Cetaxim 500 mg/vial Injection

Third-generation cephalosporin injection for serious infections:

• Neonatal sepsis and meningitis (preferred over ceftriaxone in newborns)
• Bacterial meningitis, septicaemia
• Pneumonia and lower respiratory infections
• Complicated urinary tract, abdominal and gynaecological infections
• Bone, joint, skin and soft-tissue infections
• Gonorrhoea; surgical prophylaxis

Given by health professionals (IV or IM).

Adults: 1 g every 12 hours; moderate–severe 1–2 g every 8 hours; life-threatening/meningitis 2 g every 4–6 hours (maximum 12 g/day).

• Uncomplicated gonorrhoea: 500 mg–1 g IM single dose.

Children (1 month–12 years): 50 mg/kg every 8–12 hours; severe infection or meningitis 50 mg/kg every 6 hours (max 12 g/day).

Neonates: 50 mg/kg every 12 hours (first week), every 8 hours (1–4 weeks); up to every 6 hours in severe infection.

Kidney impairment (CrCl < 20): halve the dose.

• Allergy to cephalosporins
• Severe immediate allergy to penicillins or other beta-lactams
• Lidocaine-containing IM solutions: not for IV use, children under 30 months, or lidocaine allergy

Common: pain at the injection site, phlebitis, diarrhoea, rash, itching.

Less common: fever, raised liver enzymes, eosinophilia, thrush.

Rare but serious: anaphylaxis, C. difficile colitis, severe skin reactions, low blood counts, haemolytic anaemia, seizures (high doses in kidney failure), irregular heartbeat with rapid IV bolus.

• Ask about beta-lactam allergy.
• Prolonged use: monitor blood counts.
• Give IV bolus slowly (over 3–5 minutes).

Considered safe in pregnancy when needed. Small amounts pass into milk; generally compatible with breastfeeding.

• Aminoglycosides, potent diuretics (kidney toxicity — monitor)
• Probenecid (raises levels)

Encephalopathy and seizures, especially in kidney failure. Supportive care.

Store powder below 25–30°C, protected from light. Use reconstituted solution promptly.