Cefpodoxime

Cefpodoxime is an antibiotic medicine used to treat bacterial infections in your body. It is effective in infections of the lungs (eg. pneumonia), urinary tract, ear, nasal sinus, throat, and skin. It kills bacteria, which helps to improve your symptoms and cure the infection. Cefpodoxime should be taken with food. You should take it regularly at evenly spaced intervals as per the schedule prescribed by your doctor. Taking it at the same time every day will help you to remember to take it. The dose will depend on what you are being treated for, but you should always complete a full course of this antibiotic as prescribed by your doctor. Do not stop taking it until you have finished, even when you feel better. If you stop taking it early, some bacteria may survive and the infection may come back. It will not work for viral infections such as flu or the common cold. Using any antibiotic when you do not need it can make it less effective for future infections. The most common side effects of this medicine include rash, vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea. Taking this medicine along with some food may help to prevent indigestion and upset stomach. Consult your doctor if you find these side effects bother or worry you. Before using it, you should tell your doctor if you are allergic to any antibiotics or have any kidney or liver problems. This medicine is generally regarded as safe to use in pregnancy and breastfeeding if prescribed by your doctor. It may blur your vision or make you feel sleepy and dizzy. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.

Cefpodoxime is an antibiotic. It kills the bacteria by preventing them from forming the bacterial protective covering (cell wall) which is needed for them to survive.

• Acute Otitis Media
• Pharyngitis/Tonsillitis
• Acute Maxillary Sinusitis
• Community Acquired Pneumonia
• Acute Bacterial Exacerbation of Chronic Bronchitis
• Skin and Skin Structure Infections
• Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections
• Uncomplicated Gonorrhea

Cefpodoxime is an oral 3rd generation cephalosporin, which has good stability to beta lactamases and activity against Gram negative and Gram positive bacteria. It is indicated for the treatment of infections either before the infecting organism has been identified. It is a prodrug whose active metabolite is Cefpodoxime. Approximately 29 to 33% of Cefpodoxime is excreted unchanged in the urine in 12 hours.

Cefpodoxime is indicated for the treatment of patients infected with susceptible strains of microorganisms which include a wide range of gram-positive & gram-negative bacteria. As it is highly stable in presence of β-lactamase enzyme, so it is more effective against gram-positive bacteria than other 3rd generation oral cephalosporins.

Cefpodoxime binds to one or more of the penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) which inhibits the final transpeptidation step of peptidoglycan synthesis in bacterial cell wall, thus inhibiting biosynthesis and arresting cell wall assembly resulting in bacterial cell death.

Adult Dose:

Pediatric Dose (2 months-12 years):

Renal Dose:

Hemodialysis patients: Dose should be given after each dialysis session.

Hepatic impairment: Dose adjustment not necessary.

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Cefpodoxime is to be taken with food.

If you miss a dose of Cefpodoxime, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.

Common Side Effects:

• Rash
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Headache
• Dizziness

• [UNSAFE] Cefpodoxime may decrease alertness, affect your vision or make you feel sleepy and dizzy. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.
• Your doctor has prescribed Cefpodoxime to cure your infection and improve your symptoms. Do not skip any doses and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better. Stopping it early may make the infection harder to treat.
• Discontinue Cefpodoxime and inform your doctor immediately if you get a rash, itchy skin, swelling of face and mouth, or have difficulty in breathing.
• Diarrhea may occur as a side effect but should stop when your course is complete. Inform your doctor if it does not stop or if you find blood in your stools.
• Take it with food to avoid an upset stomach.
• Avoid consuming alcohol while taking Cefpodoxime as it may cause increased side effects.
• As with other broad spectrum antibiotics, prolonged use of Cefpodoxime may result in overgrowth of non-susceptible organisms. Repeated evaluation of the patient's condition is essential.

• Hypersensitivity to Cefpodoxime or to the cephalosporin group of antibiotics.

Antacids or H2-blockers may decrease the absorption of cefpodoxime. Probenecid inhibits renal excretion. Additive nephrotoxic effects with furosemide. Monitor renal function during administration.

Concomitant administration of high doses of antacids (sodium bicarbonate and aluminium hydroxide) or H2 blockers reduce peak plasma level by 24% to 42% and the extent of absorption by 27% to 32%, respectively. Probenecid resulted in an approximately 31% increase in AUC.

[SAFE] Consuming alcohol with Cefpodoxime does not cause any harmful side effects.

[SAFE IF PRESCRIBED] Cefpodoxime is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy. Animal studies have shown low or no adverse effects to the developing baby; however, there are limited human studies. Pregnancy Category B. This drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.

[SAFE IF PRESCRIBED] Cefpodoxime is safe to use during breastfeeding. Human studies suggest that the drug does not pass into the breastmilk in a significant amount and is not harmful to the baby. Cefpodoxime is excreted in human milk. Avoid prolonged use of Cefpodoxime, since it may have possible effects such as rash and diarrhea.

Recommended pediatric dose: 2 months-12 years: 5 mg/kg 12 hourly (otitis media, pharyngitis, sinusitis). 6 months-2 years: 40 mg; 3-8 years: 80 mg; over 9 years: 100 mg (12 hourly).

Cefpodoxime pharmacokinetics in cirrhotic patients are similar to those in healthy subjects. Dose adjustment is not necessary in this population.

[CAUTION] Cefpodoxime should be used with caution in patients with severe kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Cefpodoxime may be needed. Please consult your doctor. For severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance <30 ml/min) dosing intervals should be increased to 24 hourly.

[SAFE IF PRESCRIBED] Cefpodoxime is safe to use in patients with liver disease. No dose adjustment of Cefpodoxime is recommended.

Information on Cefpodoxime overdosage is not available.

Keep in a dry place away from light and heat. Keep out of the reach of children. The reconstituted suspension should be stored in a cool and dry place, preferably in refrigerator and unused portion should be discarded after 14 days.

Cefpodoxime Proxetil