
Caution should be exercised if cefotaxime is administered together with aminoglycosides 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.
• 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) (see section 4.8).
Patients should be advised to contact their doctor immediately prior to continuing treatment if such reactions occur.
• The use of cefotaxime for treatment of endocarditis should be restricted to patients known to have penicillin allergy (not type 1). Cefotaxime should be used in combination with other appropriate antibacterial agents, considering its limited antibacterial spectrum.
• 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 (see section 4.2).
• 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 falsepositive results. This phenomenon is not seen when a glucose-oxydase specific method is used.
This medicinal product contains 2.1 mmol (or 48 mg) sodium per 1000 mg dose. To be taken into consideration by patients on a controlled sodium diet.
4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction
• Probenecid: Probenecid interferes with the renal tubular transfer of cephalosporins, thereby delaying their excretion and increasing their plasma concentrations
• Oral contraceptives: The efficacy of oral contraceptives may be decreased by concomitant use of cefotaxime. Therefore during therapy with Cefotaxime additional contraceptive methods should be used.
• Aminoglycocides, 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 (see section 4.4).
• Bacteriostatic antibiotics: Cefotaxime should not be combined with bacteriostatic antibiotics (e.g. tetracyclines, erythromycin and chloramphenicol) because an antagonistic effect is possible.
• Other forms of interactions: As with other cephalosporins, a positive Coombs' test has been seen in some patients treated with cefotaxime. This phenomenon can interfere with the cross-matching of blood. A false-positive reaction to glucose may occur with reducing substances (e.g. Fehling's solution) but not with the use of specific enzyme-based tests (glucose oxidase methods).
4.6 Fertility, Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy
The safety of cefotaxime has not been established in human pregnancy.
Animal studies do not indicate direct or indirect harmful effects with respect to reproductive toxicity. There are, however, no adequate and well controlled studies in pregnant women.
Cefotaxime crosses the placental barrier. Therefore, cefotaxime should not be used during pregnancy unless the anticipated benefit outweighs any potential risks.
Lactation
Cefotaxime passes into human breast milk.
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
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) (see section 4.8). Patients should be advised not to drive or operate machinery if any such symptoms occur.
4.8 Undesirable effects
Frequency |
Very common (>1/10) |
Uncommon (>1/1000 to <1/100) |
Not known (cannot be estimated from available data)* |
Infections and infestations |
Superinfection (see section 4.4) | ||
Blood and lymphatic system disorders |
Leucopenia, eosinophilia, thrombocytopenia |
Neutropenia, agranulocytosis (see section 4.4), haemolytic anaemia | |
Immune system disorders |
Jarisch-Herxheimer reactions |
Anaphylactic reactions, angiooedema, bronchospasm, anaphylactic shock. | |
Nervous system disorders |
Convulsions (see section 4.4) |
Headache, dizziness, encephalopathy (e.g. impairment of consciousness, abnormal movements,) (see section 4.4) | |
Cardiac disorders |
Arrhythmia following rapid bolus infusion through central venous catheter | ||
Gastrointestinal disorders |
Diarrhoea |
Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, pseudomembranous colitis (see section 4.4) | |
Hepatobiliary disorders |
Increase in liver enzymes (ALAT, ASAT, LDH, gamma-GT and/or alkaline phosphatase) and/or bilirubin |
Hepatitis* (sometimes with jaundice) | |
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders |
Rash, pruritus, urticaria |
Erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis (see section 4.4) | |
Renal and urinary disorders |
Decrease in renal function / increase of creatinine (particularly when coprescribed with aminoglycosides) |
Interstitial nephritis | |
General disorders and |
For IM formulations: Pain at the injection site |
Fever, inflammatory reactions at the injection |
For IM formulations (since the solvent contains |
Frequency |
Very common (>1/10) |
Uncommon (>1/1000 to <1/100) |
Not known (cannot be estimated from available data)* |
administration site conditions |
site, including phlebitis / thrombophlebitis |
lidocaine): Systemic reactions to lidocaine |
* postmarketing experience
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 www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard.
