CEFIXIME
Background and Date of Approval
Cefixime is an antibiotic belonging to the cephalosporin class of antibacterial medicines. It received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1989 for medical use.
Uses
Cefixime helps to treat bacterial infections.
How is it administered?
Tablets : Take Taxim tablets as prescribed by your healthcare provider. It may be taken with or without food, and swallow this medicine. Do not chew, break or crush it. Do not stop taking this without consulting your doctor. Your doctor will decide the treatment's dose, frequency, and duration based on your disease and other factors. Syrups/Drops: Take syrup/drops as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Take the prescribed dose of this medicine using the measuring cup, dosing syringe, or the dropper provided by the pack. Shake the pack well before each use. Your doctor will decide the medicineâs dose, duration, and frequency based on the disease condition and other factors.
Side Effects
The side effects known to occur commonly during the treatment with Cefixime are nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea, indigestion (dyspepsia), headache, dizziness, and itching of the genital or vaginal area. Report to your doctor if any of these side effects disturb or persist in you.
Warnings
Report to your physician immediately if you experience allergic reactions to Cefixime, other cephalosporin antibiotics, including penicillin, or any of the other ingredients of this medicine. Tell your doctor before treatment commencement with this medication if you have colitis (inflammation of the colon's inner lining), kidney or liver disease, or seizures. Avoid drinking alcohol since it can cause dizziness.
Precautions
Consult your doctor before using this medication if you are pregnant or plan to have a baby. Cefixime tablets should not be taken while pregnant unless specifically advised by your doctor. Avoid breastfeeding your baby while on the treatment with this medication. It is unknown if Cefixime passes into the breastmilk.
Word of Advice
Do not stop taking this medication without medical advice. Consult your doctor before discontinuing it, as stopping treatment prematurely may cause the infection to worsen and become more difficult to treat. Avoid driving or operating machinery while taking this medication, as it may cause confusion and drowsiness.
References
KD Tripathi, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, Beta-lactam antibiotics, 7th Edition, 2013, 726-728. Lupin Limited; US Food & Drug Administration, [Revised on May 2012] [Accessed on 18tht Nov 2022], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2012/203195s000lbl.pdf Cefixime Dispersible Tablet., Torrent Pharmaceutical Ltd. [Revised on August 2019]. [Accessed on 18th Nov 2022], https://www.torrentian.com/pisheet/Upload/PI_Sheet/2837.pdf
Frequently Asked Questions
Can children use Cefixime?
No, Cefixime is not recommended for usage in children under the age of 10.
What are the common side effects of cefixime?
The common side effects of cefixime are nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea, indigestion (dyspepsia), headache, dizziness, and itching of the genital or vaginal area.
Can Cefixime cause diarrhea?
Yes, Cefixime can cause diarrhea, which is a sign of a new infection. If you have watery or bloody diarrhea, consult your doctor.
What happens if I miss my dose?
If you miss a dose, take the Cefixime medication as soon as you recall. If it is time for the next planned dose, skip the missing dose and start your usual dosage.
Who should not take Cefixime?
Patients who have experienced allergic reactions (hypersensitivity) to Cefixime or have colitis, renal dysfunction, or liver disease should not use Cefixime.
Can I stop taking Cefixime if I feel better?
No, even if you feel better, keep taking Cefixime until the end of the treatment. Do not withdraw (stop) this medication without consulting your physician because the infection may come back or get worse.
Can Cefixime cause blood clots?
Yes, Cefixime can cause blot clots that are shown up in the blood tests. Hence, it is not common and goes back to normal after stopping this medication.