Cefixime

Cefixime — Uses and Benefits

Cefixime is used to treat infections caused by susceptible bacteria in various parts of the body.

WHAT THIS MEDICINE IS USED FOR

• Infections of the throat, tonsils, and ear
• Infections of the lungs and airways, such as bronchitis
• Urinary tract infections
• Typhoid fever caused by susceptible bacteria
• Certain infections of the skin and soft tissue

HOW IT WORKS

• It belongs to a class of antibiotics called cephalosporins
• It stops bacteria from building their protective outer wall
• Without this wall, the bacteria are unable to survive and are destroyed
• It works only against bacteria, not viruses

WHAT IT IS NOT USED FOR

• Common cold, flu, or other viral infections
• Fungal infections
• As a general painkiller or fever medicine on its own
• Preventing infection without doctor's advice

Always complete the full course as prescribed, even if you feel better earlier, to prevent the infection from coming back or bacteria becoming resistant.

How to Use Cefixime

HOW TO TAKE IT

• Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor, in the dose and duration advised
• Can be taken with or without food, but taking it after food may reduce stomach upset
• Swallow tablets/capsules with a glass of water; shake the syrup well before use and use the measuring cup provided
• Do not stop the course early even if symptoms improve, unless your doctor tells you to
• Try to take it at the same time each day to maintain a steady level in the body

IF YOU MISS A DOSE

• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one and continue your normal schedule
• Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed one

STORAGE

• Store at room temperature, away from direct heat, light, and moisture
• Keep the syrup form in a cool place and check the label for whether refrigeration is advised
• Discard any unused reconstituted syrup after the period mentioned on the label
• Keep out of reach of children

Cefixime — Side Effects

COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Loose motions or diarrhoea
• Stomach pain or discomfort
• Nausea
• Indigestion

LESS COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Gas or bloating
• Loss of appetite
• Mild skin rash or itching

SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS — STOP AND SEE A DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY

• Severe or watery diarrhoea, especially with blood
• Signs of allergic reaction such as swelling of face, lips, tongue or throat, or difficulty breathing
• Severe skin rash, blistering, or peeling of skin
• Yellowing of eyes or skin, dark urine, or unusual tiredness (signs of liver problems)
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or signs of infection like persistent fever
• Seizures or fits (rare)

This is not a complete list. Report any unusual or persistent symptom to your doctor or pharmacist.

Cefixime — Safety Information and Precautions

This is a prescription-only medicine in India and should be used only under medical supervision. Do not take it without a valid prescription.

DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE IF YOU

• Are allergic to cefixime or other cephalosporin antibiotics
• Have had a severe allergic reaction to penicillin antibiotics in the past (discuss with your doctor)

TELL YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE STARTING IF YOU

• Have kidney disease or reduced kidney function
• Have a history of stomach or intestinal disease, especially colitis
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Have a history of allergic reactions to other medicines
• Are diabetic, as some liquid formulations may contain sugar

MEDICINES THAT CAN INTERACT

• Blood thinners like warfarin (may increase bleeding risk)
• Other antibiotics being taken at the same time
• Probenecid, which can increase cefixime levels in the body
• Oral contraceptive pills (effectiveness may be reduced)
• Any other prescription or over-the-counter medicine, so inform your doctor of your complete list

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I take cefixime for a common cold?

No, it does not work against viral infections like the common cold or flu.

Is it safe to consume alcohol while on this medicine?

It is best to avoid alcohol during antibiotic treatment as it can worsen stomach side effects and slow recovery.

Can children take this medicine?

• Yes, cefixime is commonly prescribed for children in syrup form, but only in the dose advised by a pediatrician.
• Doctor ya pharmacist se salah lein.