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 beta-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 can be reduced by haemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis.
5 PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES
5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties
Pharmacotherapeutic group: Third-generation cephalosporin, ATC code: J01DD01
Mechanism of action
The bactericidal activity of cefotaxime results from the inhibition of bacterial cell wall synthesis (during the period of growth) caused by an inhibition of penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) like transpeptidases.
Mechanism of resistance
A resistance to cefotaxime may be caused by following mechanisms:
• Inactivation by beta-lactamases. Cefotaxime can be hydrolysed by certain beta-lactamases, especially by extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) which can be found in strains of Escherichia coli or Klebsiella pneumoniae, or by chromosomal encoded inducible or constitutive beta-lactamases of the AmpC type which can be detected in Enterobacter cloacae. Therefore infections caused by pathogens with inducible, chromosomal encoded AmpC-beta-lactamases should not be treated with cefotaxime even in case of proven in-vitro-susceptibility because of the risk of the selection of mutants with constitutive, derepressed AmpC- beta-lactamases-expression.
• Reduced affinity of PBPs to cefotaxime. The acquired resistance of Pneumococci and other Streptococci is caused by modifications of already existing PBPs as a consequence of a mutation process. In contrast to this concerning the methicillin-(oxacillin-) resistant Staphylococcus, the creation of an additional PBP with reduced affinity to cefotaxime is responsible for resistance.
• Inadequate penetration of cefotaxime through the outer cell membrane of gram-negative bacteria so that the inhibition of the PBPs is insufficient.
• The presence of transport mechanism (efflux pumps) being able to actively transport cefotaxime out of the cell. A complete cross resistance of cefotaxime occurs with ceftriaxone and partially with other penicillins and cephalosporins.
Breakpoints
The following minimal inhibitory concentrations were defined for sensitive and resistant germs:
EUCAST (European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing) breakpoints (2013-02-11):
Pathogen |
Susceptible |
Resistant |
Enterobacteriaceae |
< 1 mg/l |
> 2 mg/l |
Staphylococcus spp. |
--* |
--* |
Streptococcus (group A, B, C, G) |
„** |
„** |
Streptococcus pneumoniae |
< 0.5 mg/l # |
> 2 mg/l |
Viridans group streptococci |
< 0.5 mg/l |
> 0.5 mg/l |
Haemophilus influenzae |
< 0.12 mg/l # |
> 0.12 mg/l |
Moraxella catarrhalis |
< 1 mg/l |
> 2 mg/l |
Neisseria gonorrhoeae |
< 0.12 mg/l |
> 0.12 mg/l |
Neisseria meningitidis |
< 0.12 mg/l # |
> 0.12 mg/l |
Pasteurella multocida |
< 0.03 mg/l |
> 0.03 mg/l |
PK/PD (Non-species related) breakpoints*** |
< 1 mg/l |
> 2 mg/l |
Susceptibility of staphylococci to cephalosporins is inferred from the cefoxitin susceptibility except for ceftazidime, cefixime and ceftibuten, which do not have breakpoints and should not be used for staphylococcal infections.
*
**
***
#
The beta-lactam susceptibility of beta-haemolytic streptococcus groups A, B, C and G is inferred from the penicillin susceptibility.
Breakpoints apply to a daily intravenous dose of 1 g x 3 and a high dose of at least 2 g x 3. Isolates with MIC values above the susceptible 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 values above the current resistant breakpoint they should be reported resistant.
Susceptibility
The prevalence of acquired resistance may vary geographically and with time for selected species and local information on resistance is desirable, particularly when treating severe infections. If the efficacy of cefotaxime is questionable due to the local prevalence of resistance, expert opinion should be sought regarding the choice of therapy. In particular in the case of severe infections or failure of therapy, a microbiological diagnosis including a verification of the germ and its susceptibility should be aspired.
