What is cefixime?

Cefixime is a cephalosporin (SEF a low spor in) antibiotic. It works by fighting bacteria in your body.

Cefixime is used to treat many different types of infections caused by bacteria.

Cefixime may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important Information

You should not take cefixime if you are allergic to cefixime, or to similar antibiotics, such as Ceftin, Cefzil, Keflex, Omnicef, and others. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to penicillins.

Before taking this medicine

You should not take this medicine if you are allergic to cefixime or to other cephalosporin antibiotics, such as:

• cefaclor (Raniclor);

• cefadroxil (Duricef);

• cefazolin (Ancef);

• cefdinir (Omnicef);

• cefditoren (Spectracef);

• cefpodoxime (Vantin);

• cefprozil (Cefzil);

• ceftibuten (Cedax);

• cefuroxime (Ceftin);

• cephalexin (Keflex);

• cephradine (Velosef); and others.

To make sure cefixime is safe for you, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, especially penicillins.

The chewable tablet form may contain phenylalanine. Talk to your doctor before using this form of cefixime if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

It is not known whether cefixime passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You may need to stop nursing while you are taking cefixime.

The cefixime suspension (liquid) contains sucrose. Talk to your doctor before using this form of cefixime if you have diabetes.

How should I take cefixime?

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take cefixime in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

You may take cefixime with or without food.

The cefixime chewable tablet must be chewed before you swallow it.

Shake the oral suspension (liquid) well just before you measure a dose. Measure liquid medicine with the dosing syringe provided, or with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

This medication can cause unusual results with certain lab tests for glucose (sugar) in the urine. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using cefixime.

Use this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics. Cefixime will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

You may also store the oral liquid in the refrigerator. Throw away any unused liquid after 14 days.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking cefixime?

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, call your doctor. Do not use anti-diarrhea medicine unless your doctor tells you to.

Cefixime side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody;

• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);

• pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, confusion or weakness;

• a seizure (convulsions);

• low blood cell counts--sudden weakness or ill feeling, fever, chills, flu-like symptoms, swollen gums, mouth sores, skin sores, rapid heart rate, pale skin, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, feeling light-headed;

• kidney problems--little or no urination, painful or difficult urination, swelling in your feet or ankles, feeling tired or short of breath; or

• severe skin reaction--fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.

Common side effects may include:

• indigestion, stomach pain;

• nausea, vomiting; or

• vaginal itching or discharge.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect cefixime?

Other drugs may interact with cefixime, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Related questions

• Is there a gonorrhea treatment available over the counter?