Cefpodoxime
Cefpodoxime (sef pode OKS eem) is a generic medication prescribed for certain bacterial infections in adults and some children. Cefpodoxime belongs to a group of drugs called cephalosporin antibiotics.
Cefpodoxime (sef pode OKS eem) is a generic medication prescribed for certain bacterial infections in adults and some children. Cefpodoxime belongs to a group of drugs called cephalosporin antibiotics.
- Generic
- • Tablet
- • 200mg
- • 20 Tablets
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Intro
Introduction
Written by Patricia Weiser, PharmD
Medically reviewed by Rosanna Sutherby, PharmD
Updated on August 4, 2023
Cefpodoxime (sef pode OKS eem) is a generic medication prescribed for certain bacterial infections in adults and some children. Cefpodoxime belongs to a group of drugs called cephalosporin antibiotics.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved cefpodoxime to treat mild to moderate bacterial infections, including:
- infections of the skin, ears, throat, tonsils, or sinuses
- certain lung infections
- gonorrhea
- urinary tract infection (UTI)
For more information about these conditions, see the “Uses of cefpodoxime” section.
FAQs
Common questions about cefpodoxime
Below you’ll find answers to a few commonly asked questions about cefpodoxime.
What brand names are available for cefpodoxime?
No brand-name versions of cefpodoxime are currently available. In the past, cefpodoxime was available under the brand names Vantin and Banan.
Cefpodoxime is a generic drug. A generic medication is an identical copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. (An active drug is the ingredient that makes a medication work.) Generic drugs are considered to be just as safe and effective as brand-name drugs. And generic drugs typically cost less than brand-name drugs.
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’d like to know more about generic drugs.
How does cefpodoxime work? And how long does it take to start working?
Cefpodoxime is an antibiotic. It works to treat bacterial infections by preventing the bacteria from building cell walls. Without these walls for protection, the bacteria die.
Cefpodoxime begins to work within 2–3 hours of your first dose. But it may be a few days before you notice an ease in symptoms. Doctors usually prescribe cefpodoxime for 5–14 days, depending on the type and severity of the infection. Be sure to take all of the doses your doctor prescribes.
If you’d like to know more about this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Side effects
Side effects of cefpodoxime
Cefpodoxime may cause mild or serious side effects. More common mild side effects of cefpodoxime and its serious side effects are listed below. This article doesn’t include all possible side effects of the drug. Side effects can vary based on your age, overall health, and any other medications you take.
To learn more about cefpodoxime’s side effects, ask your doctor or pharmacist. You can also refer to the prescribing information for cefpodoxime listed in the “Resources” section.
Mild side effects
More common mild side effects reported with some forms of cefpodoxime are listed below. These side effects may differ based on the form of cefpodoxime you take.
This article doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. To learn more about cefpodoxime’s side effects based on the form, refer to the prescribing information for cefpodoxime listed in the “Resources” section.
With many drugs, mild side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If the side effects are bothersome, tell your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest ways to manage them.
Cefpodoxime oral tablet’s mild side effects include:
- diarrhea
- nausea
- skin rash
- vaginal yeast infection
- mild allergic reaction*
Cefpodoxime oral suspension’s mild side effects include:
- diarrhea
- vomiting
- diaper rash† and other skin rashes
- mild allergic reaction*
* For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for cefpodoxime” section.
† In studies, this side effect was seen in children ages 1 month to 2 years.
Serious side effects
Serious side effects of cefpodoxime are listed below. These side effects may differ based on the form of cefpodoxime you take.
This article doesn’t include all possible serious side effects of the drug. To learn more about cefpodoxime’s side effects based on the form, refer to the prescribing information for cefpodoxime listed in the “Resources” section.
With many drugs, serious side effects are possible but not common. If you have serious side effects from this drug, call your doctor right away. If you’re having severe symptoms or a medical emergency, call 911 or a local emergency number.
