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Cefpodoxime oral forms dosage: A detailed guide

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Doctors prescribe cefpodoxime oral forms for certain types of bacterial infections. You’ll take the medication by mouth twice per day.
Medically reviewed by Bryson Russell, PharmD, MHSA, MSc
Updated on

This article describes cefpodoxime oral forms’ dosages and strengths and gives details on how to take the drug. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for cefpodoxime. If you want to know more about cefpodoxime oral forms, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Cefpodoxime oral forms is a generic medication. It’s not available in a brand-name version. Cefpodoxime only comes in forms that you swallow, which are discussed in this article.

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Forms and strengths of cefpodoxime

Cefpodoxime comes in the following forms and strengths expressed in milligrams (mg) and milligrams (mg)/milliliters (mL): 

FormHow to takeStrengths
oral tabletstake by swallowing• 100 mg
• 200 mg
granules for oral suspensiontake by swallowing• 50 mg/5 mL
• 100 mg/5 mL

Your pharmacist will use cefpodoxime granules to prepare an oral suspension for you. An oral suspension is a type of liquid mixture that you’ll take by mouth.

Dosage of cefpodoxime

This article describes the recommended dosages for cefpodoxime oral forms. The drugmaker provides these dosages.

If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of cefpodoxime oral forms without your doctor’s recommendation.

Usual recommended dosages of cefpodoxime in adults and some children

Usually, doctors start by prescribing a low dosage of cefpodoxime oral forms. Then, they’ll adjust it over time until the right dosage is reached. Ultimately, your doctor will prescribe the smallest dosage of cefpodoxime oral forms that gives the desired outcome.

Dosage for urinary tract infection (UTI) and other infections

Below are dosages of cefpodoxime oral forms recommended in adults and children ages 12 years and older.

ConditionRecommended doseDuration
swollen throat or tonsils100 mg twice per day5–10 days
pneumonia200 mg twice per day14 days
certain types of bronchitis200 mg twice per day10 days
gonorrhea200 mg as a single doseonce
skin infections400 mg twice per day7–14 days
sinusitis200 mg twice per day10 days
UTI100 mg twice per day7 days

Dosages of cefpodoxime in certain children

Cefpodoxime is approved for use in children ages 2 months and older. The usual dosage for children ages 2 months to 12 years is based on body weight in kilograms (kg). Below are dosages of cefpodoxime oral forms recommended in children of this age group.

ConditionRecommended doseMaximum doseDuration
swollen throat or tonsils5 mg/kg twice per day200 mg per day5–10 days
ear infection5 mg/kg twice per day400 mg per day5 days
sinusitis5 mg/kg twice per day400 mg per day10 days

For dosages of cefpodoxime in children ages 12 years and older, see the “Usual recommended dosages of cefpodoxime in adults” section directly above.

Dosage adjustments for cefpodoxime

Your doctor will prescribe a dosage of cefpodoxime oral forms based on several factors. These include:

  • the specific condition being treated and how severe it is
  • your age
  • other health conditions you may have

Missed dose of cefpodoxime

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist right away if you realize you forgot to take a dose of cefpodoxime. They may advise you to take the missed dose. Or they may advise you to skip it and take your next dose as scheduled.

For tips on how to plan your doses of cefpodoxime oral forms and avoid missing a dose, read this article. You could also try:

  • downloading a reminder app on your phone
  • setting an alarm
  • putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your calendar, bathroom mirror, or bedside table

Frequently asked questions

Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about cefpodoxime oral forms and its dosage.

How does the dosage of cefpodoxime compare with the dosage of cefdinir?

Cefpodoxime and cefdinir both belong to the same group of drugs. They’re taken by mouth twice per day. The dosage of cefpodoxime is usually 200 mg or 400 mg per dose. The dosage for Cefdinir is typically 300 mg per dose. But sometimes doctors recommend cefdinir 600 mg once per day, depending on the type of infection being treated.

Keep in mind that one antibiotic may be more appropriate to treat your condition than another. Talk with your doctor to learn more treatment options suitable for your condition.

Is cefpodoxime taken long term?

No, doctors don’t typically prescribe cefpodoxime oral forms as a long-term treatment. Instead, it’s usually recommended for short-term use.

If you have questions about how long you should take cefpodoxime oral forms, talk with your doctor.

How cefpodoxime is taken

You’ll swallow cefpodoxime twice per day. The oral tablets should be taken with food. The oral suspension can be taken with or without food.

Your doctor may advise you to take this medication around the same time each day. This helps keep a consistent amount of the drug in your body and can make it work more effectively.

If it’s hard for you to swallow tablets, view this article. It provides suggestions on how to swallow medications that come in pill form.

Also, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re having difficulty taking your medication. They can offer recommendations about taking it.

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Overdose of cefpodoxime

It’s important that you do not take more cefpodoxime oral forms than your doctor prescribes. Doing so can lead to harmful effects.

Symptoms of cefpodoxime overdose

Symptoms of an overdose can include:

  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • diarrhea
  • epigastric pain (pain under your ribcage in your upper abdomen)

What to do if you take too much cefpodoxime

If you think you’ve taken too much cefpodoxime, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.

What to ask your doctor

This article describes the usual recommended dosages for cefpodoxime oral forms. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they’ll determine the dosage that’s best for you.

Do not change your dosage of cefpodoxime oral forms without your doctor’s recommendation. You should take cefpodoxime oral forms exactly as your doctor prescribes it. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about your treatment plan.

Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:

  • Will you change my dosage of cefpodoxime if I’m taking other drugs with it?
  • Is the length of time I need to take cefpodoxime based on how quickly my infection goes away?
  • Would you be increasing the dosage of cefpodoxime if my starting dosage doesn’t work for my condition?

Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.

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