What is Cefixime?
Cefixime is used to treat infections that are caused by bacteria. There are various bacterial infections like
- Bronchitis,
- Gonorrhoea
- Infections of ears, throat, tonsils
- Urinary tract.
Cefixime is a cephalosporin antibiotic. It helps in killing the bacteria present in our body. These antibiotics will not work for colds, flu and other viral infections.
Cefixime Uses
Cefixime is used for curing bacterial infections which include:
- Infection in the middle ear
- Tonsillitis
- Throat infections
- Laryngitis
- Bronchitis
- Pneumonia
- Urinary tract infections
- Gonorrhea
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Cefixime will only work for bacterial functions. It will not work for viral infections. If the medicines are taken without any proper reason then it can show infections in future.
Cefixime Side Effects
Common Side Effects of Cefixime:
- Diarrhea
- Stomach Pain
- Gas
- Heartburn
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Serious Side Effects of Cefixime:
- Stomach cramps
- Rash
- Hives
- Problem in Swallowing
- Pale face
- Fever
- Prolonged bleeding from cuts
- Abdominal cramps or tenderness
- Back, leg, or stomach pains
- General body swelling
- Increased menstrual flow or vaginal bleeding
- Paralysis
- Wheezing
- Itching
- Coughing up blood
- Sore throat
- Breathlessness
- Unpleasant breath odour
- Unusual weight loss
Contact your doctor promptly for serious symptoms and consider avoiding Cefixime tablets if you experience any reactions. Your doctor prescribed this medication weighing its benefits over potential side effects, but seek medical assistance if you encounter serious side effects.
Precautions While Taking Cefixime
- Inform your doctor of any allergies before taking Cefixime, as it contains inactive ingredients that may cause reactions.
- Tell your doctor about all of your medical history, especially any liver or renal conditions.
- Cefixime may interfere with the effectiveness of certain live vaccines; avoid vaccinations while taking this medication.
- Before surgery, inform your doctor about all medications you are taking to prevent complications.
Before taking Cefixime consult your doctor if you have following problems:
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Gastrointestinal Disease
- Colitis
- If you’re pregnant or are breastfeeding
How to Take Cefixime: Dosage Instructions
The dose of Cefixime will be different from person to person. Follow your prescription or your doctor’s advice before taking this medicine. There are various forms of Cefixime i.e. capsules, tablets and chewable tablets.
- Adults Adults weighing more than 50kg can take Cefixime 400 mg once a day. A person can also take Cefixime 200mg every 12 hours.
- Children Children whose age is between 6 months to 12 years the dosage should be based on body weight. Cefixime 8mg should be taken per day or it can divide into 4 mg every 12 hours.
- Skin infections
- For adults, the typical Cefixime dosage is 500 mg daily for 3 days. Alternatively, a doctor may prescribe a single 500mg dose on the first day and 250 mg doses for the following two days.
- Before using Cefixime syrup, ensure thorough shaking and mix it with water for dissolution.
- Chew Cefixime chewable tablets thoroughly before swallowing.
Considerations for Adjusting Dosage
Overdose of a drug can be accidental. If you have taken more than the prescribed Cefixime tablets there is a chance of getting a harmful effect on your body’s functions. Overdose of a medicine can lead to some medical emergency.
What should I do if I miss a dose of cefixime?
Missing one or two doses of Cefixime tablet typically has no impact and won’t cause problems. However, with certain medications, timely dosage is crucial for effectiveness, as skipping doses may lead to chemical changes affecting your body. Your doctor may advise taking the missed dose promptly in some cases.
Important Precautions and Warnings
- Kidney Disease
- Liver disease
- Asthma
- Swelling of throat or tongue
- Some severe skin reactions
- Pregnant
- Breastfeeding
Don’t take this drug if you have any allergies, it may cause you some serious medical conditions.
How to Store and Handle Cefixime
- Store your medicines away from heat, air, and light to prevent damage and harmful effects. Keep them out of children’s reach at room temperature (68ºF to 77ºF or 20ºC to 25ºC).
- Prior to taking Cefixime, consult your doctor. If you experience any problems or side effects, seek medical attention promptly.
- Carry your medications while traveling to address emergencies and follow your prescription and doctor’s advice.
Cefixime vs Cefpodoxime
| Cefixime | Cefpodoxime |
|---|---|
| Cefixime is used for treating the middle ears, tonsillitis, throat infections and urinary tract | Cefpodoxime is used to treat throat Infections, sinusitis and pneumonia |
| Side effects are Diarrhea, nausea, fever, joint pain, arthritis and headaches | Side effects are skin rash, allergic reactions, vaginitis and muscle pain |
| Dosage for Cefixime is 400mg once daily | Dosage for cefpodoxime is 200mg in every 12 hours for 14days |
