Cefpodoxime Proxetil
About
Cefpodoxime Proxetil belongs to the group of antibiotic medicines called 'cephalosporins' used to treat 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 Proxetil contains 'Cefpodoxime Proxetil' which is a broad-spectrum antibiotic effective against both gram-positive and negative groups of bacteria. It works by preventing the formation of bacterial cell covering (cell wall), which is necessary for their survival. Thereby, it kills the bacteria and helps in treating and preventing the spread of bacterial infections.
Take this medicine as prescribed. In some cases, you may experience certain common 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 before taking Cefpodoxime Proxetil if you have had inflammation in the bowel, kidney or liver problems. Do not take antacids and anti-ulcer medicines along with Cefpodoxime Proxetil; maintain a gap of 2-3 hours between both. Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before starting Cefpodoxime Proxetil. Avoid alcohol consumption to prevent unpleasant side effects. Cefpodoxime Proxetil may cause dizziness, hence drive or operate machinery only if you are alert. Inform your doctor about all the medicines you are taking and about your health condition to rule out any unpleasant side effects.
Uses of Cefpodoxime Proxetil
Medicinal Benefits
Cefpodoxime Proxetil 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. It is composed of Cefpodoxime Proxetil. It is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that is effective against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, aerobic and some anaerobic bacteria. Cefpodoxime Proxetil works by preventing the formation of bacterial cell covering, which is necessary for their survival. Thereby, it kills the bacteria and helps in treating and preventing the spread of infections. Cefpodoxime Proxetil has been shown to reduce the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Cefpodoxime Proxetil
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
- Bloating
- Skin rash
- Itching
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Taking antibiotics on your own may lead to antibiotic resistance in which antibiotics fail to act against specific bacterial infections. Before taking Cefpodoxime Proxetil, let your doctor know if you have/had inflammation in bowel, kidney, or liver problems. Do not take antacids or anti-ulcer medicines along with Cefpodoxime Proxetil and maintain at least a gap of 2-3 hours between both medicines. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should seek medical advice before starting Cefpodoxime Proxetil. Avoid alcohol consumption while being treated with Cefpodoxime Proxetil to prevent unpleasant side effects. Cefpodoxime Proxetil may cause dizziness, hence drive or operate machinery only if you are alert.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Cefpodoxime Proxetil may interact with water pills (furosemide), blood thinners (warfarin), supplements (calcium/vitamin D), antacids (cimetidine, ranitidine,), and anti-gout medicines (probenecid).
Drug-Food Interaction: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Let your doctor know if you have colitis (inflammation in the lining of the colon), seizures (epilepsy), kidney, and liver diseases before starting Cefpodoxime Proxetil.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionIt is better to avoid/limit alcohol intake while using Cefpodoxime Proxetil. For more information, please seek medical advice.
Pregnancy
cautionPlease consult your doctor if you are pregnant, your doctor will prescribe Cefpodoxime Proxetil only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionCefpodoxime Proxetil may pass into the breast milk when used by a nursing mother. Please consult your doctor if you are breastfeeding before starting Cefpodoxime Proxetil.
Driving
cautionCefpodoxime Proxetil 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 before taking Cefpodoxime Proxetil.
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 before taking Cefpodoxime Proxetil.
Children
cautionCefpodoxime Proxetil should be used for children only if prescribed by the doctor. However, Cefpodoxime Proxetil is not recommended for children less than 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 indigestion. 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 foods rich in calcium, grapefruit and grapefruit juice as they might hinder the absorption of antibiotics.
- Avoid consumption of alcohol to treat your condition effectively.
- Avoid usage of tobacco.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Bacterial infection: A bacterial infection is a condition in which harmful bacteria enter, multiply, and infect our body. Infectious or harmful bacteria can make you sick and reproduce quickly in your body. These harmful bacteria produce chemicals known as toxins, which can damage tissue and make you sick. It can target any body part and multiply very quickly. When you get infected with bacteria, you can experience generalized symptoms, like fever, chills, and fatigue. Bacterial infections vary from minor illnesses like sore throat and ear infections to severe brain infections like meningitis and encephalitis. Anyone can become infected with a bacterial infection. But, people with weak immune systems or taking immunosuppressive medicine are more prone to bacterial infection.
FAQs
Cefpodoxime Proxetil works by preventing the formation of bacterial cell covering, necessary for their survival. Thereby, it kills the bacteria and helps in treating and preventing the spread of infections.
Diarrhoea is the most reported common side effect of Cefpodoxime Proxetil. So, it is advisable to drink lots of fluids and eat non-spicy food if you experience diarrhoea. If you observe blood in stools (tarry stools) or experience excess 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 Proxetil 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 Proxetil may cause stomach upset as a side-effect. To avoid this, take Cefpodoxime Proxetil preferably with food. Taking Cefpodoxime Proxetil with food helps in increasing its absorption in the body.
Do not take antacids or anti-ulcer medicines along with Cefpodoxime Proxetil. Try to maintain at least a gap of 2-3 hours between both medicines.
