What is cefixime?
Cefixime is an antibiotic in a class of drugs called cephalosporins. Cefixime fights bacteria in the body.
Cefixime is used to treat many different types of bacterial infections such as bronchitis, tonsillitis, ear infections, skin infections, gonorrhea, and urinary tract infections.
Cefixime may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about cefixime?
Take all of the cefixime that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated. Take cefixime with food or milk if it causes stomach upset.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking cefixime?
Do not take cefixime if you have ever had an allergic reaction to another cephalosporin or to a penicillin without first talking to your doctor.
Before taking cefixime, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease. You may need a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during therapy.
Cefixime is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not, however, take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. It is unknown whether cefixime passes into breast milk. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take cefixime?
Take this medication exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each dose with a full glass of water. Take cefixime with food or milk if it causes stomach upset. Measure the liquid form of cefixime with a dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular tablespoon, to be sure that you measure the correct dose. If you do not have one of these, ask your pharmacist where you can get one. Shake the suspension well before measuring a dose. Take all of the cefixime that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated.
Take cefixime at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day and night to keep a constant level of drug in your body. It is important to take cefixime regularly to get the most benefit.
Store the tablets and capsules at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Store the suspension in the refrigerator. Throw away any unused medication after 14 days.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember and then try to space the rest of the doses for that day evenly until you can return to a normal schedule. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.
Symptoms of a cefixime overdose include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps.
What should I avoid while taking cefixime?
There are no special restrictions on food, beverages, or activities during cefixime therapy unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
Cefixime side effects
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, discontinue taking cefixime and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:
- an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, face, or tongue; hives; or a rash);
- rash, redness, or itching;
- severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea;
- mucous or blood in the stool; or
- unusual bleeding or bruising.
Other, less serious side effects may also occur. Continue to take your medication and talk to your doctor if you experience
- mild nausea or diarrhea, or
- yeast infection of the mouth or vagina.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect cefixime?
Probenecid (Benemid) may increase the effects of cefixime, and you may require a lower dose.
Cefixime may increase the risk of bleeding if it is taken with warfarin (Coumadin). You may need a lower dose of warfarin or special monitoring during therapy with cefixime.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with cefixime. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.
What is the shelf life of the pills?
- The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.
