Other Brands/Names

Trixim 100, Trixim 200, Profim, Cefixime Trihydrate, Pharmafix, Simcef, Taxime, Sporetix, Simfix, Lanfix, Nixaven, Simfix-100, Simfix-200, Pyxime, Fixam, Starcef, Anfix, Oracef, Tocef, Inbacef, Cefspan.

How it Works

Cefixime is a cephalosporin antibiotic. It works by killing the bacteria that are responsible for causing infections.

Indications

Cefixime is used to treat several bacterial infections, including bronchitis, gonorrhea (a sexually transmitted infection), ear, throat, tonsil infections, and urinary tract infections.

Contraindications

Cefixime should not be used by individuals with a history of allergy to cefixime, cephalosporins, penicillin, or beta-lactam antibiotics.

Side Effects

• Common side effects of cefixime include abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, bloated sensation, headache, or dizziness. If any of these symptoms persist or worsen, inform your doctor immediately.

• Serious side effects that require immediate attention include:

  • Severe stomach pain, persistent nausea or vomiting

  • Yellowing of the eyes or skin, dark urine, unusual tiredness

  • Signs of infection (e.g., persistent sore throat, fever)

  • Easy bruising or bleeding, signs of kidney problems (e.g., changes in urine output)

  • Mental or mood changes (e.g., confusion)

• Cefixime may also cause severe intestinal upset due to a bacteria called Clostridium difficile. This can occur during treatment or even weeks to months after treatment ends. If you experience persistent diarrhea, stomach cramps, or blood/mucus in your stool, contact your doctor immediately.

• Prolonged or repeated use of cefixime can cause yeast infections in the mouth and genitals. If you notice white patches in your mouth, unusual vaginal discharge, or other signs of a yeast infection, consult your doctor.

Types

Cefixime is available as capsules, tablets, chewable tablets, caplets, and syrup.

Dosage

• Adults: 200-400 mg per day as a single dose or in two divided doses for 7 days. The treatment may be extended to 14 days if necessary, depending on the severity of the infection.

• Children (6 months to 10 years old, 50 kg): 8 mg/kg per day, either as a single dose or in two divided doses.

• Children (≥10 years old, 50 kg: Same as the adult dose.

Safety

• Cefixime may decrease the effectiveness of live bacterial vaccines, such as the typhoid vaccine. Be sure to inform your healthcare provider if you are receiving cefixime before any immunization or vaccination.

• The chewable tablet form of cefixime may contain aspartame, an artificial sweetener. If you have phenylketonuria (a genetic disorder that causes an accumulation of phenylalanine in the body), or if you need to limit aspartame (or phenylalanine) in your diet, ask your doctor if it's safe to use this medication.

• During pregnancy, cefixime should only be used if necessary. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

• It is unknown whether cefixime passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Drug Interactions

• Cefixime may increase the effects and risk of bleeding when used with anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin).

• Probenecid (used to lower uric acid levels) can increase blood levels of cefixime.

• Cefixime may increase the serum levels of carbamazepine (an anticonvulsant).

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