Cefotetan disodium is available as a powder in single-dose vials containing the equivalent of 1 or 2 g of cefotetan.3912
For intramuscular injection, reconstitute the vials with sterile water for injection, bacteriostatic water for injection, sodium chloride 0.9%, or lidocaine hydrochloride 0.5 or 1%.3912 Shake to dissolve and let stand until clear.3912 Recommended volumes for reconstitution are shown in Table 1.3912
For intravenous use, reconstitute the vials with sterile water for injection in the amounts noted in Table 1.3912 Shake to dissolve and let stand until clear.3912
Table 1. Recommended Dilutions of Cefotetan Disodium Vials3912; 4
| Vial Size, Route of Administration | Volume of Diluent | Withdrawable Volume | Approximate Concentration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 g, intramuscular | 2 mL | 2.5 mL | 400 mg/mL |
| 2 g, intramuscular | 3 mL | 4 mL | 500 mg/mL |
| 1 g, intravenous | 10 mL | 10.5 mL | 95 mg/mL |
| 2 g, intravenous | 10 to 20 mL | 11 to 21 mL | 182 to 95 mg/mL |
pH
Reconstituted solutions have a pH of 4.5 to 6.5.3912
Sodium Content
Each gram of cefotetan activity contains approximately 80 mg (3.5 mEq) of sodium.3912
Cefotetan disodium may be administered by intramuscular injection, direct intravenous injection over 3 to 5 minutes, or intravenous infusion.3912 The manufacturer recommends temporarily discontinuing other solutions being administered at the same site.3912
Intact vials should be stored at controlled room temperature and protected from light.3912 Cefotetan disodium powder is white to pale yellow.3912 Solutions may vary from colorless to yellow, depending on the concentration.3912
When reconstituted as recommended, cefotetan disodium solutions are stable for 24 hours at room temperature (25°C) or 96 hours under refrigeration (5°C).3912 Reconstituted solutions also are stable in disposable glass or plastic syringes for 24 hours at room temperature and 96 hours under refrigeration.3912
Freezing Solutions
The manufacturer states that solutions reconstituted as recommended are stable for at least 1 week when frozen at -20°C.3912 Frozen solutions should be thawed at room temperature.3912 Thawed solutions should not be refrozen3912
Central Venous Catheter
Cefotetan disodium (Zeneca) 5 mg/mL in dextrose 5% was found to be compatible with the ARROWg+ard Blue Plus (Arrow International) chlorhexidine-bearing triple-lumen central catheter. Essentially complete delivery of the drug was found with little or no drug loss occurring. Furthermore, chlorhexidine delivered from the catheter remained at trace amounts with no substantial increase due to the delivery of the drug through the catheter.2335
For a list of references cited in the text of this monograph, search the monograph titled References.