Cefixime
SHARE
Assurance
available
Regulated
Molecule 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
Breast Feeding
Driving
Alcohol
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.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Articles
View AllDid you find this helpful?
References:
- 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].
Explore More at Pharmeasy
Why trust PharmEasy?
# ONE OF INDIA'S MOST TRUSTED HEALTHCARE PLATFORM
CODAvailable
100%Genuine Medicine
30 DAYReturn Policy









