Cefixime
About
Cefixime belongs to a group of cephalosporin antibiotics. It is used to treat susceptible organisms (bacteria)-caused infections of the ear, nose, sinuses (sinusitis), throat (tonsillitis, pharyngitis), chest and lungs (bronchitis, pneumonia) and urinary system (cystitis and kidney infections). Additionally, it is also prescribed to treat uncomplicated gonorrhoea (cervical/urethral).
Cefixime contains Cefixime that works by inhibiting of cell wall synthesis. In turn, Cefixime weakens and destroys the bacterial cell wall, leading to death. As a result, Cefixime helps to treat bacterial infections.
Take Cefixime as directed by the physician. Sometimes, you may experience common side effects such as diarrhoea, nausea, loose stools, abdominal pain, dyspepsia, indigestion, and vomiting. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.
Do not take Cefixime if you are allergic to cefixime, other cephalosporin antibiotics, or any other ingredients of this medicine. Before starting the Cefixime, please inform your doctor if you have colitis (inflammation of the colon's inner lining), renal dysfunction, liver disease, and seizure disorders. Do not take this medicine on your own as self-medication may lead to antibiotic resistance in which antibiotics fail to act against specific bacterial infections. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant, or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor for advice before taking the Cefixime. Drive only if you are alert as Cefixime may cause dizziness.
Uses of Cefixime
Medicinal Benefits
Cefixime is a short-term medication for a wide range of bacterial infections. It prevents the growth of bacteria by stopping the formation of a protective covering which is vital for its growth. It prevents and treats bacterial infections like ear, nose, sinuses (sinusitis), throat (tonsillitis, pharyngitis), chest and lungs (bronchitis, pneumonia) and urinary system (cystitis and kidney infections). Additionally, it is also prescribed to treat uncomplicated gonorrhoea (cervical/urethral).
Directions for Use
Tablet/capsule: Swallow it as a whole with water; do not crush, break or chew it. Dispersible Tablet: Check the label for directions before use. Disperse the tablet in the prescribed amount of water and swallow the contents. Do not crush, chew or swallow as a whole. Liquid/Suspension: Shake the bottle well before use. Check the label for directions and take Cefixime in doses as prescribed by your doctor with the help of a measuring cup/dropper provided by the pack. Powder/granules: Check the label for directions before use. Mix the powder/granules in water, mix well and drink immediately.
Storage
Side Effects of Cefixime
Diarrhoea
Nausea
Loose stools
Abdominal pain
Dyspepsia or indigestion
Vomiting
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Cefixime has occasionally been associated with hypersensitive reactions that result in shock and mortality. If a reaction happens, stop using it. Do not take Cefixime if you are allergic to Cefixime or other cephalosporin antibiotics, or any of the other ingredients of this medicine. Talk to the doctor before taking Cefixime if you have seizures, liver or renal dysfunction, heart disorder, and inflammation of the colon's inner lining (colitis). Do not take Cefixime without first consulting the doctor if you are pregnant, planning for pregnancy or breastfeeding. Drive only if you are alert as Cefixime may cause dizziness. Cefixime may interact with certain tests such as glucose (sugar) in urine and give unusual results. Therefore, inform the doctor that you are using Cefixime before undergoing any tests.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Cefixime may interact with certain vaccines (BCG, cholera vaccine, typhoid vaccine), anticoagulant medications (warfarin), and anticonvulsant medications (carbamazepine).
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Cefixime may interact with disease conditions, including colitis (inflammation of the colon's inner lining), renal dysfunction, liver disease, and seizure disorders.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionIt is unknown whether Cefixime interacts with alcohol. However, as a precautionary measure, it is advisable not to take or limit alcohol.
Pregnancy
cautionCefixime should not be used during pregnancy unless clearly necessary. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing it. Please consult your doctor.
Breast Feeding
unsafeCefixime should be administered to nursing mothers only if the benefits of therapy are judged to outweigh the potential risks to the infant. Hence it is best to consult a doctor before taking the Cefixime.
Driving
cautionCaution should be exercised; Cefixime usually causes drowsiness and confusion, affecting driving ability.
Liver
cautionCefixime to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of liver diseases/conditions. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
Kidney
cautionCefixime to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of Kidney diseases/conditions. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
Children
cautionCefixime to be taken with caution, especially if you are children below 12. Your doctor may adjust your dose depending upon your age.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
After taking the full course of Cefixime, probiotics should be taken to restore some of the healthy bacteria in the intestines that may have been killed. Taking probiotics after antibiotic treatment can reduce the risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea. Certain fermented foods like yoghurt, cheese, sauerkraut, kombucha and kimchi can help restore the intestine's good bacteria.
Include more fibre-enriched food in your diet, as it can be easily digested by gut bacteria, which helps stimulate their growth. Thus, fibre foods may help restore healthy gut bacteria after a course of antibiotics. Whole grains like whole-grain bread and brown rice should be included in your diet.
Avoid taking too much calcium, iron-enriched foods and drinks as it might affect the working of Cefixime.
Avoid alcoholic beverages with Cefixime as it can dehydrate and affect your sleep. this can make it harder for your body to aid the Cefixime in fighting off infections.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Bacterial infection: A bacterial infection is a condition in which harmful bacteria enter, multiply, and infect our body. It can target any body part and multiple very quickly. When you get infected with bacteria, you can experience generalized symptoms like fevers, chills, and fatigue. Bacteria are of various forms comprising commonly spherical, rod, and spiral-shaped. Bacterial infections vary from minor illnesses like sore throat and ear infections to severe brain infections like meningitis and encephalitis. Few harmful bacteria that cause infections include Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and E.coli. Anyone can become infected with a bacterial infection. But, people with weak immune systems or taking immunosuppressive medicine can make you more prone to bacterial infection.
FAQs
Cefixime comprises Cefixime. The bactericidal action of Cefixime is due to the inhibition of cell wall synthesis. In turn, the Cefixime weakens and destroys the bacterial cell wall, leading to death. As a result, Cefixime helps to treat bacterial infections.
Cefixime can cause diarrhoea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhoea that is watery or bloody, call your doctor. Do not use anti-diarrhoea medicine unless your doctor tells you to.
If you forget to take Cefixime, take your dose as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, just skip that dose and take the next one when it is due. If in doubt, please contact your doctor. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.
Yes, Treating urinary tract infection (UTI) by Cefixime may be a good alternative. However, it should be taken under the supervision of the healthcare professional.
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.
No, It does not treat colds, flu, or other virus infections. It is meant for only specific bacterial infections.
Cefixime was effective in the treatment of bacterial sinus infections in adults and was well tolerated.
No, it is a prescribed drug given by a physician to prevent specific medical conditions. Taking it on your own can cause unwanted side effects.
Cefixime may alter certain laboratory test results like glucose (sugar) in the urine. Inform your doctor before undergoing the above test.
