Cefotaxime is a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic. Like other third-generation cephalosporins, it has broad spectrum activity against Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria. In most cases, it is considered to be equivalent to ceftriaxone in terms of safety and efficacy. Cefotaxime sodium (Cefotaxim sodium salt) is marketed under various trade names including Claforan (Sanofi-Aventis).

Cefotaxime sodium 对一些β-内酰胺酶具有活性，包括革兰氏阴性和革兰氏阳性细菌的青霉素酶和头孢菌素酶。其活性谱涵盖了大多数引起败血症、呼吸道感染、泌尿道感染、软组织感染、骨关节感染、产科和妇科感染以及其他各类感染的细菌病原体的菌株[1]。