Claforan

What is it?

A cephalosporin antibiotic preparation produced in the form of a powder for reconstitution and injection. Claforan contains 500mg, lg or 2g of cefotgxime (as sodium salt), as powder in vials.

Medical Uses

Urinary tract and soft tissue infections, septicaemia, meningitis and respiratory tract infections.

Dosage

Adults, mild to moderate conditions, l g by intravenous or intramuscular injection at 12 hour intervals. For serious infections dose may need to be increased to up to 12g daily in 3 or 4 divided doses. The 2g dose should be given intravenously. Children, newborn babies, 50mg per kg of body weight daily in 2, 3 or 4 divided doses; older infants and children, 100 to 150mg per kg of body weight daily in 2, 3 or 4 divided doses.

Special Care

Pregnancy, breast-feeding, penicillin allergy and serious kidney failure. Monitor blood counts with prolonged treatment.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Aminoglyeosides, probenecid, loop diuretics.

Known Side Effects

Gastro-intestinal upset, pain at injection site, allergic reactions, candidiasis, blood changes, haemolytic anaemia, rise in liver enzymes and blood urea. Positive Coomb's test, risk of effects on kidney function and encephalopathy if higher doses are used. Rarely, pseudomembranous colitis. Manuf-icturer: Aventis Pharma.