Cefpodoxime
About
Cefpodoxime belongs to the group of cephalosporin antibiotics used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections of the ear, nose, throat, lower respiratory tract, urinary tract, skin, and soft tissue. Bacterial infections are caused due to the multiplication of harmful bacteria inside or on the body. Cefpodoxime does not work against infections caused by the virus, including cold and flu.
Cefpodoxime contains 'Cefpodoxime', which is a broad-spectrum antibiotic effective against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Cefpodoxime works by preventing the formation of bacterial cell covering (cell wall), which is necessary for their survival. Thereby, Cefpodoxime kills the bacteria and helps in treating and preventing the spread of bacterial infections.
In some cases, Cefpodoxime may cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea (watery or loose stool), abdominal pain, loss of appetite, bloating, skin rash and itching. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.
Talk to your doctor if you have/had inflammation in the bowel, kidney or liver problems. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Cefpodoxime may cause dizziness, so be cautious while driving. Avoid alcohol consumption to prevent unpleasant side effects. Inform your doctor about all the medicines you are taking and your health condition to rule out any unpleasant side effects.
Uses of Cefpodoxime
Medicinal Benefits
Cefpodoxime belongs to the group of antibiotic medicines called 'cephalosporins' used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections of the ear, nose, throat, lower respiratory tract, urinary tract, skin, and soft tissue. Cefpodoxime is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that is effective against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, aerobic and some anaerobic bacteria. Cefpodoxime works by preventing the formation of bacterial cell covering, which is necessary for their survival. Thereby, kills the bacteria and helps in treating and preventing the spread of infections.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Cefpodoxime
- Diarrhoea (loose or watery stool)
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
- Bloating
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Cefpodoxime if you are allergic to cefpodoxime or any antibiotics. Before taking Cefpodoxime, let your doctor know if you have/had inflammation in bowel, kidney or liver problems. Consult a doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Avoid alcohol consumption while taking Cefpodoxime to prevent unpleasant side effects. Cefpodoxime may cause dizziness, so be cautious while driving.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Cefpodoxime may interact with diuretics (furosemide), blood thinner (warfarin), supplements (calcium/vitamin D), antacids (sodium bicarbonate, aluminium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, cimetidine, ranitidine, loratadine), and drugs used to treat excess uric acid (probenecid).
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have clostridium difficile-associated diarrhoea (CDAD), colitis (inflammation in the lining of the colon), seizures (epilepsy), kidney or liver disease.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionAvoid consuming alcohol while taking Cefpodoxime as it might cause increased dizziness.
Pregnancy
cautionCefpodoxime belongs to pregnancy category B. Please consult your doctor if you are pregnant; your doctor will prescribe Cefpodoxime only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionCefpodoxime passes into breast milk. Please consult your doctor if you are breastfeeding.
Driving
cautionCefpodoxime may cause dizziness, do not drive or operate heavy machinery if you feel dizzy.
Liver
cautionDose adjustment may be needed. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding this or if you have liver impairment/liver disease.
Kidney
cautionDose adjustment may be needed. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding this or if you have kidney impairment/kidney disease.
Children
safe if prescribedCefpodoxime is safe for children if prescribed by the doctor. However, the use of Cefpodoxime is not recommended for children below 2 months as safety and efficacy have not been established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Antibiotics can alter the useful bacteria in the stomach, which help in digestion. Therefore, you are advised to take foods rich in probiotics, such as yoghurt/curd, kefir, sauerkraut, tempeh, kimchi, miso, kombucha, buttermilk, natto and cheese.
- Eat fibre-rich food like whole grains, beans, lentils, berries, broccoli, peas and bananas.
- Avoid consumption of alcohol and usage of tobacco.
Special Advise
- If CDAD (clostridium difficile-associated diarrhoea) is confirmed, then appropriate fluid and electrolyte management, protein supplementation, antibiotic treatment of C. difficile, and surgical evaluation should be instituted as clinically indicated.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Bacterial infection: A bacterial infection is a condition in which harmful bacteria enter, multiply, and infect the body. Harmful bacteria produce chemicals known as toxins, which can damage tissue and cause sickness. They can target any body part and multiply very quickly. Symptoms include fever, chills, and fatigue. Anyone can become infected with a bacterial infection. But, people with a weak immune system or taking immunosuppressive medicines are more prone to bacterial infection.
FAQs
Cefpodoxime works by preventing the formation of bacterial cell covering, necessary for their survival. Thereby, kills the bacteria and helps in treating and preventing the spread of infections.
Diarrhoea is the common side effect of Cefpodoxime. Drink lots of water and eat non-spicy food if you experience diarrhoea. If you observe blood in stools (tarry stools) or have severe diarrhoea (vomiting or watery stool), immediately consult your doctor. Do not take anti-diarrheal medicine on your own.
It is recommended to complete the course of Cefpodoxime even if you feel better as it is an antibiotic, and leaving it in between may lead to even severe infection that will, in fact, stop responding to the antibiotic as well (antibiotic-resistance).
Cefpodoxime may cause stomach upset as a side effect. To avoid this, take Cefpodoxime preferably with food. Taking Cefpodoxime with food helps in increasing its absorption in the body.
Cefpodoxime may affect the results of urine tests for sugar and blood tests known as coomb’s test (antiglobulin test). Cefpodoxime induces a positive direct Coombs test giving a false positive test. Therefore, inform the person performing the tests that you are taking Cefpodoxime.
Do not take antacids and anti-ulcer medicines along with Cefpodoxime. Try to maintain at least a gap of 2-3 hours between both. However, consult your doctor before taking other medicines with Cefpodoxime.
