Brand Name(s):

• Cefotan¶

WHY is this medicine prescribed?

Cefotetan injection is used to treat infections of the lungs, skin, bones, joints, stomach area, blood, female reproductive organs, and urinary tract. Cefotetan injection is also used before surgery to prevent infections. Cefotetan injection is in a class of medications called cephalosporin antibiotics. It works by killing bacteria. Antibiotics will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.

HOW should this medicine be used?

Cefotetan injection comes as a powder to be added to fluid and injected intravenously (into a vein) or it can be injected into a large muscle (such as your buttock). It is usually given one or two times a day. You may receive cefotetan injection in a hospital or you may administer the medication at home. If you are using cefotetan injection at home, use it at around the same times every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take cefotetan injection exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

You should begin to feel better during the first few days of treatment with cefotetan injection. If your symptoms do not improve or get worse, call your doctor.

Use cefotetan injection until you finish the prescription, even if you feel better. If you stop using cefotetan injection too soon or skip doses, your infection may not be completely treated and the bacteria may become resistant to antibiotics.

Are there OTHER USES for this medicine?

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS should I follow?

Before using cefotetan injection,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to cefotetan injection; other cephalosporin antibiotics such as cefaclor, cefadroxil (Duricef),cefazolin (Ancef), cefdinir (Omnicef), cefditoren (Spectracef), cefepime (Maxipime), cefixime (Suprax), cefotaxime (Claforan), cefoxitin, cefpodoxime (Vantin), cefprozil (Cefzil), ceftazidime (Fortaz), ceftibuten (Cedax), ceftriaxone (Rocephin), cefuroxime (Ceftin, Zinacef), and cephalexin (Keflex); penicillins; or any other medications.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: aminoglycoside antibiotics such as amikacin, gentamicin, kanamycin, neomycin, streptomycin, and tobramycin; and anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had hemolytic anemia (condition where a low number of red blood cells occurs because the cells are being destroyed in the body). Your doctor may tell you not to use cefotetan injection.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had cancer; gastrointestinal diseases such as colitis; or gallbladder, kidney, or liver disease.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking cefotetan injection, call your doctor.
• remember you should not drink alcoholic beverages while using cefotetan injection and for 3 days after receiving cefotetan injection. Drinking alcohol during this time period may cause headache, fast heartbeat, sweating, and flushing (redness of the face).

What SPECIAL DIETARY instructions should I follow?

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

What should I do IF I FORGET to take a dose?

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not use a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What SIDE EFFECTS can this medicine cause?

What should I know about STORAGE and DISPOSAL of this medication?

If you will be injecting cefotetan injection at home, your healthcare provider will tell you where you should store it and how long you may keep it. Follow these directions carefully. Be sure to store cefotetan injection in the container it came in and out of reach of children. Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your health care provider about the proper disposal of your medication.

What should I do in case of OVERDOSE?

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

What OTHER INFORMATION should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your body's response to cefotetan injection.

Before having any laboratory test, tell your doctor and the laboratory personnel that you are using cefotetan injection.

If you are diabetic, use Clinistix or TesTape (not Clinitest) to test your urine for sugar while taking this medication.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. If you still have symptoms of infection after you finish cefotetan injection, talk to your doctor.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

¶This branded product is no longer on the market. Generic alternatives may be available.

AHFS® Consumer Medication Information. © Copyright, The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.

Last Reviewed: September 1, 2010.