What is Cefixime?
Cefixime is used to treat infections that are caused by bacteria. There are various bacterial infections like bronchitis, gonorrhoea and infections of ears, throat, tonsils and urinary tract. Cefixime is a cephalosporin antibiotic. It helps in killing the bacteria present in our body. These antibiotics will not work for colds, flu and other viral infections.
Cefixime Uses
Cefixime is used for curing bacterial infections which include:
- Infection in the middle ear
- Tonsillitis
- Throat infections
- Laryngitis
- Bronchitis
- Pneumonia
- Urinary tract infections
- Gonorrhea
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Cefixime will only work for bacterial functions. It will not work for viral infections. If the medicines are taken without any proper reason then it can show infections in future.
Cefixime Side Effects
If you have any of these following serious symptoms immediately contact your doctor for further assistance. In any case, due to Azithromycin if you get any kind of reactions in your body try avoiding it.
Common Cefixime side effects are:
- Diarrhea
- Stomach Pain
- Gas
- Heartburn
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Serious Cefixime Side Effects:
- Stomach cramps
- Rash
- Itching
- Hives
- Breathlessness
- Problem in Swallowing
- Wheezing
- Pale face
- Sore throat
- Fever
- Abdominal or stomach cramps or tenderness
- Back, leg, or stomach pains
- Cough or Hoarseness
- Coughing up blood
- General body swelling
- Increased menstrual flow or vaginal bleeding
- Paralysis
- Prolonged bleeding from cuts
- Unpleasant breath odour
- Unusual weight loss
If you have any of these serious symptoms immediately contact your doctor for further assistance. In any case, due to Cefixime if you get any kind of reactions in your body try avoiding it. A doctor advised you to take the medicines by seeing your problems and the benefits of this medicine are greater than the side effects. Majority of the people who use this medicine don’t show any side effects. Get medical help immediately if you get any serious Cefixime side effects.
Precautions
Before taking Cefixime to tell your doctor if you have any kind of allergies in your body. Cefixime tablets have an inactive ingredient which can cause allergic reactions or can cause you some problems. Tell your doctor if you have some medical history like kidney disease and liver disease. Cefixime may not allow some live vaccines to show their results. Avoid using any kind of vaccinations while taking Cefixime tablets. Before going through any kind of surgery tell your doctor about the medications that you are using to avoid further consequences. Before taking Cefixime consult your doctor if you have following problems:
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Gastrointestinal Disease
- Colitis
- If you’re pregnant or are breastfeeding
Cefixime Dosage
The dose of Cefixime will be different from person to person. Follow your prescription or your doctor’s advice before taking this medicine. There are various forms of Cefixime i.e. capsules, tablets and chewable tablets.
Adults
Adults weighing more than 50kg can take Cefixime 400mg once in a day. A person can also take Cefixime 200mg every 12 hours.
Children
Children whose age is between 6 months to 12 years the dosage should be based on body weight. Cefixime 8mg should be taken per day or it can divide into 4mg every 12 hours.
Skin infections
An adult should take 500mg per day for 3 days. Doctor can also prescribe 500mg as a single dose on the first day and for the other two days, he may advise you to take 250mg.
Before using Cefixime syrup, shake it well and mix the liquid with water to dissolve it.
If you are taking chewable tablets, before swallowing it chew it properly and then swallow it.
Overdose
Overdose of a drug can be accidental. If you have taken more than the prescribed Cefixime tablets there is a chance of getting a harmful effect on your body’s functions. Overdose of a medicine can lead to some medical emergency.
Missed Dose
Missing one or two-dose of Cefixime won’t show any effect on your body. The skipped dose causes no problem. But with some medication, it won’t work if you don’t take the dosage on time. If you miss a dose some sudden chemical change may affect your body. In some cases, your doctor would advise you to take the prescribed medicine as soon as possible if you have missed the dose.
Cefixime Warnings
- Kidney Disease
- Liver disease
- Asthma
- Swelling of throat or tongue
- Some severe skin reactions
- Pregnant
- Breastfeeding
Don’t take this drug if you had any allergies, it may cause you some serious medical conditions.
Storage
Direct contact with heat, air and light may damage your medicines. The exposure of medicine may cause some harmful effects. The medicine must be kept in a safe place and out of children’s reach. Mainly the drug should be kept at room temperature between 68ºF and 77ºF (20ºC and 25ºC)
Before taking Cefixime consult your Doctor. In case if you face any problems or get any side effects after taking Cefixime rush immediately to your nearby hospital or consult your doctor for better treatment. Carry your medications always in your bag while travelling to avoid any immediate emergencies. Follow your prescription and follow your Doctor advice whenever you take Cefixime.
Cefixime vs Cefpodoxime
Cefixime | Cefpodoxime |
---|---|
Cefixime is used for treating the middle ears, tonsillitis, throat infections and urinary tract | Cefpodoxime is used to treat throat Infections, sinusitis and pneumonia |
Side effects are Diarrhea, nausea, fever, joint pain, arthritis and headaches | Side effects are skin rash, allergic reactions, vaginitis and muscle pain |
Dosage for Cefixime is 400mg once daily | Dosage for cefpodoxime is 200mg in every 12 hours for 14days |