Commonly susceptible species_
Gram-positive aerobe
Staphylococcus aureus (methicillin-susceptible) Streptococcus agalactiae
Streptococcus pneumoniae (incl. penicillin-resistant strains)
Streptococcus pyogenes_
Gram-negative aerobes
Borrelia burgdorferi Haemophilus influenzae Moraxella catarrhalis Neisseria gonorrhoeae Neisseria meningitidis
Proteus mirabilis%_
Species for which acquired resistance may be a problem
Gram-positive aerobes
Staphylococcus aureus Staphylococcus epidermidis+
Staphylococcus haemolyticus+
Staphylococcus hominis+_
Gram-negative aerobes
Citrobacter freundii Enterobacter aerogenes Enterobacter cloacae Escherichia coli%
Klebsiella oxytoca%
Klebsiella pneumoniae#%
Morganella morganii Proteus vulgaris Serratia marcescens
+
#
%
Anaerobes
Bacteroides fragilis_
Inherently resistant species_
Gram-positive aerobes
Enterococcus spp.
Listeria monocytogenes
Staphylococcus aureus (methicillin-resistant)
Gram-negative aerobes
Acinetobacter baumannii
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Stenotrophomonas maltophilia_
Anaerobes
Clostridium difficile_
Others
Chlamydia spp.
Chlamydophila spp.
Legionella pneumophila Mycoplasma spp.
Treponema pallidum_
In at least one region the resistance rate is > 50%.
In Intensive Care Units the resistance rate is 10%.
Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL) producing strains are always resistant.
5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties
Absorption
Cefotaxime is for parenteral application. Mean peak concentrations 5 minutes after intravenous administration are about 81-102 mg/l following a 1 g dose of cefotaxime and about 167-214 mg/l 8 minutes after a 2 g dose. Intramuscular injection produces mean peak plasma concentrations of 20 mg/l within 30 minutes following a 1 g dose.
Distribution
Cefotaxime has good penetration into different compartments. Therapeutic drug levels exceeding the minimum inhibitory levels for common pathogens can rapidly be achieved. Cerebrospinal fluid concentrations are low when the meninges are not inflamed but cefotaxime usually passes the blood-brain barrier in levels above the MIC of the sensitive pathogens when the meninges are inflamed (3-30 pg/ml). Cefotaxime concentrations (0.2-5.4 pg/ml), inhibitory for most gramnegative bacteria, are attained in purulent sputum, bronchial secretions and pleural fluid after doses of 1or 2 g. Concentrations likely to be effective against most sensitive organisms are similarly attained in female reproductive organs, otitis media effusions, prostatic tissue, interstitial fluid, peritoneal fluid and gall bladder wall, after therapeutic doses. High concentrations of cefotaxime and O-desacetyl-cefotaxime are achieved in bile. Cefotaxime passes the placenta and attains high concentrations in foetal fluid and tissues (up to 6 mg/kg). Small amounts of cefotaxime diffuse into the breast milk.
Protein binding for cefotaxime is approximately 25-40%.
The apparent distribution volume for cefotaxime is 21-37 l after 1 g intravenous infusion over 30 minutes.
Biotransformation
Cefotaxime is partly metabolised in humans. Approximately 15-25% of a parenteral dose are metabolised to the O-desacetyl-cefotaxime metabolite, which also has antibiotic properties.
Elimination
The main route of excretion of cefotaxime and O-desacetyl-cefotaxime is through the kidneys. Only a small amount (2%) of cefotaxime is excreted in the bile. In the urine collected within 6 hours 40-60% of the administered dose of cefotaxime is recovered as unchanged cefotaxime and 20% is found as O-desacetylcefotaxime. After administration of radioactive labelled cefotaxime more than 80% can be recovered in the urine; 50-60% of this fraction is unchanged cefotaxime and the rest contains metabolites.
The total clearance of cefotaxime is 240-390 ml/min and the renal clearance is 130150 ml/min.
