Cefixime
Cefixime (sef IKS eem) is a generic medication prescribed for certain bacterial infections. Cefixime belongs to a group of drugs called cephalosporins, which are a type of antibiotic.
Cefixime (sef IKS eem) is a generic medication prescribed for certain bacterial infections. Cefixime belongs to a group of drugs called cephalosporins, which are a type of antibiotic.
- Generic
- • Capsule
- • 400mg
- • 2 Capsules
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Intro
Introduction
Written by Alex Brewer, PharmD, MBA
Medically reviewed by Dena Westphalen, PharmD
Updated on September 8, 2023
Cefixime (sef IKS eem) is a generic medication prescribed for certain bacterial infections. Cefixime belongs to a group of drugs called cephalosporins, which are a type of antibiotic.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved cefixime for use in adults and some children to treat the following bacterial infections:
- urinary tract infection (UTI)
- pharyngitis (infection in your throat)
- tonsilitis (infection in your tonsils)
- sudden worsening of chronic (long-term) bronchitis
- gonorrhea (sexually transmitted infection or STI)
Uses
Uses of cefixime
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as cefixime for certain conditions. Approved uses for cefixime are described below.
Use for certain bacterial infections
Doctors may prescribe cefixime for treating certain bacterial infections. It’s used for this purpose in adults and children ages 6 months and older. It’s usually prescribed as a short-term treatment.
With bacterial infection, certain germs enter the body and can cause illness or symptoms. Medications such as cefixime may be prescribed to treat these bacterial infections. Specifically, cefixime is prescribed to treat the following conditions:
- urinary tract infection (UTI). Symptoms may include cloudy or bloody urine and burning during urination.
- pharyngitis (infection in your throat) and tonsilitis (infection in your tonsils). Symptoms may include sore throat and fever.
- sudden worsening of chronic (long-term) bronchitis. Symptoms may include cough with mucus and chest discomfort.
- gonorrhea (sexually transmitted infection or STI). Symptoms may include burning during urination and discharge from your genitals.
Doctors may not prescribe cefixime in certain situations, such as for infections that aren’t caused by bacteria.
Side effects
Side effects of cefixime
Cefixime may cause mild or serious side effects. More common mild side effects of cefixime 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 cefixime’s side effects, ask your doctor or pharmacist. You can also refer to the prescribing information for cefixime listed in the “Resources” section.
Mild side effects
More common mild side effects reported with cefixime are listed below.
This article doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. To learn more about cefixime’s side effects, refer to the prescribing information for cefixime 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.
Cefixime’s mild side effects include:
- diarrhea
- nausea and vomiting
- abdominal pain
- indigestion
- mild allergic reaction*
* For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for cefixime” section.
Serious side effects
Serious side effects of cefixime are listed below.
This article doesn’t include all possible serious side effects of the drug. To learn more about cefixime’s side effects, refer to the prescribing information for cefixime 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, cefixime’s serious side effects include:
- Clostridioides difficile (a bowel infection) and colitis
- hemolytic anemia †
- severe skin reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome†
- severe allergic reaction*
* For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for cefixime” section.
† This side effect wasn’t reported in studies of the drug. But it has occurred in people after the drug was approved for use.
FAQ
Common questions about cefixime
Below you’ll find answers to a few commonly asked questions about cefixime.
Is cefixime similar to amoxicillin?
Yes, cefixime is similar to amoxicillin.
Both cefixime and amoxicillin are antibiotics, which means they’re used to treat certain bacterial infections.
However, amoxicillin belongs to a group of drugs called penicillin. And cefixime belongs to a group of drugs called cephalosporins. Although penicillin and cephalosporin drugs are similar, they treat bacterial infections in slightly different ways. They may be used to treat some of the same infections. They could also cause similar side effects, including nausea and diarrhea.
If you’ve had an allergic reaction to a penicillin drug previously, you may have an allergic reaction to cefixime.
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’d like to learn more about how cefixime and amoxicillin compare.
How does cefixime work? And how long does it take to start working?
Cefixime is a type of drug called a cephalosporin antibiotic. Cephalosporins are used to treat certain bacterial infections. This group of drugs works by blocking the action of certain proteins bacteria need to survive and grow. This causes the bacteria to die, which makes the infection go away.
Cefixime begins working with your first dose. But it may take a few days for your symptoms to begin to improve. It can take 10 days or more for cefixime to treat your infection fully. It’s important to finish the course of cefixime your doctor prescribes, even if you start feeling better shortly after beginning treatment.
If you’d like to know more about how cefixime works, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Interactions and warnings
Interactions and warnings for cefixime
Below, you’ll find information about cefixime’s possible interactions and warnings.
Interactions of cefixime
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 take cefixime, 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 cefixime” section below.
Warnings for cefixime
Some people should not take cefixime, and others should use it cautiously.
Cefixime could cause harm to people with certain health conditions. This effect is called a drug-condition interaction. Other factors can also affect whether cefixime is a safe option for you. These warnings may differ based on the form or formulations of cefixime you take.
Ask your doctor about specific warnings for cefixime, and be sure to tell your doctor about your:
- current health, including any allergies to medications
- past health conditions or surgeries
Allergic reaction
Cefixime can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Severe allergic reactions are rare but possible.
If you’ve had an allergic reaction to cefixime or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe cefixime. 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
- severe skin rashes that could blister and peel
If you have an allergic reaction to cefixime, call your doctor right away. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number.
Overdose of cefixime
If you take cefixime, you should not use more cefixime than your doctor prescribes. For some drugs, doing so may lead to harmful effects or overdose.
If you think you’ve taken too much cefixime, 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 cefixime
Information about cefixime and pregnancy and breastfeeding is described below.
Cefixime and pregnancy
It’s not known whether cefixime should be taken during pregnancy. If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before using this medication.
Cefixime and breastfeeding
It’s not known whether cefixime 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 cefixime or would like more details about it.
Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- If I’ve had an allergic reaction to penicillin, is there a test to see if I’ll have one to cefixime?
- Does my health history raise my risk of side effects with cefixime?
- How does cefixime compare to other antibiotics that could treat my infection?
- How long do I need to take cefixime?
Resources
Resources
- Cefixime — cefixime capsule. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/d6718f02-8eea-4c2f-9aa2-65121d9a6e4c/spl-doc
- Cefixime — cefixime powder, for suspension. (2020). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/60d391ad-c7c2-4a6c-9b5c-c7a4da839caa/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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