Cefotaxime — Compare Prices at US & Canada Pharmacies
Compare real Cefotaxime prices at US and Canadian pharmacies, see official FDA uses and warnings, and find generic alternatives.
What is the typical out-of-pocket cost for Cefotaxime Sodium without insurance?
Cefotaxime Sodium's average retail price without insurance is approximately $16.39 per 1 gm solution (reconstituted). Many patients can reduce this cost by using pharmacy discount cards or coupons, which may lower the price to around $11.58 per dose. Uninsured patients should compare prices across different pharmacies, as rates can vary. The generic form of cefotaxime is usually significantly cheaper than its brand-name counterpart, Claforan.
How does insurance coverage affect the cost of Cefotaxime Sodium?
Cefotaxime Sodium coverage depends on your individual insurance plan's formulary. Different insurers have different policies regarding this medication, so your out-of-pocket cost will vary based on your specific coverage details. To find out whether your plan covers cefotaxime and what your copay or coinsurance would be, contact your insurance provider directly. If your insurance plan does not cover cefotaxime, you can use pharmacy discount cards at participating locations. If you have Medicare or Medicaid, you may be eligible for additional savings programs. Comparing your insurance copay with discounted cash prices can help you find the most affordable option for your prescription.
What is the brand-name version of Cefotaxime Sodium?
Claforan is the brand-name formulation of cefotaxime sodium. Both contain the same active ingredient and work identically to treat bacterial infections. The generic version—Cefotaxime Sodium—is substantially more affordable than Claforan, typically costing around $11.58 per 1 gm solution (reconstituted) compared to the higher price of the branded product. Most patients receive the generic form unless their doctor specifically requests the brand name or their insurance requires it.
Cefotaxime prices at US pharmacies
Cefotaxime Sodium — solution reconstituted, 1gm, qty 1
| Pharmacy | Retail price | With discount card |
|---|---|---|
| Kroger Pharmacy Lowest | $14.58 | $11.58 |
| Harris Teeter Pharmacy | $14.58 | $11.58 |
| Walmart Neighborhood Market | $15.80 | $12.80 |
| Walmart Pharmacy | $15.80 | $12.80 |
| Walgreens | $16.80 | $13.80 |
| Publix | $18.11 | $15.11 |
| CVS Pharmacy | $34.23 | $31.23 |
(Cefotaxime Sodium) — solution reconstituted, 1gm, qty 1
| Pharmacy | Retail price | With discount card |
|---|---|---|
| Kroger Pharmacy Lowest | $14.58 | $11.58 |
| Harris Teeter Pharmacy | $14.58 | $11.58 |
| Walmart Neighborhood Market | $15.80 | $12.80 |
| Walmart Pharmacy | $15.80 | $12.80 |
| Walgreens | $16.80 | $13.80 |
| Publix | $18.11 | $15.11 |
| CVS Pharmacy | $34.23 | $31.23 |
Cefotaxime prices at Canadian pharmacies
| Strength | Pharmacy | Per pill (USD) | Pack total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 g | InhalersOnline.com | $33.00 | $329.99 |
| Strength | Pharmacy | Per pill (USD) | Pack total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Default | InhalersOnline.com | $33.00 | $329.99 |
| Strength | Pharmacy | Per pill (USD) | Pack total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Default | InhalersOnline.com | $33.00 | $329.99 |
Canada prices are converted to USD at time of collection and shown per tablet where available. Ordering from Canadian pharmacies is legal for personal use in most cases but subject to FDA/CBSA rules — see US vs Canada, explained.
What is Cefotaxime used for?
Cefotaxime is a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic given only by injection or IV infusion, used in hospitals for serious infections including bacterial meningitis, pneumonia, bloodstream infections, and complicated urinary tract, skin, bone, and joint infections. It reaches a broad range of gram-negative bacteria plus many gram-positive organisms, and — unlike some other third-generation cephalosporins — it crosses into cerebrospinal fluid well enough to be a standard option for treating meningitis, including in newborns, where ceftriaxone (a closely related cephalosporin) is often avoided because of a rare but serious risk of interacting with bilirubin and calcium in that age group.
Like other cephalosporins, cefotaxime shares a chemical backbone with penicillins, and a documented minority of people with a penicillin allergy will also react to it — a careful allergy history is standard before it's given. The WHO AWaRe framework classifies cefotaxime as a Watch antibiotic, reflecting both its broad spectrum and the importance of reserving it for infections where that coverage is genuinely needed rather than routine first-line use.
Cefotaxime has experienced periodic manufacturing shortages in recent years. If a pharmacy or hospital reports it's unavailable, a related third-generation cephalosporin such as ceftriaxone is often used as a substitute, guided by a clinician's judgment about which is right for the specific infection.
How Cefotaxime works
Attacks the bacterial cell wall
Like other cephalosporins, cefotaxime blocks the enzymes bacteria need to build and maintain their cell wall.
Reaches the central nervous system
It crosses into cerebrospinal fluid well enough to treat infections like meningitis, unlike many other antibiotics.
Susceptible bacteria die
Without an intact wall, the bacterial cell ruptures — clearing the infection as the immune system finishes the job.
Typical dosage forms & strengths
| Use | Typical adult dose | Form |
|---|---|---|
| Serious infections (adults, normal kidney function) | 1–2 g IV or IM every 6–8 hours, depending on severity | Injection / IV infusion |
| Bacterial meningitis | Higher doses, typically 2 g IV every 4–6 hours | IV infusion |
General reference dosing from the FDA label — not personalized advice. Your prescribed dose may differ based on your infection, kidney function, age, and weight. Always follow your prescriber's instructions.
Related & alternative drugs
Commonly used for
Cefotaxime, by the numbers
Additional public data points beyond retail pricing — useful context, not a price quote.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Cefotaxime cost without insurance?
Is there a generic version of Cefotaxime?
Is Cefotaxime currently in shortage?
What drug class is Cefotaxime in?
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Prices last checked 2026-08-21. Reviewed against FDA and DailyMed official sources — see our review process. Not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Christopher J. Graber, M.D., MPH, FIDSA, Infectious Disease