Cefixime

Cefixime is an antibiotic that may be used to treat many different types of infections caused by bacteria.

Cefixime stops bacteria from forming a cell wall, which bacteria need to survive. This decreases the number of bacteria in your body, which helps your body fight the infection.

Cefixime was FDA approved in 1989.

Follow all directions on your cefixime label. Do not take cefixime in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

You may take cefixime with or without food.

The cefixime chewable tablet must be chewed before you swallow it.

Shake the oral cefixime suspension (liquid) well just before you measure a dose. Measure liquid medicine with the dosing syringe provided, or with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

Cefixime can cause unusual results with certain medical tests, including blood tests or tests for glucose (sugar) and ketones in the urine. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are taking this medication.

Use cefixime for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics. Cefixime will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

Store cefixime at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

You may also store cefixime oral liquid in the refrigerator. Throw away any unused liquid after 14 days.

You should not take cefixime if you are allergic to cefixime, or to similar antibiotics, such as Ceftin, Cefzil, Keflex, Omnicef, and others. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to penicillins.

You should not take this medicine if you are allergic to cefixime or to other cephalosporin antibiotics, such as:

• cefaclor (Raniclor);
• cefadroxil (Duricef);
• cefazolin (Ancef);
• cefdinir (Omnicef);
• cefditoren (Spectracef);
• cefpodoxime (Vantin);
• cefprozil (Cefzil);
• ceftibuten (Cedax);
• cefuroxime (Ceftin);
• cephalexin (Keflex);
• cephradine (Velosef); and others.

To make sure cefixime is safe for you, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, especially penicillins.

The chewable tablet form of cefixime may contain phenylalanine. Talk to your doctor before using this form if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).

It is not known whether cefixime will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

It is not known whether cefixime passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You may need to stop nursing while you are taking cefixime.

The cefixime suspension (liquid) contains sucrose. Talk to your doctor before using this form of cefixime if you have diabetes.

Cefixime is not approved for use by anyone younger than 6 months old.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to cefixime: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Cefixime may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, confusion or weakness;
• a seizure (convulsions);
• low blood cell counts--sudden weakness or ill feeling, fever, chills, flu-like symptoms, swollen gums, mouth sores, skin sores, rapid heart rate, pale skin, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, feeling light-headed;
• kidney problems--little or no urination, painful or difficult urination, swelling in your feet or ankles, feeling tired or short of breath; or
• severe skin reaction--fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.

Common side effects of cefixime may include:

• indigestion, stomach pain;
• nausea, vomiting; or
• vaginal itching or discharge.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Take the missed dose of cefixime as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, call your doctor. This can happen even two or more months after you have taken your last dose. Do not use anti-diarrhea medicine unless your doctor tells you to.

Other drugs may interact with cefixime, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

Tell your doctor if you are taking carbamazepine or a blood thinner such as warfarin.

• Is there a gonorrhea treatment available over the counter?