Cefotaxime Sodium, USP

- Overview
  - Cefotaxime Sodium, USP is broad-spectrum, third-generation cephalosporin. It interferes with bacterial peptidoglycan synthesis. Cefotaxime sodium is freely soluble in aqueous solution.
    Cefotaxime Sodium, USP conforms to United States Pharmacopoeia specifications.
    
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    Background
    
    Like β-lactams, cephalosporins interfere with PBP (penicillin binding protein) activity involved in the final phase of peptidoglycan synthesis. PBP’s are enzymes which catalyze a pentaglycine crosslink between alanine and lysine residues providing additional strength to the cell wall. Without a pentaglycine crosslink, the integrity of the cell wall is severely compromised and ultimately leads to cell lysis and death. Resistance to cephalosporins is commonly due to cells containing plasmid encoded β-lactamases. Cefotaxime Sodium however, is largely resistant to β-lactamases.
- Properties
  - CAS Number
    
    64485-93-4
    
    Molecular Formula
    
    C16H16N5NaO7S2
    
    Molecular Weight
    
    447.45
    
    Appearance
    
    White or almost white powder
    
    Other Properties
    
    Source: Semi-synthetic (Acremonium sp.)
    PH: 4.5-6.5
    Assay: 916-964 μg/mg (on dried basis)
    Loss on Drying: ≤3.0%
    Absorbance: A430≤0.2
    Optical Rotation: +58° to +64°
    
    Storage
    
    -20°C
    
    * For research use only
- Applications
  - Application Description
    
    Spectrum: Cefotaxime Sodium has broad-spectrum activity against a wide variety of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. However, unlike many cephalosporin antibiotics, Cefotaxime Sodium is not effective against Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
    
    Microbiology Applications: Cefotaxime Sodium is commonly used in clinical in vitro microbiological antimicrobial susceptibility tests (panels, discs, and MIC strips) against Gram-positive and Gram-negative microbial isolates. Medical microbiologists use AST results to recommend antibiotic treatment options. Representative MIC values include:
    
    Neisseria gonorrhoeae 0.008 µg/mL – 0.03 µg/mL
    Streptococcus pneumoniae ≤0.007 µg/mL － 0.25 µg/mL
    
    Plant Biology Applications: Cefotaxime is often used in Agrobacterium tumefaciens mediated transformations to combat bacterial growth. It is also sometimes used in combination with Vancomycin as it has a synergistic effect.