- Suprax (cefixime) vs. cefpodoxime: What's the difference?
- What are Suprax and cefpodoxime?
- What are the side effects of Suprax and cefpodoxime?
- What is the dosage of Suprax vs. cefpodoxime?
- What drugs interact with Suprax and cefpodoxime?
- Are Suprax and cefpodoxime safe to use while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Suprax (cefixime) vs. cefpodoxime: What's the difference?
- Suprax (cefixime) and cefpodoxime proxetil are cephalosporin antibiotics used to treat infections of the middle ear (otitis media), tonsillitis, throat infections (pharyngitis), laryngitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, and urinary tract infections (UTIs).
- Suprax and cefpodoxime are also used to treat gonorrhea and acute bacterial bronchitis in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- Suprax is a brand name for cefixime.
- Brand names for cefpodoxime include Vantin and Banan.
- Side effects of Suprax and cefpodoxime that are similar include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, skin rash, fever, vaginitis, itching, headaches, and dizziness.
- Side effects of Suprax that are different from cefpodoxime include joint pain and abnormal liver tests.
- Side effects of cefpodoxime that are different from Suprax include diaper rash, muscle pain, allergic reactions, vaginal infections, and insomnia.
What are Suprax and cefpodoxime?
Suprax is a cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat infections of the middle ear (otitis media), tonsillitis, throat infections (pharyngitis), laryngitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, urinary tract infections (UTIs), gonorrhea, and acute bacterial bronchitis in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Other cephalosporin antibiotics include cephalexin (Keflex), cefpodoxime (Vantin), cefprozil (Cefzil), cefaclor (Ceclor), cefuroxime (Zinacef), and injectable forms. Suprax prevents bacteria from forming the walls that surround them that 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. Suprax is active against bacteria such as Hemophilus influenzae, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes (causes strep throat), E. coli, Moraxella catarrhalis, Klebsiella, Proteus mirabilis, Salmonella, Shigella, and Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
Cefpodoxime proxetil is a cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat infections of the middle ear (otitis media), tonsillitis, throat (pharyngitis), laryngitis, sinusitis, pneumonia, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and skin structure or skin infections caused by susceptible bacteria. Cefpodoxime proxetil is converted to its active form, cefpodoxime, in the body, that stops bacteria from multiplying by preventing bacteria from forming the walls that surround them. The walls protect bacteria from their environment and keep the contents of the bacterial cell together; bacteria usually cannot survive without a cell wall. Cefpodoxime is effective against a wide spectrum of bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes (the cause of strep throat), Streptococcus agalactiae, Staphylococcus aureus, Hemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, E. coli, Klebsiella, Proteus mirabilis, Proteus vulgaris, Providencia rettgeri, Haemophilus parainfluenzae, and Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

SLIDESHOW
Bacterial Infections 101: Types, Symptoms, and Treatments See SlideshowWhat are the side effects of Suprax and cefpodoxime?
Suprax
Common side effects of Suprax include:
Other side effects include:
Cefpodoxime
Side effects include:
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Skin rash
- Diaper rash
- Fever
- Muscle pain
- Allergic reactions
- Vaginitis
- Vaginal infections
- Itching
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Insomnia
Patients who are allergic to cephalosporin type antibiotics should avoid cefpodoxime. Since this drug is chemically related to penicillin, some patients allergic to penicillin also may have an allergic reaction (sometimes even life-threatening anaphylaxis) to cefpodoxime.
Possible serious side effects:
Like other antibiotics, cefpodoxime may cause a condition called pseudomembranous colitis, a potentially serious bacterial infection of the colon caused by a bacterium called Clostridium difficile (C. difficile colitis). Patients who develop this type of colitis as a result of antibiotic treatment can have signs and symptoms of:
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Fever
- Shock
What is the dosage of Suprax vs. cefpodoxime?
Suprax
- 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.
Cefpodoxime
- The adult dose for treating pneumonia, bronchitis, or sinusitis is 200 mg every 12 hours for 10 to 14 days depending on the type of infection.
- Gonorrhea is treated with a single 200 mg dose.
What drugs interact with Suprax and cefpodoxime?
Suprax
- Probenecid (Benemid) may increase the blood concentration of Suprax by decreasing removal of Suprax by the kidney. This interaction sometimes is used to enhance the effect of cephalosporins.
- Combining Suprax 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.
- Suprax may cause a false positive urine ketone test.
Cefpodoxime
- Probenecid increases the concentration of cefpodoxime in the blood. Drugs that reduce acidity in the stomach (for example, antacids, H2-blockers, proton pump inhibitors) may reduce absorption of cefpodoxime.
