Definition

Noun: * A broad-spectrum antibiotic: Cefotaxime is a type of antibiotic medication belonging to the cephalosporin class. It is administered by injection (parenterally) and is effective against a wide range of severe bacterial infections.

Usage

Cefotaxime is used specifically to treat serious infections caused by susceptible bacteria. It is not effective against viral infections like the common cold or flu. Its use is typically reserved for hospital settings due to its method of administration.

Examples

• The doctor prescribed cefotaxime for the patient's severe pneumonia.
• Cefotaxime is often the first-line treatment for complicated urinary tract infections in the hospital.
• Due to its broad spectrum, cefotaxime can be used empirically before the specific bacteria are identified.

Advanced Usage

• Empirical Therapy: Cefotaxime is frequently used as empirical therapy, meaning it is administered based on the doctor's judgment of the most likely cause of a severe infection, before laboratory results confirm the specific bacteria.
• Trade Name: The most common trade name for cefotaxime is Claforan. A sentence might read: "The patient was started on Claforan (cefotaxime) intravenously."

Variants and Related Words

• Cephalosporin (noun): The broader class of antibiotics to which cefotaxime belongs. Other examples include ceftriaxone and cefazolin.
• Antibiotic (noun): A general term for a substance that kills or inhibits the growth of bacteria.
• Parenteral (adjective): Referring to the administration of a substance by a route other than the digestive tract, typically by injection (e.g., intravenous, intramuscular).

Synonyms

• Claforan: This is the primary brand name synonym for the drug cefotaxime.
• Broad-spectrum cephalosporin: A descriptive synonym highlighting its drug class and range of effectiveness.

Notes on Meaning

The definition of cefotaxime is highly specific and technical. It does not have multiple common meanings. Its sole meaning is as a pharmaceutical agent—a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic.

Noun

1. a parenteral cephalosporin (trade name Claforan) used for severe infections of the lungs or throat or ears or urinary tract