Cefixime tablets are a prescription antibiotic in the third‑generation cephalosporin class. They work by inhibiting bacterial cell‑wall synthesis, so they’re mainly active against gram‑positive and many gram‑negative bacteria.
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Typical Clinical Uses
| Infection | Common indication & typical dose (adult) | Notes |
|-----------|------------------------------------------|-------|
| Lower respiratory tract infections (e.g., community‑acquired pneumonia) | 400 mg orally once daily | Usually for uncomplicated cases; consider local resistance patterns. |
| Upper respiratory tract infections (e.g., sinusitis, pharyngitis) | 400 mg once daily | Often used when Streptococcus pyogenes is likely and penicillin allergy is present. |
| Otitis media (middle‑ear infection) | 400 mg once daily | Used when patients can tolerate oral meds. |
| Urinary tract infections (simple cystitis) | 400 mg once daily | May be 400 mg every 12 h for 3–7 days if more intense therapy is needed. |
| Gonococcal infection (uncomplicated) | 400 mg single dose | Usually given with azithromycin or doxycycline to cover Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis. |
| Chronic sinusitis | 400 mg once daily | Short courses (≤14 days) are typical. |
| Skin and soft‑tissue infections | 400 mg once daily | Use when Staphylococcus aureus (excluding MRSA) is suspected. |
Bottom line: Cefixime is a go‑to oral antibiotic for many uncomplicated bacterial infections, especially when a patient has a penicillin allergy or when local antibiotic resistance favors a cephalosporin.
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How to Take It
- Take with or without food. Food may slightly delay absorption but does not reduce effectiveness.
- Stick to the prescribed dose; do not skip doses or stop early even if you feel better.
- Typical duration: 7–10 days, but your clinician may adjust based on infection severity.
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Safety & Side‑Effect Profile
| Category | Common | Less common | Serious |
|----------|--------|-------------|---------|
| GI | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain | Constipation | Severe or persistent diarrhea (possible C. difficile colitis) |
| Allergic | Mild rash | Angioedema, urticaria | Anaphylaxis (rare) |
| Hepatic | Elevated liver enzymes | Hepatotoxicity | Acute liver injury |
| Renal | None | Rare kidney dysfunction | Acute interstitial nephritis |
| Neurologic | Dizziness | Headache | Seizures (very rare) |
- Pregnancy: Category B – generally considered safe but use only if benefits outweigh risks.
- Breastfeeding: excreted in milk; usually considered low risk but discuss with your provider.
- Children: Dosage is weight‑based (≈ 9–12 mg/kg/day). Do not use in infants under 3 months unless specifically indicated.
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Drug Interactions
- Warfarin: May increase INR → monitor clotting times.
- Methotrexate: Potential nephrotoxicity → monitor renal function.
- Probenecid: May raise cefixime plasma levels → consider dose adjustment.
- Tetracyclines or doxycycline: Often co‑prescribed for gonorrhea; no major interaction, but monitor for additive side effects.
- Cimetidine: Can slightly reduce absorption; usually not clinically significant.
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Contraindications
- Allergy to cefixime, other cephalosporins, or penicillins (cross‑reactivity risk).
- Severe renal impairment (CrCl <30 ml/min) without dose adjustment.
- Recent hypersensitivity reactions such as Stevens‑Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis.
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Quick Tips
1. Finish the full course – stopping early can promote resistance and recurrence.
2. Watch for allergic reactions; seek emergency care if you develop swelling, wheezing, or severe rash.
3. Report any severe GI upset—especially persistent diarrhea or black stools—to your provider.
4. Check local guidelines—some regions have higher resistance rates for cephalosporins, so a different antibiotic might be preferred.
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Bottom Line
Cefixime tablets are a versatile oral antibiotic for uncomplicated infections caused by susceptible bacteria. They’re generally well tolerated, but like all antibiotics, they can cause side effects and interact with other drugs. If you have questions about your specific situation—or if you’re dealing with a complicated infection—always talk to your prescribing clinician or pharmacist.