In general, cefpodoxime’s serious side effects include:
- diarrhea associated with a Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infection
- blood disorders such as low levels of certain white blood cells
- severe allergic reaction*
* For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for cefpodoxime” section.
Uses
Uses of cefpodoxime
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as cefpodoxime for certain conditions. Approved uses for cefpodoxime are described below.
Use for bacterial infections
Doctors may prescribe cefpodoxime oral tablet or oral liquid suspension (a type of liquid mixture) for treating certain bacterial infections. Cefpodoxime is used for this purpose in adults and children ages 2 months and older. It’s usually prescribed as a short-term treatment.
Cefpodoxime is used to treat certain mild to moderate infections caused by bacteria, including:
- infections of the skin, ears, throat, tonsils, or sinuses
- community-acquired pneumonia (pneumonia not contracted during a hospital stay)
- gonorrhea
- urinary tract infection (UTI)
- a bacterial infection of the lungs that causes a flare-up of chronic (long-term) bronchitis
Interactions and warnings
Interactions and warnings for cefpodoxime
Below, you’ll find information about cefpodoxime’s possible interactions and warnings.
Interactions of cefpodoxime
Certain things may affect how a drug works. These include getting vaccines, consuming alcohol or certain foods, or taking the drug with other medications. This effect is called a drug interaction.
Before you start cefpodoxime treatment, ask your doctor to check for possible interactions. Be sure to tell them about any of the following you take or use:
- prescription or over-the-counter drugs
- vitamins, herbs, or supplements
To learn about drug-condition interactions, see the “Warnings for cefpodoxime” section below.
Warnings for cefpodoxime
Some people should not take cefpodoxime, and others should take it cautiously.
Cefpodoxime could cause harm to people with certain health conditions. This effect is called a drug-condition interaction. Other factors can also affect whether cefpodoxime is a safe option for you.
Ask your doctor about specific warnings for cefpodoxime, and be sure to tell your doctor about your:
- current health, including any allergies to medications
- past health conditions or surgeries
Allergic reaction
Cefpodoxime can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Severe allergic reactions are rare but possible.
If you’ve had an allergic reaction to cefpodoxime, any of its ingredients, or other cephalosporin antibiotics, your doctor will likely not prescribe cefpodoxime. They can tell you about medications that are safer options for you.
A mild allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:
A severe allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:
- swelling under your skin, usually in your hands, feet, eyelids, or lips
- swelling of your mouth, throat, or tongue, which can cause breathing problems
If you have an allergic reaction to cefpodoxime, call your doctor right away. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number.
Overdose of cefpodoxime
You should not take more cefpodoxime than your doctor prescribes. For some drugs, doing so may lead to harmful effects or overdose.
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 concerning symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.
Pregnancy or breastfeeding and cefpodoxime
Information about cefpodoxime and pregnancy and breastfeeding is described below.
Cefpodoxime and pregnancy
In general, cefpodoxime is considered safe to take during pregnancy. That said, ask your doctor about whether they feel it’s safe for you.
Cefpodoxime and breastfeeding
It’s not known whether cefpodoxime should be taken while breastfeeding. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before taking this medication.
Ask your doctor
What to ask your doctor
Let your doctor know if you have questions about cefpodoxime or would like more details about it.
Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- Should I continue taking my other medication and supplements during cefpodoxime treatment?
- For how many days should I take cefpodoxime for my infection?
- Is it safe for me to take cefpodoxime if I have kidney problems?
Resources
Resources
- Cefpodoxime proxetil granule, for suspension. (2022). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/edf589b2-f796-4522-a5e6-2bd0a833922f/spl-doc
- Cefpodoxime proxetil tablet, film coated. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/9d6d7f50-9838-47e3-8214-53e2dbeeadea/spl-doc
- Food and Drug Administration. (2023). Orange Book: Approved drug products with therapeutic equivalence evaluations. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/ob/index.cfm
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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