Cefotetan: Indications, Side effects and Contraindications

Indications of Cefotetan

Cefotetan is a sterile, semi-synthetic, broad-spectrum, hepatitis B enzyme-resistant cephalosporin antibiotic. It is usually given intravenously or intramuscularly for the prophylaxis and treatment of a variety of bacterial infections, including urinary tract infections, lower respiratory tract infections, infections of the skin and skin structures, gynaecological infections, intra-abdominal infections, and bone and joint infections.

Side effects

There are a number of side effects of Cefotetan, but they usually vary from person to person and not all of them are likely to occur, but if they do, medical attention may be required.

Less common

Abdominal or stomach cramps or tenderness

back, leg, or stomach pains

black, tarry stools

bleeding gums

bloating

chest pain

chills

cough

dark urine

diarrhea

diarrhea, watery and severe, which may also be bloody

difficulty with breathing

fever

general body swelling

headache

increased thirst

loss of appetite

nausea or vomiting

nosebleeds

pain

painful or difficult urination

pale skin

shortness of breath

sore throat

sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth

swollen glands

unusual bleeding or bruising

unusual tiredness or weakness

unusual weight loss

yellowing of the eyes or skin

Rare

Blood in the urine

bluish color

change in frequency of urination or amount of urine

changes in skin color

drowsiness

increased thirst

swelling of the feet or lower legs

tenderness

weakness

Incidence not known

Blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin

cough or hoarseness

coughing up blood

difficulty with swallowing

dizziness

fast heartbeat

fever with or without chills

general feeling of tiredness or weakness

high fever

increased menstrual flow or vaginal bleeding

itching

itching of the vagina or genital area

joint or muscle pain

lower back or side pain

nosebleeds

pain during sexual intercourse

paralysis

pinpoint red spots on the skin

prolonged bleeding from cuts

puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue

rash

red or black, tarry stools

red or dark brown urine

red skin lesions, often with a purple center

red, irritated eyes

seizures

skin rash

sudden decrease in the amount of urine

swollen or painful glands

thick, white vaginal discharge with no odor or with a mild odor

tightness in the chest

unpleasant breath odor

vomiting of blood

wheezing

Contraindications

Cefotetan is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to cephalosporin antibiotics and in patients who have had cephalosporin-associated haemolytic anaemia.