- Combining cefpodoxime with drugs that reduce kidney function may increase the risk of harm to the kidney.
Are Suprax and cefpodoxime safe to use while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Suprax
Safety in pregnancy has not been established for Suprax. 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 Suprax is excreted in breast milk.
Cefpodoxime
Doctors and researchers have not established if this drug is safe to take during pregnancy because there are'nt adequate studies in pregnant women. However, studies in animals suggest no important effects on the fetus.
This medication is excreted in human milk. The levels of cefpodoxime in human milk were 0%, 2%, and 6% of blood levels at 4 hours after a 200 mg oral dose. At 6 hours after dosing, the levels in breast milk were 0%, 9%, and 16% of the concentration of cefpodoxime in blood. Women should decide whether to discontinue breastfeeding or to discontinue the drug.
Summary
Suprax (cefixime) and cefpodoxime proxetil are cephalosporin antibiotics used to treat infections of the middle ear (otitis media), tonsillitis, throat infections (pharyngitis), laryngitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, and urinary tract infections (UTIs). Suprax and cefpodoxime are also used to treat gonorrhea and acute bacterial bronchitis in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
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Related Disease Conditions
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Laryngitis
Laryngitis is an inflammation of the voice box (vocal cords). The most common cause of acute laryngitis is an infection, which inflames the vocal cords. Symptoms may vary from the degree of laryngitis and age of the person (laryngitis in infants and children is more commonly caused by croup).
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Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection of the bladder, kidneys, ureters, or urethra. E. coli, a type of bacteria that lives in the bowel and near the anus, causes most UTIs. UTI symptoms include pain, abdominal pain, mild fever, urinary urgency, and frequency. Treatment involves a course of antibiotics.
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Staph (Staphylococcus) Infection
Staphylococcus or staph is a group of bacteria that can cause a multitude of diseases. Staph infections can cause illness directly by infection or indirectly by the toxins they produce. Symptoms and signs of a staph infection include redness, swelling, pain, and drainage of pus. Minor skin infections are treated with an antibiotic ointment, while more serious infections are treated with intravenous antibiotics.
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Sore Throat
Sore throat (throat pain) usually is described as pain or discomfort in the throat area. A sore throat may be caused by bacterial infections, viral infections, toxins, irritants, trauma, or injury to the throat area. Common symptoms of a sore throat include a fever, cough, runny nose, hoarseness, earaches, sneezing, and body aches. Home remedies for a sore throat include warm soothing liquids and throat lozenges. OTC remedies for a sore throat include OTC pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Antibiotics may be necessary for some cases of sore throat.
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Ear Infection Home Treatment
Infections of the outer, middle, and inner ear usually are caused by viruses. Most outer (swimmer's ear) and middle ear (otitis media) infections can be treated at home with remedies like warm compresses for ear pain relief, tea tree, ginger, or garlic oil drops. Symptoms of an outer ear (swimmer's ear) and middle ear infection include mild to severe ear pain, pus draining from the ear, swelling and redness in the ear, and hearing problems. Middle and inner ear infections may cause fever, and balance problems. Inner ear infections also may cause nausea, vomiting, vertigo, ringing in the ear, and labyrinthitis (inflammation of the inner ear). Most outer and middle ear infections do not need antibiotics. Inner ear infections should be treated by a doctor specializing in ear and hearing problems.
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Middle Ear Infection (Otitis Media)
A middle ear infection (otitis media) can cause earache, temporary hearing loss, and pus drainage from the ear. It is most common in babies, toddlers, and young children. Learn about causes and treatment.
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Gonorrhea In Women
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Is Tonsillitis Contagious?
Tonsillitis is a common infection, especially in kids. Tonsillitis is caused by viruses and bacteria like the flu and herpes simplex virus, and Streptococcus bacteria. These viruses and bacterium are spread person to person. Symptoms of tonsillitis are a yellow or white coating on the tonsils, throat pain, pain when swallowing, and hoarseness.
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Is a Staph Infection Contagious?
A staph infection is caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus. Staph can cause boils, food poisoning, cellulitis, toxic shock syndrome, MRSA, and various other illnesses and infections. Most staph infections are transmitted from person to person.
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Is a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Contagious?
Bacteria such as E. coli or Pseudomonas can cause a urinary tract infection (UTI). The incubation period for a UTI ranges from three to eight days.
