What is cefixime, and how does it work (mechanism of action)?

Cefixime is a semi-synthetic (partially man-made), oral antibiotic in the cephalosporin family of antibiotics. The cephalosporin family includes cephalexin (Keflex), cefaclor (Ceclor), cefuroxime (Zinacef), cefpodoxime (Vantin), cefprozil (Cefzil), and many injectable forms. Like other cephalosporins, cefixime stops bacteria from multiplying by preventing bacteria from forming the walls that surround them. The walls are necessary to protect bacteria from their environment and to keep the contents of the bacterial cell together; most bacteria cannot survive without a cell wall. Cefixime is active against a very wide spectrum of bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes (the cause of strep throat), Hemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, E. coli, Klebsiella, Proteus mirabilis, Salmonella, Shigella, and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. The FDA approved cefixime in April 1989.

What brand names are available for cefixime?

Suprax

Is cefixime available as a generic drug?

GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes

Do I need a prescription for cefixime?

Yes

What are the uses for cefixime?

Cefixime is effective for infections like:

• infection of the middle ear (otitis media),
• tonsillitis,
• throat infections (pharyngitis),
• laryngitis,
• bronchitis, and
• pneumonia caused by susceptible bacteria.

It also is used for treating

• urinary tract infections,
• gonorrhea, and
• acute bacterial bronchitis in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

What are the side effects of cefixime?

Common side effects of cefixime include:

• diarrhea,
• nausea,
• abdominal pain,
• vomiting and,
• skin rash.

Other side effects include:

• fever,
• joint pain,
• arthritis,
• abnormal liver tests,
• vaginitis,
• itching,
• headaches, and
• dizziness.

What is the dosage for cefixime?

The recommended adult dose for otitis media, tonsillitis, pharyngitis, and urinary tract infections is 400 mg once daily or divided and given as 200 mg every 12 hours. Pediatric patients (6 months and older) have a recommended dose of 8 mg/kg/day once daily or in two doses of 4/mg/kg every 12 hours.

Which drugs or supplements interact with cefixime?

Probenecid (Benemid) may increase the blood concentration of cefixime by decreasing removal of cefixime by the kidney. This interaction sometimes is used to enhance the effect of cephalosporins.

Combining cefixime with aminoglycosides (for example, tobramycin [Tobradex] produces additive bacterial killing effects but also may increase the risk of harmful effects to the kidney.)

Exenatide (Byetta) may delay or reduce the absorption of cephalosporins. Cephalosporins should be administered one hour before exenatide.

Cefixime may cause a false positive urine ketone test.

Is cefixime safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?

Safety in pregnancy has not been established for cefixime. There are no adequate studies in pregnant women; however, studies in animals suggest no important effects on the fetus.

Safety in nursing mothers has not been established. It is not known if cefixime is excreted in breast milk.

What else should I know about cefixime?

What preparations of cefixime are available?

Tablets: 400 mg. Tablet (Chewable): 100, 200 mg. Suspension: 100,200, 500 mg/5 ml.

How should I keep cefixime stored?

Tablets and oral suspension may be stored at room temperature, 20 C to 25 C (68 F to 77 F), in a tightly closed container. Suspension may be refrigerated or stored at room temperature after mixing.