IM every 8 hours for moderate to severe infections, and 2 g IV every 6 to 8 hours for severe infections. The maximum dosage is 12 g/day.
Children and Infants weighing less than 50 kg
50 to 180 mg/kg/day IV or IM divided every 6 to 8 hours (Max: 2 g/dose); use higher doses for more severe infections. 200 to 225 mg/kg/day IV or IM divided every 4 to 6 hours (Max: 12 g/day) is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) for severe infections. For initial dosing for UTI in febrile patients 2 months to 2 years, 150 mg/kg/day IV divided every 6 to 8 hours for 7 to 14 days is recommended by AAP.
Premature and Term Neonates older than 7 days
50 mg/kg/dose IV or IM every 8 to 12 hours for neonates weighing 2 kg or less and 50 mg/kg/dose IV or IM every 8 hours for neonates weighing more than 2 kg is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). The FDA-approved labeling recommends 50 mg/kg/dose IV every 8 hours regardless of weight.
Premature and Term Neonates 0 to 7 days
50 mg/kg/dose IV or IM every 12 hours.
For the treatment of intraabdominal infections, including peritonitis.
For the treatment of peritonitis in patients receiving peritoneal dialysis.
Intraperitoneal dosage†
Adolescents, Children, and Infants
500 mg/L intraperitoneal (IP) loading dose followed by a maintenance dose of 250 mg/L of peritoneal dialysate. Treat for 2 for 3 weeks depending on infecting organism and the patient's clinical status.
Intravenous or Intramuscular dosage
Adults
1 to 2 g IV or IM every 8 hours for moderate to severe infections; 2 g IV every 6 to 8 hours for severe infections, and 2 g IV every 4 hours for life-threatening infections. The maximum dosage is 12 g/day. Clinical practice guidelines suggest cefotaxime plus metronidazole for empiric treatment of mild to moderate community-acquired infections. For complicated intra-abdominal infections, treatment for 4 to 7 days is recommended.
Adolescents and Children weighing 50 kg or more
1 to 2 g IV or IM every 8 hours for moderate to severe infections; 2 g IV every 6 to 8 hours for severe infections, and 2 g IV every 4 hours for life-threatening infections. The maximum dosage is 12 g/day. For complicated intra-abdominal infections, treatment for 4 to 7 days in combination with metronidazole is recommended.
Children weighing less than 50 kg and Infants
50 to 180 mg/kg/day IV or IM divided every 6 to 8 hours (Max: 2 g/dose); use higher doses for more severe infections. 200 to 225 mg/kg/day IV or IM divided every 4 to 6 hours (Max: 12 g/day) is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) for severe infections. For initial dosing for complicated intra-abdominal infections, 150 to 200 mg/kg/day IV divided every 6 to 8 hours for 4 to 7 days in combination with metronidazole is recommended.
Premature and Term Neonates older than 7 days
50 mg/kg/dose IV or IM every 8 to 12 hours for neonates weighing 2 kg or less and 50 mg/kg/dose IV or IM every 8 hours for neonates weighing more than 2 kg is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). The FDA-approved labeling recommends 50 mg/kg/dose IV every 8 hours regardless of weight.
Premature and Term Neonates 0 to 7 days
50 mg/kg/dose IV or IM every 12 hours.
For the treatment of skin and skin structure infections, including animal bite wounds and necrotizing infections.
For the treatment of of necrotizing infections of the skin, fascia, and muscle.
Intravenous dosage
Adults
2 g IV every 8 hours plus doxycycline for Vibrio vulnificus infections. Cefotaxime 2 g IV every 6 h |
