Drug Name

Cefixime

Drug Uses

Cefixime is used to treat many different types of infections caused by bacteria. Cefixime may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

How Taken

Use Cefixime as directed by your doctor.

• Take this medicine with a full glass of water. Cefixime works best if you take it with a meal or within 30 minutes of a meal.
• Swallow the pill whole. Breaking the pill may cause too much of the drug to be released at one time.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Cefixime is in a group of drugs called cephalosporin (SEF a low spor in) antibiotics. It works by fighting bacteria in your body.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Cefixime, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage

Store Cefixime at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Keep Cefixime out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not use Cefixime if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Cefixime or to other cephalosporins (e.g., cephalexin);
• you will be having a live typhoid vaccine.

• Cefixime may cause dizziness. This effect may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Cefixime with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Cefixime only works against bacteria; it does not treat viral infections (eg, the common cold).
• Be sure to use Cefixime for the full course of treatment. If you do not, the medicine may not clear up your infection completely. The bacteria could also become less sensitive to this or other medicines. This could make the infection harder to treat in the future.
• Long-term or repeated use of Cefixime may cause a second infection. Tell your doctor if signs of a second infection occur.
• Contact your doctor right away if stomach pain or cramps, severe diarrhea, or bloody stools occur. Do not treat diarrhea without first checking with your doctor.
• Cefixime may reduce the ability of your blood to clot. Avoid activities that may cause bruising or injury. Tell your doctor if you have unusual bleeding or bruising or dark, tarry, or bloody stools.
• Diabetes patients - Cefixime may cause the results of some tests for urine glucose to be wrong. Ask your doctor before you change your diet or the dose of your diabetes medicine.
• Cefixime may interfere with certain lab tests. Be sure your doctor and lab personnel know you are using Cefixime.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Cefixime while you are pregnant. It is not known if Cefixime is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Cefixime, check with your doctor or pharmacist. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Possible Side Effects

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• diarrhea; gas; loose stools; nausea; stomach pain or upset.

• severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; unusual hoarseness); bloody stools; decreased urination; fever; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; seizures; severe diarrhea; severe nausea or vomiting; severe stomach pain or cramping; unusual bruising or bleeding; vaginal discharge or itching; white spots in the mouth; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

More Information

Cefixime is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.