GENERIC NAME: cefixime
BRAND NAME: Suprax
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Cefixime is a semisynthetic
cephalosporin antibiotic, chemically similar to penicillin. It
is
effective against a wide variety of bacteria organisms, such as
Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, E. coli, N.
gonorrhoeae,
and many others.
PRESCRIPTION: yes
GENERIC AVAILABLE: no
PREPARATIONS: Tablets: 200 mg, 400 mg. Suspension: 100
mg per 5
ml teaspoon.
STORAGE: Tablets and oral suspension may be stored at
room
temperature in a tightly closed container.
PRESCRIBED FOR: Cefixime is effective against
susceptible
bacterias causing infections of the middle ear, tonsillitis,
throat
infections, laryngitis, bronchitis, and pneumonia. It is used
in treating
urinary tract infections and gonorrhea. It is also useful in
treating
acute bacterial bronchitis in patients with chronic obstructive
pulmonary
disease (COPD).
DOSING: May be taken on an empty or full stomach.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Cefixime should be avoided by
patients with a
known allergy to cephalosporin type antibiotics. Since cefixime
is
chemically related to penicillin, an occasional patient can
have an
allergic reaction (sometimes even anaphylaxis) to both
medications.
Treatment with cefixime and other antibiotics can alter the
normal
bacteria flora of the colon and permit overgrowth of C.
difficile, a
bacteria responsible for pseudomembranous colitis. Patients who
develop
pseudomembranous colitis as a result of antibiotics treatment
can
experience diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, and sometimes even
shock.
Probenecid may increase the blood levels of cefixime. Cefixime
is used by
children. Safety in infants under 6 months has not been
established.
PREGNANCY: Safety in pregnancy has not been
established.
NURSING MOTHERS: Safety in nursing mothers has not been
established.
SIDE EFFECTS: Cefixime is
generally well tolerated and side effects are usually transient. Reported side
effects include diarrhea, pseudomembranous colitis (can occur even after
cefixime is stopped) nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, skin rash, fever, joint pain
and
arthritis, abnormal liver tests, vaginitis, itching, headaches,
and
dizziness.
Last Editorial Review: 12/31/1997
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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