Cefotan

Generic name: Cefotetan
Drug class: Second generation cephalosporins

Usage of Cefotan

Cefotan is a cephalosporin (SEF a low spor in) antibiotic.

Cefotan is used to treat many different types of infections caused by bacteria.

Cefotan may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Cefotan side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

Cefotan may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody (even if it occurs months after your last dose);

fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;

pale skin, easy bruising, unusual bleeding;

a seizure;

fever, weakness, confusion;

dark colored urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or

kidney problems--little or no urination, swelling in your feet or ankles, feeling tired or short of breath.

Common side effects of Cefotan may include:

nausea, vomiting;

diarrhea; or

vaginal itching or discharge.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Cefotan

You should not take this medicine if you are allergic to Cefotan or other cephalosporin antibiotic (cefdinir, cefalexin, Keflex, Omnicef, and others).

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

an allergy to any drug (especially penicillin);

intestinal problems, such as colitis; or

kidney disease.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

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How to use Cefotan

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medicine guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Cefotan is injected into a muscle, or as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider can teach you how to properly use the medication by yourself.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you don't understand all instructions.

You may need to mix Cefotan with a liquid (diluent) before using it. Use only the diluent your doctor has recommended.

After mixing your medicine, you will need to use it within a certain number of hours or days. This will depend on the diluent and how you store the mixture (at room temperature, in a refrigerator, or frozen). When using injections by yourself, be sure you understand how to properly mix and store the medicine. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions.

Do not use if the medicine looks cloudy, has changed colors, or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.

Use Cefotan for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms quickly improve. Skipping doses can increase your risk of infection that is resistant to medication. Cefotan will not treat a viral infection such as the flu or a common cold.

If you are receiving this medication just before a surgery to prevent infection, you may be given only one dose.

You may need frequent blood tests.

Use a needle and syringe only once and then place them in a puncture-proof "sharps" container. Follow state or local laws about how to dispose of this container. Keep it out of the reach of children and pets.

This medicine can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using Cefotan.

Store unmixed Cefotan at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and light. Do not freeze.

If your medicine was provided in a frozen form or was frozen after mixing, thaw it in a refrigerator or at room temperature. Do not warm in a microwave or boiling water. Do not refreeze the medicine after use.

Warnings

You should not take Cefotan if you are allergic to Cefotan or other cephalosporin antibiotic (cefdinir, cefalexin, Keflex, Omnicef, and others).

What other drugs will affect Cefotan

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially another injected antibiotic.

Other drugs may affect Cefotan, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Disclaimer

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Drugslib.com is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Drugslib.com information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Drugslib.com does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Drugslib.com's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Drugslib.com's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners.

The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Drugslib.com does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Drugslib.com provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.