Cefpodoxime (Orelox, Vantin) Drug for Infection: Use, Side Effects, Interactions

Cefpodoxime
(Orelox, Vantin, United States)

Use:

Cefpodoxime, Orelox or Vantin is a cephalosporin antibiotic used in bacterial infections that are susceptible - upper and lower respiratory tract, skin, and urinary tract infections. It is a pro drug, meaning that in the body it is converted into the active antibiotic. It has a broad spectrum of activity, and is available only for injection.
Cephalosporin antibiotics are classified in "generation" according to their antibacterial activity: first generation - cefadroxil, cefazolin, cephalexin, cephalothin, cephapirin, cephradine; second generation - cefaclor, cefamandole, cefmetazole, cefonicid, ceforanide, cefotetan, cefoxitin, cefprozil, cefuroxime, loracarbef; third generation - cefixime, cefoperazone, cefotaxime, Cefpodoxime, Orelox or Vantin, ceftazidime, ceftizoxime, ceftriaxone.

How It Works:

Cefpodoxime, Orelox or Vantin inhibits bacterial cell wall formation and the bacteria dies.

Side Effects:

Cefpodoxime, Orelox or Vantin can cause diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, constipation, headache, and fever.

Cautions for People:

Because there is a cross sensitivity with penicillins, people who are allergic to penicillin should use Cefpodoxime, Orelox or Vantin, and all cephalosporins, carefully.
Cefpodoxime, Orelox or Vantin is excreted through the kidney, thus people need good kidney function.

Drug Interactions:

As with all antibiotics and in combination with other antibiotics, cefepime has the ability to cause bacterial resistance to antibiotics.

Further Reading:

Antimicrob Agents Chemother 1995;39(10):2243
Antimicrob Agents Chemother 1995;39(12):2819
Am J Med 1995;99(6B):3S
Scand J Infect Dis 1995;27(3):229
Am Fam Physician 1995;52(6):1739

Added to Virtual Drugstore November 1996.

The relevant product monographs must be regarded as the appropriate sources of prescribing information.