Cefixime
Description
Cefixime is an antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections, including
infections of the ear, throat, lungs (such as pneumonia and bronchitis), urinary tract, and gonorrhea. It belongs to the cephalosporin class of antibiotics and works by stopping the growth of bacteria. Cefixime should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor, with or without food. It is essential to complete the full course of this medicine, even if you feel better, as stopping too soon may allow the infection to return or lead to the development of antibiotic resistance.
Uses
It is useful for a wide range of bacterial infections of the ear, nose, sinuses (such as sinusitis), urinary system (such as bladder and kidney infections), throat ( tonsillitis), chest and lungs (such as bronchitis, pneumonia)....
Contraindications
When should one not use Cefixime
You are allergic to Cefixime, any other Cephalosporin antibiotics, including penicillin or any of the other ingredients of this medicine.
Side effects
Common side effects of this drug are:
- Nausea, vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Itching or skin rash
- Vaginal discharge
- Headache
- Allergic reaction - rash, joint pain, swallowing or breathing problems, swelling of your lips. In such a case, immediately rush to hospital
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), fatigue and loss of appetite suggesting Liver damage
- Worsening of diarrhea or bloody stools
- Less urination and swelling of legs suggesting kidney damage
- Fever, sore throat, bleeding gums
- Convulsions
- Blistering or bleeding of the skin near the lips, eyes, mouth, nose and genitals. This is a serious condition called as 'Stevens-Johnson' syndrome
- Skin rash with a pink/red ring and a pale center which may be itchy, scaly, or filled with fluid. These may appear on palms or soles of your feet. These could be symptoms of a serious allergy to the medicine called 'Erythema Multiforme'...
- Severe watery continuous diarrhea, along with fever. This may be something called 'Pseudomembranous Colitis'
Precautions and Warnings
Pregnancy
Q:
Can I take Cefixime during pregnancy?
A:
Cefixime should not be used in pregnancy unless considered essential by your physician.
Breast Feeding
Q:
Can I take Cefixime while breastfeeding?
A:
It is unknown whether Cefixime passes into human milk. Consult with the doctor before taking Cefixime while breastfeeding.
Driving
Q:
Can I drive if I have consumed Cefixime?
A:
This medicine can cause side effects like fits, confusion and feeling less alert. If you experience any of these, do not drive any vehicle or use machinery.
Alcohol
Q:
Can I consume alcohol with Cefixime?
A:
No known interaction between alcohol and Cefixime.
Other General Warnings
Talk to your doctor if
- If you have or had colitis
- If you have kidney disease
- Take this medicine only on your doctor’s prescription and complete the course of the medicine. Not completing the course or not continuing Cefixime as per doctor’s prescription can lead to the bacteria becoming resistant to this medicine...
Mode of Action
How Does It Work?
Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain and diarrhoea. If you happen to take an overdose of the medicine, seek medical care immediately.
Interactions
Interactions with other medicines
Inform your physician if you are taking any antacids like Cimetidine, Ranitidine, etc., because they decrease the absorption of the medicine, also if you are on medications for thinning of the blood, such as Warfarin....
Interactions with food items
There are no negative interactions of Cefixime with food. It is advisable to take Cefixime along with meals or within half an hour of having a meal.
Dosage
Overdose
Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain and diarrhea. If you happen to take an overdose of the medicine, seek medical care immediately.
Missed a Dose
If you missed any dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to the regular dosage schedule. Do not take an extra dose to compensate for the missed dose....
Content Details
WRITTEN BY
Ravindra Ghongade
B. Pharm
REVIEWED BY
Dr. Nikita Toshi
BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery), WHO FIDES member
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Cefixime?
- Inform the doctor about your detailed medical & surgical history
- Inform your physician if you have any liver or kidney disease
- Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
Q: When and how to consume the medicine?
- Cefixime should be taken in the exact dose as advised by the physician
- The liquid medicine should be measured in a measuring device and then consumed
- You must chew the Cefixime chewable tablet before swallowing
- Drink plenty of liquids to prevent dehydration
- It is advisable to take Cefixime along with meals or within half an hour of having a mea.l
Q: What are the common side effects of Cefixime?
- You may experience diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea, gas, or headache. These are usually mild and short-lived.
Q: What is Cefixime used for?
- Cefixime is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections, including those of the chest, urinary tract, ear, throat, and some sexually transmitted infections.
References
View All
- Electronic Medicines Compendium. [Name of Product] – Summary of Product Characteristics [Internet]. London: emc; [cited 2025 Sep 16].
- Cefixime capsules: Label information [Internet]. DailyMed (U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health). [cited 2025 Sep 16].
- Mayo Clinic Staff. Cefixime (oral route) — Drug information: Description [Internet]. Rochester (MN): Mayo Clinic; [cited 2025 Sep 16].
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