Cefotetan

Generic name: cefotetan [ SEF-oh-TEE-tan ]
Brand name: Cefotan
Dosage form: injectable powder for injection (1 g; 2 g)
Drug class: Second generation cephalosporins

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Aug 2, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is cefotetan?

Cefotetan is a cephalosporin (SEF a low spor in) antibiotic.

Cefotetan is used to treat many different types of infections caused by bacteria.

Cefotetan may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Cefotetan side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

Cefotetan may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody (even if it occurs months after your last dose);

• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;

• pale skin, easy bruising, unusual bleeding;

• a seizure;

• fever, weakness, confusion;

• dark colored urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or

• kidney problems--little or no urination, swelling in your feet or ankles, feeling tired or short of breath.

Common side effects of cefotetan may include:

• nausea, vomiting;

• diarrhea; or

• vaginal itching or discharge.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Related/similar drugs

amoxicillin, doxycycline, azithromycin, cephalexin, ciprofloxacin, metronidazole, clindamycin

Warnings

You should not take cefotetan if you are allergic to cefotetan or other cephalosporin antibiotic (cefdinir, cefalexin, Keflex, Omnicef, and others).

Before taking this medicine

You should not take this medicine if you are allergic to cefotetan or other cephalosporin antibiotic (cefdinir, cefalexin, Keflex, Omnicef, and others).

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• an allergy to any drug (especially penicillin);

• intestinal problems, such as colitis; or

• kidney disease.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How is cefotetan given?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medicine guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Cefotetan is injected into a muscle, or as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider can teach you how to properly use the medication by yourself.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you don't understand all instructions.

You may need to mix cefotetan with a liquid (diluent) before using it. Use only the diluent your doctor has recommended.

After mixing your medicine, you will need to use it within a certain number of hours or days. This will depend on the diluent and how you store the mixture (at room temperature, in a refrigerator, or frozen). When using injections by yourself, be sure you understand how to properly mix and store the medicine. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions.

Do not use if the medicine looks cloudy, has changed colors, or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.

Use cefotetan for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms quickly improve. Skipping doses can increase your risk of infection that is resistant to medication. Cefotetan will not treat a viral infection such as the flu or a common cold.

If you are receiving this medication just before a surgery to prevent infection, you may be given only one dose.

You may need frequent blood tests.

Use a needle and syringe only once and then place them in a puncture-proof "sharps" container. Follow state or local laws about how to dispose of this container. Keep it out of the reach of children and pets.

This medicine can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using cefotetan.

Store unmixed cefotetan at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and light. Do not freeze.

If your medicine was provided in a frozen form or was frozen after mixing, thaw it in a refrigerator or at room temperature. Do not warm in a microwave or boiling water. Do not refreeze the medicine after use.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while using cefotetan?

Drinking alcohol within 72 hours after using cefotetan can cause unpleasant side effects such as headache, sweating, fast heart rate, and flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling).

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, call your doctor before using anti-diarrhea medicine.

What other drugs will affect cefotetan?

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially another injected antibiotic.

Other drugs may affect cefotetan, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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