Cefixime: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and Safety Information
How Cefixime Works
Cefixime is a third-generation cephalosporin that interferes with bacterial cell-wall synthesis, preventing susceptible bacteria from growing and leading to bacterial death.
Common Uses of Cefixime
Certain bacterial respiratory tract infections, including some cases of pharyngitis or tonsillitis. Uncomplicated urinary tract infections. Otitis media, meaning ear infections.
Gonorrhea. Older product labeling includes cefixime for gonorrhea, but current guidelines recommend ceftriaxone as the preferred treatment. Cefixime 800 mg orally may be used as an alternative when ceftriaxone is not available or feasible, under current STI treatment guidelines. It has limited effectiveness for pharyngeal gonorrhea.
Dosage and Administration
- Adults. Dosing depends on the indication, formulation, kidney function, and the specific product label. Follow your doctor’s instructions rather than a generic dose.
- Children. Pediatric dosing depends on indication, formulation, age or weight, kidney function, and the specific product label. Do not use an adult dose for a child, and do not adjust the dose yourself.
- Route. Cefixime is available in tablets and suspension forms.
- Food. Cefixime capsules can generally be taken with or without food. Follow the instructions for your specific formulation.
Take cefixime exactly as prescribed and do not stop or change the treatment without speaking with your doctor. If symptoms are not improving or are getting worse, contact your healthcare provider rather than extending or changing the antibiotic yourself.
Adverse Effects of Cefixime
Diarrhea. Nausea and vomiting. Abdominal pain. Rash or allergic reactions, rare but possible. Clostridium difficile associated diarrhea. Seek medical attention for severe or persistent diarrhea during or after treatment.
Drug Interactions
- Warfarin and other anticoagulants. Cefixime has been associated with increased prothrombin time in some patients, with or without bleeding. Closer monitoring may be needed if you take a blood thinner.
- Carbamazepine. Cefixime may increase carbamazepine levels.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines you take before starting cefixime.
Contraindications
Known hypersensitivity to cefixime or other cephalosporins. A history of penicillin allergy is a caution rather than an absolute contraindication, due to the possibility of cross reactivity. Tell your doctor about the type and severity of any previous allergic reaction.
When to Seek Medical Help
Contact a doctor promptly, or seek urgent care, if you experience severe or persistent diarrhea, swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing, a severe rash or signs of an allergic reaction, or worsening infection or symptoms that are not improving as expected. Severe allergic reactions and serious diarrhea require prompt medical attention.
Safety in Pregnancy, Liver, and Kidneys
- Pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy. Cefixime may be used when clinically appropriate, based on the infection being treated and the potential benefits and risks.
- Liver. Tell your doctor if you have significant liver disease or other medical conditions. Your doctor can determine whether any additional monitoring is needed.
- Kidneys. Patients with kidney impairment may need dose adjustments, as cefixime is partly eliminated through the kidneys.
Popular Brand Names of Cefixime
India: Taxim-O. US: Suprax.
Brand availability and formulations, such as tablets, dispersible tablets, oral suspension, and different strengths, can differ, so check the exact product, strength, and formulation prescribed rather than assuming all Taxim-O or Suprax products are the same.
Approximate Price in India
Taxim-O 200 Tablet, Cefixime 200 mg, 10 tablets: approximately 90 to 105 rupees per strip.
Prices may vary depending on the brand, pharmacy, location, availability, pack size, and discounts. This price applies specifically to this brand, strength, and pack size, not to all cefixime products.
How Healthpil Can Help
If you have symptoms of a bacterial infection or have been prescribed cefixime, a qualified doctor can review your symptoms, medical history, other medicines, and test results to determine whether cefixime is appropriate. HealthPil can connect you with a qualified doctor for an online consultation.
FAQs
What is cefixime used for?
It’s used for certain bacterial respiratory tract, urinary tract, and ear infections. It’s not a routine first-line treatment for gonorrhea under current guidelines.
Is cefixime still used to treat gonorrhea?
Not routinely. Current guidelines recommend ceftriaxone as the preferred treatment. Cefixime 800 mg orally may be used as an alternative when ceftriaxone isn’t available or feasible, guided by current STI treatment guidelines, and it has limited effectiveness for pharyngeal gonorrhea.
Should I take cefixime with food?
Cefixime capsules can generally be taken with or without food. Follow the instructions for your specific formulation.
Do I need to complete the full course even if I feel better?
Take cefixime exactly as prescribed and don’t stop or change the treatment on your own. If your symptoms aren’t improving or are getting worse, contact your doctor rather than extending or changing the antibiotic yourself.
Can I take cefixime if I have a penicillin allergy?
There’s a chance of cross reactivity between penicillins and cephalosporins like cefixime, so it’s treated as a caution rather than an automatic block. Tell your doctor the exact type and severity of any prior reaction before starting treatment.
Is cefixime safe for children?
It can be used in children, but the dose depends on age or weight, indication, and formulation, and should follow the specific product labeling and your doctor’s instructions. Never use an adult dose for a child or adjust it yourself.
