Cefixime Suspension: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Cefixime Suspension contains Cefixime, a third generation cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections such as respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, throat and tonsil infections, and uncomplicated gonorrhea. It works by stopping bacteria from building their cell walls, which causes the bacteria to die. It can be taken with or without food, and dosing depends on age and body weight.

What is Cefixime Suspension

Cefixime is an antibiotic that treats infections caused by bacteria. It belongs to a group of medicines called third generation cephalosporins.

Cefixime Suspension uses

• Upper respiratory tract infections such as ear infections (otitis media)
• Lower respiratory tract infections such as bronchitis
• Urinary tract infections such as cystitis and pyelonephritis
• Throat and tonsil infections (pharyngitis and tonsillitis)
• Uncomplicated gonorrhea (cervical/urethral infections)

Benefits of Cefixime Suspension

• Kills a wide range of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria
• Stays effective even against bacteria that produce beta-lactamase enzymes that destroy other antibiotics
• Can be taken with or without food

How Cefixime Suspension works

Cefixime stops bacteria from building their cell walls. Without a working cell wall, the bacteria die, which helps the body clear the infection.

Cefixime Suspension dosage

Cefixime Suspension can be taken with or without food. Shake the liquid well just before measuring each dose. Measure the dose with the dosing syringe, dose-measuring spoon, or medicine cup provided, not a regular kitchen spoon. Use the full course of treatment even if you feel better before finishing it. Do not skip doses, as this can raise the risk of infection becoming resistant to antibiotics. This medicine does not treat viral illnesses such as colds or the flu.

If a dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered, but skip it if it is almost time for the next dose; do not double up.

Available forms and strengths

• Oral suspension (liquid)
• Tablet
• Capsule
• Chewable tablet
• Powder for reconstitution

Side effects of Cefixime Suspension

Common

• Indigestion or stomach pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Vaginal itching or discharge
• Dizziness and headache
• Flatulence

Serious

• Signs of allergic reaction: hives, trouble breathing, swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Severe stomach pain, watery or bloody diarrhea
• Jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes)
• Pale or yellowed skin, dark urine, confusion, or weakness
• Seizures (convulsions)
• Signs of low blood cell counts: sudden weakness, fever, chills, flu-like symptoms, mouth sores, skin sores, rapid heart rate, easy bruising, unusual bleeding
• Kidney problems: little or no urination, painful urination, swelling in feet or ankles, feeling tired or short of breath
• Severe skin reaction: fever, sore throat, swelling of face or tongue, burning eyes, skin pain followed by a red or purple rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling

Warnings and precautions

• Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to cefixime or other cephalosporin antibiotics, or if you have a known allergy to penicillin-type drugs, since there is some cross-reaction risk.
• This medicine can rarely cause severe skin reactions. Stop the medicine and see a doctor right away if you notice a rash, mouth sores, or any sign of a skin reaction.
• Antibiotics like this one can cause a serious bowel infection called antibiotic-associated colitis, which can cause diarrhea during or after treatment.
• This medicine has not been proven safe for children younger than 6 months old.
• If you are taking blood thinners such as warfarin, tell your doctor, since this medicine can increase bleeding risk.
• It is not known if this medicine is safe during pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, since it should only be used in pregnancy if the doctor feels it is truly needed.
• It is not known whether this medicine passes into breast milk or could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, as you may need to stop nursing during treatment.
• This medicine should be used carefully in people with significant kidney problems, and the dose may need to be adjusted.
• No routine liver-specific adjustment is usually required.
• Cefixime does not have a well-established direct interaction with alcohol, but alcohol may worsen side effects such as nausea, stomach upset, dizziness, or dehydration. It is generally better to avoid or limit alcohol while recovering from an infection and taking cefixime.
• This medicine is not expected to affect your ability to drive or use machines.

Storage

• Store in a dry place below 30°C
• Protect from sunlight and moisture
• Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light
• May also be stored in the refrigerator after mixing
• Throw away any unused liquid after 14 days
• Keep tightly closed and shake well before using

When to see a doctor

• Get emergency help right away if you have signs of a serious allergic reaction, like hives, trouble breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Call your doctor right away if you have severe stomach pain or diarrhea that is watery or bloody.
• Call your doctor if you notice yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, confusion, or weakness.
• Seek medical attention if you have a seizure while taking this medicine.
• Contact your doctor if you have signs of low blood cell counts, such as sudden weakness, fever, chills, mouth sores, easy bruising, or unusual bleeding.
• Contact your doctor if you have signs of kidney problems, such as little or no urination, painful urination, or swelling in your feet or ankles.
• Get medical help immediately if you develop a severe skin reaction with fever, sore throat, facial swelling, burning eyes, or a spreading rash with blistering and peeling.
• If you get an overdose, seek emergency medical attention right away.

Alternatives

• Cefpodoxime
• Cefdinir
• Cefuroxime
• Amoxicillin