The serum half-lives of cefotaxime and O-desacetyl-cefotaxime are normally about 50-80 and 90 minutes, respectively. In elderly, the serum half-life of cefotaxime is 120-150 min.
In patients with severely impaired renal function (creatinine clearance 3-10 ml/min) the serum halflife of cefotaxime can be increased to 2.5-3.6 hours.
There is no accumulation following administration of 1000 mg intravenously or 500 mg intramuscularly for 10 or 14 days.
In neonates the pharmacokinetics are influenced by gestation and chronological age, the half-life being prolonged in premature and low birth weight neonates of the same age.
5.3 Preclinical safety data
Preclinical data reveal no special hazard for humans based on conventional studies of safety pharmacology, repeated dose toxicity, genotoxicity, and toxicity to reproduction.
Cefotaxime passes through the placenta. After intravenous administration of 1 g cefotaxime during the birth values of 14 pg/ml were measured in the umbilical cord serum in the first 90 minutes after administration, which dropped to approximately 2.5 pg/ml by the end of the second hour after application. In the amniotic fluid, the highest concentration of 6.9 pg/ml was measured after 3-4 hours. This value exceeds the MIC for most gram-negative bacteria.
6.1 List of excipients
None.
6.2 Incompatibilities
Cefotaxime should not be mixed with other antibiotics in the same syringe or solution for infusion. This applies in particular for aminoglycosides. If both cefotaxime and aminoglycosides shall be administered these medicinal products should be administered separately at different sites. Cefotaxime should not be dissolved in solutions having a pH-value of more than 7.5, e.g. sodium bicarbonate.
This medicinal product must not be mixed with other medicinal products except those mentioned in section 6.6.
6.3 Shelf life
2 years
Shelf life of the prepared solution
The chemical and physical stability of the prepared solution has been demonstrated for 3 hours at 25°C and for 6 hours at 2-8°C. From a microbiological point of view, the prepared solution should be used immediately. If not used immediately, in-use storage times and conditions prior to use are the responsibility of the user.
6.4 Special precautions for storage
Store below 25°C. Keep the vial in the outer carton in order to protect from light. For storage conditions after reconstitution of the medicinal product, see section 6.3.
6.5 Nature and contents of container
15 ml colourless glass vials (type I) with bromobutyl rubber stopper and flip-off cap.
Pack sizes: Packages with 1, 5 or 10 vials. Not all pack sizes may be marketed.
6.6 Special precautions for disposal
Compatibility with intravenous liquids
The following solvents are suitable for preparation of the solution: e.g. water for injections, 5% glucose solution, physiological sodium chloride solution (0.9%) and1% lidocaine solution.
As for all parenteral medicinal products, inspect the reconstituted solution visually for particulate matter and discolouration prior to administration. The solution must only be used if the solution is clear, colourless to slightly yellowish and practically free from particles.
Intravenous infusion
1 g of cefotaxime should be dissolved in 40-50 ml compatible liquid.
Intravenous injection
For intravenous injection, 1 g cefotaxime should be dissolved in 4 ml water for injections.
Intramuscular injection
For intramuscular administration, 1 g cefotaxime is dissolved in 4 ml of water for injections. To prevent pain from the injection, a 1% lidocaine hydrochloride solution may be used alternatively (only for adults). Solutions in lidocaine must not be administered intravenously. The product information of the chosen lidocaine containing solution must be regarded.
For single use only. Any remaining solution should be discarded. Any unused medicinal product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.
7 MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER
MIP Pharma GmbH Kirkeler Str. 41 66440 Blieskastel Germany
Phone 0049 (0) 6842 9609 0 Fax 0049 (0) 6842 9609 355
8 MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S)
PL 26928/0012
9 DATE OF FIRST AUTHORISATION/RENEWAL OF THE AUTHORISATION
23/07/2013
10 DATE OF REVISION OF THE TEXT
04/02/2014