Yashoda Hospitals > Medicine FAQS > Cefixime

Cefixime: Frequently Asked Questions Answered

What is Cefixime?

Cefixime, an antibiotic, is used for the treatment of a variety of bacterial infections. It’s popularly known as a cephalosporin antibiotic, and its function includes stopping the growth of bacteria in the body.
The dosage depends on the medical condition. It can be consumed with or without food as instructed by the doctor. Adults can take it once a day, and children may take it twice a day, in 12 hours intervals.

What Are The Uses Of Cefixime?

Cefixime is useful for curing sinus infections for patients with pneumonia, shigella (an infection causing severe diarrhoea), salmonella (an infection provoking diarrhoea), and typhoid fever (a serious infection more frequently occurring in developing/under-developed nations).
Other infections treated by Cefixime are bronchitis (infection in the windpipes leading to the lungs), gonorrhoea (STD), urinary tract infection (UTI), and infections in the ears, throat, and tonsils.
Consult your doctor about the risks and dosage of using this antibiotic for your condition.

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    What Are The Side Effects Of Cefixime?

    The most common side-effect of Cefixime is diarrhoea. It is generally mild and passes quickly. However, if it turns severe and lasts beyond 24 hours, one must seek medical consultation.

    Other side effects:

    • Headache.
    • Dizziness/nauseousness.
    • Abdominal and stomach pain.
    • Indigestion, gas.
    • Vomiting.
    • Heartburn.

    Serious side effects can occur if one is allergic to the antibiotic. In this case, get emergency medical treatment:

    • Watery/bloody stools.
    • Fever during treatment, or for two or more months post-stopping the medication.
    • Itchy rashes.
    • Hives.
    • Breathing or swallowing issues.
    • Wheezing.
    • Swollen face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes.

    What is Cefixime

    Uses of Cefixime

    Side effects of Cefixime

    References

    1. Cefixime Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Warnings
    2. Doxycycline
    3. Azithromycin
    4. Cefixime versus amoxicillin/clavulanic acid in lower respiratory tract infections

    Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.

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    Frequently Asked Questions about Cefixime

    Cefixime takes approximately 7 to 14 days to be effective and cure gonorrhoea. For other conditions, it may vary from individual to individual and their tolerance for the medicine. It's typically taken once or twice a day. For gonorrhoea, one dose a day is enough. It is vital to have an even amount of time interval between the doses.

    There are no adequate studies or controlled data demonstrating the relation between Cefixime and its impact on the fetus or pregnant women. The doctor should decide whether it should be taken or not as it is not recommended for breastfeeding and pregnant women.

    Consult our experts at Yashoda Hospitals to get a well-informed opinion on medication intake during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

    Cefixime is a great alternative for treating UTI. Generally, for a less complicated or painless infection, it is advised to take antibiotics for at least 2 to 3 days to get rid of the bacteria. Some people may need to consume antibiotics for 7 to 10 days to be safe. For a severe infection, doctors may recommend 14-days or more.

    No, Cefixime does not contain Penicillin. However, Cefixime is inadvisable for people with vulnerability or allergies to the cephalosporin family of antibiotics. As Cefixime belongs to the third-generation cephalosporin, it's not recommended for patients with a history of penicillin allergy. It may trigger unwanted side effects and adverse reactions.

    There haven't been any interactions found between Amoxicillin and Cefixime when consumed together. However, this does not mean that the two antibiotics cannot negatively interact with each other. Combining may lead to excess dosage and trigger unwanted side effects. It is crucial to consult your healthcare provider before taking them.

    Yes, Cefixime is effective in treating chlamydia and gonorrhoea. However, the first choice of medicine for curing the STD should be doxycycline. If that is unavailable, then the second-best option is azithromycin (known as "Zithromax"). Both medications are around 90% powerful and must be taken if you, or your sexual partner, tested positive for chlamydia.

    Cefixime and Amoxicillin are both used to treat different bacterial infections. However, per a study, a dose of Cefixime twice a day is comparatively safer and more efficient than Amoxicillin. Another study for pregnant women concludes that using Amoxicillin may lead to adverse effects compared to Cefixime. Amoxicillin shows a higher rate of GIT manifestation, diarrhoea, and vaginal candida infection.

    No. Cefixime is taken for treating bacterial infections in various parts of the body. It works by killing and preventing the growth of bacteria. It is not an effective antibiotic for infections like flu, cold, and cough. Using it unnecessarily can make it ineffective for future use. Moreover, it can lead to unwanted side effects like nausea, stomach/abdominal pain, indigestion, and diarrhoea.

    Both antibiotics are highly effective for the treatment of bacteria. According to a study, the participants had a higher preference of taste for Cefixime than Co-Amoxiclav. They chose to take one dose a day for their required consumption. Also, participants that took Co-Amoxiclav experienced diarrhoea more than others. Hence, in medical practice, Cefixime would be the agent of choice for treatment.

    Per studies conducted, Cefixime is proven to be more effective than other medications prescribed by doctors for similar bacterial infections. The cure rate was 98% (90/97 patients in Cefixime 800 mg orally) compared to 95.6% (Amoxicillin and probenecid group). Hence, making it a superior agent.

    If you forget to take the dose of Cefixime at your prescribed time then take the dose as soon as possible if it is not too late. Or if it is already closer to your next scheduled dose then take the next dose only.

    Keep Cefixime medicine in an airtight container, closed tightly, at natural room temperature. Make sure it does not come across excess heat or moisture. Keep it out of the reach of children.

    Excess Cefixime, if not needed, should be disposed of with full care to make sure that children, pets cannot consume them. Also, it is not right to flush the medicines in the toilet. Dispose of it safely or you can talk with your pharmacist regarding this.

    Taking an overdose of any medicine is not safe. Always follow your physician's prescription for taking any dose of medicine. In case you are confused confirm with them again before consuming the dose. Unfortunately, if you have taken an overdose of the medicine then immediately call a medical emergency helpline or your hospital for help.

    Yes. Cefixime is generally a strong antibiotic as it is used actively against a broad category of bacteria. Along with long term bacterial diseases, this drug is good for short term bacterial infectious diseases.
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    3. Milixim Cefixime 200mg Tablet
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