Cefixime Description

Generic Name: CEFIXIME

Pronunciation: (sef ix' eem)

Trade Name(s): Biotax-O, Cefspan, Orfix, Topcef

Why it is prescribed: Cefixime, an antibiotic, eliminates bacteria that cause different kinds of infections, including pneumonia and infections of the ear, throat, and urinary tract.

When it is to be taken: Cefixime is usually taken once or twice a day for 5to 14 days. Follow the instructions on your prescription label carefully. If you are to take one dose a day, try to take it at the same time each day; pick a time that is easy for you to remember. If you are to take cefixime twice a day, take a dose every 12 hours.

How it should be taken: Cefixime comes in the form of tablets and liquid form. Your prescription label tells you how much to take at each dose. Liquid cefixime should be shaken well before each use to mix the medication evenly. You may obtain a specially marked measuring spoon to be sure of an accurate dose.

Special Instruction:
1. Take all of the medication prescribed, even after the infection appears to have gone away. Failure to do so could allow the infection to return.
2. Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory.
3. Cefixime makes some people dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate dangerous machinery until you know how it affects you.

Side Effects:
1. Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain. Take cefixime with food or a light snack. If you continue to have stomach upsets, contact your doctor.
2. Diarrhea, headache, dizziness, nervousness, drowsiness or difficulty sleeping, fatigue. These symptoms are common during the first few days of therapy and may go away. If these effects are severe or persistent, contact your doctor.
3. Skin rash, shortness of breath, itching, hives, seizures. Stop taking the drug and contact your doctor immediately.

Other Precautions:
1. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are allergic to penicillin, cephalosporins or any other medication or if you ever had colitis or kidney disease. Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding should inform their doctor.
2. If you are taking medication for gout, such as probenecid, tell your doctor before taking cefixime.
3. If your doctor tells you to stop taking cefixime, throw away any unused medication.
4. Cefixime may lose its effectiveness over time and should not be saved to treat another infection.

Storage Conditions:
1. Keep this medication in the container it came in and out of the reach of children.
2. Refrigeration of the liquid is not required.
3. The container will have an expiry date on it.
4. Do not take the liquid cefixime after that date. Throw it away. If you need more, get a new supply.
5. Store cefixime tablets at room temperature.