Cefotaxime

Cefotaxime is a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic that inhibits bacterial cell-wall synthesis. It is administered parenterally to treat serious infections caused by susceptible bacteria.

Penicillin-binding proteins: Bacterial enzymes that build and remodel peptidoglycan in the cell wall. Cefotaxime binds these enzymes, disrupting the final steps of cell-wall construction.
Bacterial meningitis: A life-threatening infection of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord caused by bacteria. Cefotaxime can reach therapeutic concentrations in inflamed meninges and is used against susceptible causes.
Cephalosporins: A family of beta-lactam antibiotics derived from the cephalosporin scaffold. Cefotaxime is a member of this family, whose members differ in spectrum and pharmacology.
Cefepime: A fourth-generation cephalosporin with activity against many Gram-negative bacteria, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Its broader activity against Pseudomonas distinguishes it from cefotaxime.
Beta-lactam antibiotics: Antibiotics defined by a beta-lactam ring that interferes with bacterial cell-wall synthesis. Cefotaxime belongs to this broad family and shares its core antibacterial mechanism.
Neonatal sepsis: A bloodstream infection causing systemic illness in an infant during the first 28 days after birth. Cefotaxime is used in selected neonatal regimens, with choices guided by age and likely pathogens.
Third-generation cephalosporins: Cephalosporins developed to expand activity against many Gram-negative bacteria compared with earlier generations. Cefotaxime belongs to this generation, though individual drugs have distinct spectra.
Ceftazidime: A third-generation cephalosporin with strong activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Ceftazidime covers Pseudomonas, while cefotaxime generally does not.
Peptidoglycan: A mesh-like polymer that gives most bacterial cell walls strength and shape. Cefotaxime blocks the cross-linking that makes this wall structure mechanically sound.
Sepsis: Life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated response to infection. Cefotaxime may be part of empiric treatment when susceptible bacteria are plausible causes.

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