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Pneumonia
Pneumonia is inflammation of the lungs caused by fungi, bacteria, or viruses. Symptoms and signs include cough, fever, shortness of breath, and chills. Antibiotics treat pneumonia, and the choice of the antibiotic depends upon the cause of the infection.
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Acute Bronchitis
Bronchitis is inflammation of the airways in the lung. Acute bronchitis is short in duration (10-20 days) in comparison with chronic bronchitis, which lasts for months to years. Causes of acute bronchitis include viruses and bacteria, which means it can be contagious. Acute bronchitis caused by environmental factors such as pollution or cigarette smoke is not contagious. Common symptoms for acute bronchitis include nasal congestion, cough, headache, sore throat, muscle aches, and fatigue. Acute bronchitis in children also my include runny nose, fever, and chest pain. Treatment for acute bronchitis are OTC pain relievers, cough suppressants (although not recommended in children), and rest. Infrequently antibiotics may be prescribed to treat acute bronchitis.
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Streptococcal Infections
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Group A Streptococcal Infections
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Is Laryngitis Contagious?
Laryngitis is inflammation and swelling of the voice box (larynx). Causes of laryngitis are viral, bacterial, fungal, strenuous singing or talking, chemical irritants, and other underlying medical conditions. Symptoms of laryngitis are hoarseness, a weak or loss of voice, sore throat, dry throat, a tickling sensation in the back of the throat, or irritated or raw throat. Treatment of laryngitis depends upon the cause.
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PANDAS
PANDAS is in part caused by an autoimmune response to a strep infection. Symptoms mimic those of OCD, ADHD, and include motor and verbal tics. Treatment involves medication and cognitive behavioral therapy.
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Is Sore Throat (Pharyngitis) Contagious?
The medical term for a sore throat is pharyngitis. There are many causes of a sore throat such as medications, diseases (GERD, cancer, AIDS), infections (Streptococcus or strep, mononucleosis), allergies, and smoking. Symptoms are a red, swollen throat; fever, and swollen lymph nodes. Treatment for sore throat depends on the cause.
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Chronic Bronchitis
Chronic bronchitis is a cough that occurs daily with production of sputum that lasts for at least 3 months, 2 years in a row. Causes of chronic bronchitis include cigarette smoking, inhaled irritants, and underlying disease processes (such as asthma, or congestive heart failure). Symptoms include cough, shortness of breath, and wheezing. Treatments include bronchodilators and steroids. Complications of chronic bronchitis include COPD and emphysema.
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E. coli (0157:H7) Infection
There are many types of E. coli (Escherichia coli). E. coli can cause urinary tract and bladder infections, or lead to sepsis. E coli O157:H7 (EHEC) causes bloody diarrhea and colitis. Complications of E. coli infection include hemorrhagic diarrhea, hemolytic-uremic syndrome, and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. Symptoms include severe abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea. E coli O157:H7 commonly is due to eating raw or undercooked hamburger or raw milk or dairy products.
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Streptococcal Infections
Group A streptococcal infections are caused by group A Streptococcus, a bacteria that causes a variety of health problems, including strep throat, impetigo, cellulitis, erysipelas, and scarlet fever. There are more than 10 million group A strep infections each year.
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Shigella Infection
Shigellosis is a disease caused by the Shigella bacteria. Bloody diarrhea, stomach cramps, and fever are common symptoms. Mild infections usually resolve on their own. Antibiotics are used to treat more severe cases.
Treatment & Diagnosis
- Urinary Tract Infection FAQs
- Pneumonia FAQs
- Strep Streptococcal Throat Infection FAQs
- Ear Infection FAQs
- Meningitis FAQs
- Bronchitis FAQs
- Is It Easier to Get Staph Infection When You've Had it Before?
- How Do You Get Staph Infection?
- What Causes an Ear Infection?
- How Do You Get an Ear Infection?
- How to Get Rid of a Staph Infection
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Symptoms
- E. coli Infection Facts
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Treatment
Medications & Supplements
- Penicillin (Antibiotics)
- cefixime (Suprax)
- Suprax (cefixime) vs. Augmentin
- Suprax (cefixime) vs. Keflex (cephalexin)
- cefpodoxime proxetil (Vantin, Bantan)
- Cefdinir vs. cefixime (Suprax) 3rd Generation Antibiotics
- Suprax (cefixime) vs. cefuroxime
- Suprax (cefixime) vs. azithromycin
- Cefdinir vs. Cefpodoxime
- Suprax (cefixime) vs. ofloxacin
- Suprax (cefixime) vs. Rocephin (ceftriaxone)
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