Cefixime : Therapeutic uses, Dosage & Side Effects
Cefixime is an orally active third generation cephalosporin highly active against Enterobacteriaceae, H. influenzae and is resistant to many β-lactamases. It is used to treat a number of bacterial infections such as otitis media, strep throat, pneumonia, bronchitis, urinary tract infections, gonorrhea, and Lyme disease. It is on the World Health Organization’s List of Essential Medicines.
Dose : 200-400 mg BD, 100-500 mg/5 mL
Route : Oral
Onset of action : ?
Plasma Half-life : 3 hours
Duration of action : Longer
Bioavailability : 40-50%
Plasma protein binding : ∼60%
Metabolism : ?
Pregnancy risk category : B
Chemical formula : C16H15N5O7S2
IUPAC name : (6R,7R)-7-{[2-(2-Amino-1,3-thiazol-4-yl)-2-(carboxymethoxyimino)acetyl]amino}-3-ethenyl-8-oxo-5-thia-1-azabicyclo[4.2.0]oct-2-ene-2-carboxylic acid
Trade name : Suprax, Topcef, Orfix, Cefspan, AB-Cef, Acufix, AIM, AIM-XL, Almocef-CV, Alfi-CV
Antibacterial spectrum : Cefixime is highly active against Enterobacteriaceae, H. influenzae and is resistant to many β-lactamases. However, it is not active on Staph. aureus, most pneumococci and Pseudomonas.
Therapeutic uses : Cefixime is indicated for treatment of following diseases caused by susceptible orgnaisms :
- Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections
- Ear infections : Otitis Media
- Throat infections : Pharyngitis and Tonsillitis
- Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Bronchitis
- Uncomplicated Gonorrhea (cervical/urethral)
Sometimes, it is also used to treat typhoid fever.
Mechanism of action : Cephalosporins cause inhibition of bacterial cell wall synthesis. i.e. they have the same mechanism of action as penicillin. However, they bind to different proteins than those which bind penicillins.
Side effects : Cephalosporins are generally well tolerated, but are more toxic than penicillin. Cefixime is generally well-tolerated but may provoke following side effects :
- Stool changes (loose or frequent stools),
- Diarrhoea,
- Dyspepsia,
- Nausea, vomiting,
- Hypersensitivity reactions like skin rashes, urticaria and Stevens-Johnson syndrome,
- Superinfection (Clostridium difficile-Associated Diarrhea).
Drug Interactions : Cefixime may interact with following drugs :
- Carbamazepine : Elevated carbamazepine levels
- Anticoagulants like Warfarin : Increased prothrombin time
Contraindications :
- Contraindicated in patients with known allergy to cephalosporins.
For detailed query or in case of uncertainty, Always consult your doctor or pharmacist.
