Product name: Cefotaxime Sodium
Chemical formula: C16H16N5NaO7S2
CAS number: 64485-93-4
Intended use: Antibiotic for treatment of bacterial infections
Manufacturer: Refer to label or procurement documentation for supplier details
Synonyms: Sodium cefotaxime, Claforan
Emergency contact: National Poison Control Center; Refer to manufacturer for emergency number
Classification: Not classified as hazardous under GHS criteria for commercial supply
Health hazards: May cause allergic skin and respiratory reactions in sensitive individuals; may lead to gastrointestinal disturbances
Environmental hazards: Antibacterial activity may disrupt wastewater treatment processes
Precautionary statements: Avoid inhalation; prevent contact with eyes, skin, and clothing; do not ingest
Signal word: Caution
Hazard pictograms: None mandated
Routes of exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin and eye contact
Substance: Cefotaxime Sodium
Purity: ≥ 98% by weight
Impurities: Water of crystallization (may vary); trace process-related substances
Additives: None typically present
Concentration: Provided as pure active or reconstituted to solution by end user
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air; assist breathing if necessary; seek medical attention for lasting irritation or breathing difficulty
Skin contact: Remove contaminated clothing; wash skin thoroughly with soap and water; seek medical advice for prolonged irritation
Eye contact: Rinse cautiously with water for at least 15 minutes; remove contact lenses, if present; obtain medical care for persistent redness or pain
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water; never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person; do not induce vomiting; contact physician or Poison Control
Notes for physician: Treat symptomatically; consider type I hypersensitivity reaction
Suitable extinguishing media: Water spray, foam, dry chemical, carbon dioxide (CO2)
Unsuitable media: Avoid high-pressure water jets that may scatter material
Special hazards: Combustion produces carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides
Protective equipment: Firefighters require self-contained breathing apparatus and chemical protective clothing
Additional advice: Evacuate personnel from area; contain runoff to prevent water pollution
Personal precautions: Avoid contact with spilled material; ventilate area
Protective equipment: Use gloves, goggles, lab coat or apron, and a dust mask in case of powder
Environmental precautions: Prevent release to sewers or surface waters; report large spills as required by regulations
Containment: Collect with inert absorbent (sand, silica, or vermiculite); transfer to sealed containers for disposal
Decontamination: Clean area with soap and water after collection; dispose of cleaning materials appropriately
Handling: Avoid dust generation; use engineering controls for ventilation; handle with appropriate PPE
Hygiene measures: Wash hands after handling; do not eat, drink, or smoke in work area
Storage conditions: Keep container tightly closed; store in a cool, dry location away from light and moisture
Incompatible substances: Strong oxidizers, acids, and alkalis
Packaging: Glass, plastic, or lined containers preferred for stability
Engineering controls: Local exhaust ventilation, safety shower, eyewash stations
Personal protection: Nitrile or latex gloves, safety goggles, lab coat
Respiratory protection: Dust mask or respirator if exposure risk exists
Occupational exposure limits: No established OSHA or ACGIH limits for cefotaxime sodium
Environmental controls: Prevent product from entering drains and groundwater
Appearance: White to off-white crystalline powder
Odor: Odorless
pH (1% solution): 4.5–6.5
Melting point: 160–170°C (decomposes)
Solubility: Soluble in water
Boiling point: Not applicable (decomposes)
Vapor pressure: Not applicable
Relative density: About 1.7 g/cm³
Partition coefficient: Log Pow < 0 (not expected to bioaccumulate)
Flash point: Not established
Evaporation rate: Not relevant for solid
Chemical stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions
Decomposition: Degrades with heat, moisture, or sunlight; forms acidic and basic degradation products
Hazardous reactions: Avoid strong oxidizing, reducing agents
Materials to avoid: Acids, alkalis, strong oxidizers
Hazardous decomposition products: Sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, carbon oxides
Acute toxicity: May cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, allergic reaction; oral LD50 in rats >5,000 mg/kg
Irritation: Mild skin and eye irritation possible on contact
Respiratory effects: Sensitizer in susceptible individuals; rare risk of anaphylaxis
Chronic effects: Prolonged or repeated exposure can lead to hypersensitivity and antibiotic resistance
Carcinogenicity: Not listed as carcinogen by IARC, NTP, OSHA
Mutation/reproductive toxicity: No significant evidence for mutagenicity or teratogenicity
Medical conditions aggravated: Individuals with known allergies, compromised immune systems
Ecotoxicity: Antibiotics in water can disrupt microbial communities, potentially impacting aquatic ecosystems
Persistence and degradability: Biodegradation occurs; antibiotic activity may persist for days in aquatic environments
Bioaccumulation: Not expected to bioaccumulate in organisms
Mobility in soil: High solubility allows migration in moist environments
Other adverse effects: Potential to promote antibiotic resistance in environmental bacteria
Product waste: Dispose of as pharmaceutical waste; incineration preferred where permitted
Contaminated packaging: Rinse and dispose according to local regulations
Sewage disposal: Avoid; product has antimicrobial activity harmful to sewage bacteria
Local regulations: Consult with local environmental and waste authorities for disposal guidance
UN number: Not classified as dangerous goods under international transport regulations
UN proper shipping name: Not regulated
Class: Not assigned
Packing group: Not assigned
Marine pollutant: Not regulated as a marine pollutant; still avoid releases to waterways
Special precautions: Protect from moisture and physical damage during transport
Labeling requirements: Typically requires labeling as a prescription or investigational drug
OSHA HazCom: Not classified as hazardous chemical
GHS/CLP compliance: Not classified, but precautions advised
TSCA status: Exempt (pharmaceutical substance)
Inventory listings: Complies with national inventories under most jurisdictions
Additional legal status: Subject to pharmaceutical control regulations; prescription use only
Workplace regulation: Follow national or regional guidelines on safe handling of pharmaceuticals