Cefixime

Cefixime is an antibiotic belonging to the cephalosporin group, which is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections. It is effective in infections of the respiratory tract (eg. pneumonia), urinary tract, ear, nasal sinus, throat, and some sexually transmitted diseases. Cefixime may be taken on an empty stomach or without 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 remember to take it. The dose will depend on what you are being treated for, but you should always complete the 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 or worsen. It will not work for viral infections such as flu or 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 vomiting, nausea, stomach pain, indigestion, and diarrhea. These are usually mild but let your doctor know if they bother you or do not go away. Before taking it, you should let your doctor know if you are allergic to any antibiotics or have any kidney or liver problems. You should also let your healthcare team know all other medicines you are taking as they may affect, or be affected by this medicine. This medicine is generally regarded as safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding if prescribed by a doctor.

• Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (including otitis media)
• Lower Respiratory Tract Infections (bronchitis)
• Urinary Tract Infections (cystitis, pyelonephritis)
• Tonsillitis
• Pharyngitis
• Gonorrhea
• Typhoid fever

Cefixime is a third generation semisynthetic cephalosporin antibiotic for oral administration. It is bactericidal against a broad spectrum of gram positive and gram negative bacteria at easily achievable plasma concentrations. It kills bacteria by interfering in the synthesis of bacterial cell wall. It is highly stable in the presence of Beta-lactamase enzyme. As a result, many organisms resistant to penicillins and some cephalosporins due to the presence of beta-lactamases, may be susceptible to Cefixime. Absorption of it is about 40% to 50% whether administered with or without food.

Cefixime 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.

Adult Dose:

Pediatric Dose:

Renal Dose: CrCl <20 ml/min: Maximum 200 mg daily.

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. Cefixime may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.

If you miss a dose of Cefixime, 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:

• Nausea
• Stomach pain
• Indigestion
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Rash
• Pruritus

• [SAFE] Cefixime does not usually affect your ability to drive.
• Your doctor has prescribed Cefixime 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.
• Take it with food to avoid an upset stomach.
• 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.
• Avoid consuming alcohol while taking Cefixime as it may cause increased side effects.
• Discontinue Cefixime and inform your doctor immediately if you get a rash, itchy skin, swelling of face and mouth, or have difficulty in breathing.
• Cefixime should be given with caution to penicillin-sensitive patients, as there is some evidence of partial cross-allergenicity between the penicillins and the cephalosporins.
• Treatment with broad spectrum antibiotics alters the normal flora of the colon and may permit overgrowth of clostridia.

• Hypersensitivity to cephalosporin antibiotics.

Increased concentrations with probenecid. May increase prothrombin time with anticoagulants.

In common with other cephalosporins, increases in prothrombin times have been noted in a few patients. Care should therefore be taken in patients receiving anticoagulant therapy.

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

[SAFE IF PRESCRIBED] Cefixime 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] Cefixime 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. Avoid prolonged use of Cefixime, since it may have possible effects such as rash and diarrhea.

The safety and efficacy of Cefixime has not been established in children aged less than 6 months. 6 months-1 year: 75 mg/day; 1-4 years: 100 mg/day; 5-10 years: 200 mg/day; <50 kg: 8 mg/kg/day; >50 kg or >10 years: Adult dose.

Elderly patients may be given the same dose as recommended for adults. Renal function should be assessed and dosage should be adjusted in severe renal impairment.

[CAUTION] Cefixime should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Cefixime may be needed. Please consult your doctor. Normal dose may be given in patients with creatinine clearance of 20 ml/min or greater. In patients with creatinine clearance less than 20 ml/min, a dose of 200 mg once daily should not be exceeded.

[CAUTION] Cefixime should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Cefixime may be needed. Please consult your doctor.

Gastric Lavage may be indicated; otherwise, no specific antidote exists. Cefixime is not removed in significant quantities from the circulation by hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis.

Keep below 30°C temperature, protected from light & moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.

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