Cefixime

Drug Title

Cefixime

Drug Uses

Cefixime is used in the treatment of sore or strep throat, pneumonia, and tonsillitis amongst other bacterial infections.

How it is taken

Cefixime must be taken as directed by your doctor. However, it is recommended that you have it with a meal to avoid an upset stomach. Do not crush or chew the pill as it causes too much of the drug to be released in your body at once.

Drug Class & Mechanism

Cefixime is a second generation cephalosporin antibiotic that is used to treat certain infections caused by bacteria.

Missed Dosage

If you miss a dose of Cefixime, then you may take it as soon as you remember and adjust the remaining doses accordingly. However, if it is nearly time for the next dose then you may skip this dose and continue with the regular dosage. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.

Storage

Store it at room temperature (between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C) in an air tight container protecting it from direct exposure to light, heat and moisture. Keep away from pets and children.

Safety Information

Discuss with your doctor about any prior medical condition that you may have including allergies to medicines, food or other substances.

Cefixime may cause drowsiness. These effects get aggravated if you take it with alcohol or certain other medications (sleep aids, muscle relaxers). So, do not drive or perform other potentially hazardous tasks until you know how your body reacts to the drug.

Cefixime is an antibiotic and cannot be used to cure viral infections. Long term use of Cefixime can lead to a second infection. Inform your doctor if this occurs as your medication may need to be changed.

Some patients develop stomach pain or cramps, severe diarrhea, or bloody stools while using Cefixime. Contact your doctor promptly if this occurs.

You must not take Cefixime if you are allergic to any ingredient in it or to other cephalosporins (e.g., cephalexin),you  will be having a live typhoid vaccine.

If you are pregnant or suspect that you are, then stop using Cefixime and contact your doctor immediately.

Certain drugs can interact with Cefixime and hence, mention clearly to your doctor or pharmacist all medicines, dietary supplements and herbal prescriptions that you are taking.

It is unknown whether Cefixime is secreted in breast milk. Avoid breast feeding while using the drug.

Periodic lab tests may be recommended to monitor your health while taking the drug. Ensure that you do not miss any lab tests.

Cefixime is known to interfere with certain lab tests (urine glucose). Ensure that your doctor and lab personnel are aware that you are taking this drug.

Ensure that you use it for the full course of treatment. If you skip it midway then the medicine may not clear up your infection completely. The bacteria could also become less sensitive to this or other medicines making it harder to cure the infection in future.

Side Effects

Some of the common side effects of Cefixime are diarrhea, gas, loose stools, nausea, stomach pain or upset. Please contact your doctor if the symptoms persist or become bothersome.

Other severe side effects include allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue, unusual hoarseness), bloody stools, decreased urination, fever, red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin, seizures, severe diarrhea, severe nausea or vomiting, severe stomach pain or cramping, unusual bruising or bleeding, vaginal discharge or itching, white spots in the mouth, yellowing of the skin or eyes.

You must seek medical attention immediately if any of these side effects occur.