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

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