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Overview: Cefixime is an antibiotic used to treat certain infections caused by bacteria. It works by killing the bacteria that cause the infection. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Serious side effects are much less common, but can include a type of diarrhea that is difficult to treat. Notify your healthcare provider right away if you develop watery or bloody diarrhea. Cefixime comes as a tablet, chewable tablet, capsule, and liquid.

Uses

What is cefixime used for?

Cefixime is an antibiotic that is commonly taken for the following infections caused by certain bacteria (bacterial infection).

Cefixime may not be appropriate for all infections. Some bacteria may have developed resistance to cefixime, which may prevent it from working. 

Cefixime may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does cefixime work (mechanism of action)?

Cefixime kills certain bacteria by preventing them from being able to create their cell wall.

How is cefixime supplied (dosage forms)?

Brand and other names

  • Suprax

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 400 mg oral capsules
  • 400 mg oral tablets
  • 100 mg, 150 mg, 200 mg oral chewable tablets
  • 100 mg/5 mL, 200 mg/5 mL, 500 mg/5 mL oral suspension

How should I store cefixime?

Oral Capsules, Tablets, and Chewable Tablets. Cefixime capsules, tablets, and chewable tablets should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. 

Oral Liquid. Cefixime oral liquid can be stored in the refrigerator or at room temperature, between 36 F and 77 F (2 C to 25 C). Throw away any unused liquid after 14 days. 

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of cefixime?

The most common side effects of cefixime are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
  • Stomach pain or an upset stomach (or indigestion)
  • Gas

There may be other side effects of cefixime that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of cefixime?

While less common, the most serious side effects of cefixime are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Cefixime may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking cefixime and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Severe Skin Reactions. Cefixime can cause severe skin reactions called Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) that can lead to death if not treated. If you develop a rash, stop cefixime and call your healthcare provider right away. Get emergency help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of SJS or TEN.

  • Painful red or purple skin that looks burned and peels off
  • Flat red rash or blisters on your skin, mouth, nose, and genitals
  • Red, painful, watery eyes

Antibiotic-associated Diarrhea. An overgrowth of germs called Clostridioides difficile, or “C. diff,” can happen in your gut with many types of antibiotics, including cefixime. This can cause a condition known as antibiotic-associated diarrhea and can happen even up to two months after stopping the antibiotic. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of this condition.

  • Watery diarrhea
  • Diarrhea that does not go away
  • Blood in your stool (poop)
  • Severe stomach cramps
  • Fever that starts after you start or finish the medicine

Liver Damage. Liver damage, also called hepatotoxicity, can happen when taking cefixime. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage.

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Stomach or belly pain
  • Fever
  • Weakness or unusual tiredness
  • Itching
  • Loss of appetite
  • Light-colored poop
  • Dark-colored urine
  • Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)

Kidney Damage. Kidney damage can happen when taking cefixime. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of kidney damage.

  • Reduced need to pee
  • Swelling in your feet, ankles, or legs
  • Weakness or unusual tiredness
  • Difficulty catching your breath or chest pain/pressure
  • Confusion
  • Nausea
  • Seizures

Seizures. Some people who have taken cefixime have reported having seizures. There are many different types of seizures and some of them are not easy to recognize. Stop taking cefixime and call your healthcare provider if you have any of the following signs that a seizure is happening or could happen.

  • Muscle twitching, jerking, spasms, tremors, or other uncontrolled movements
  • Stiffening of your arms and legs
  • Feeling anxious, nervous, confused, or a sense of dread
  • Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
  • Falling or losing consciousness

Blood Disorders. Cefoxitin can cause blood disorders, such as agranulocytosis, aplastic anemia, hemolytic anemia, low platelet levels (thrombocytopenia), and low white blood cell levels (leukopenia or neutropenia). Stop taking cefoxitin and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of blood disorders.

  • Fever, chills, or sweats
  • Sore throat
  • Cough or shortness of breath
  • Pale or yellowish skin
  • Easy bruising or bleeding
  • Frequent infection
  • Unusual weakness or tiredness
  • Dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling like you are about to pass out
  • Headache
  • Fast or abnormal heartbeat
  • Mouth or throat sores
  • Swollen lymph nodes

Another Infection With Prolonged Use. Taking cefixime for a prolonged period of time may lead to an infection with other types of germs, such as fungi. Call your healthcare provider if your infection does not improve or gets worse.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use cefixime?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take cefixime.

  • Cefixime
  • Suprax
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific cefixime products they stock.

What should I know about cefixime before using it?

Do not take cefixime unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.

Cefixime only treats certain infections caused by bacteria. Cefixime will not work for viral infections, such as the common cold, influenza, or coronavirus. It also will not work for any other non-bacterial infections. Taking cefixime or any other antibiotic when it is not needed (infections other than those caused by bacteria, or the lack of an infection in general) may cause the antibiotic to not work for bacterial infections in the future.

Do not share cefixime with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep cefixime out of the reach of children. Since cefixime oral liquid can be kept in a refrigerator, take special precautions to keep it away from children who also use the refrigerator. 

If taking cefixime liquid, use an accurate measuring device to measure your dose. A household spoon is not an accurate measuring device and may cause you to take the wrong dose. Ask your pharmacist to recommend an appropriate measuring device. Shake cefixime liquid well before measuring each dose.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using cefixime?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if cefixime is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

  • An allergy to penicillins and/or cephalosporins
  • Liver problems
  • Kidney problems
  • History of antibiotic-associated diarrhea
  • Phenylketonuria
  • Patients with blood clotting problems

Other Medicines and Supplements. Cefixime may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking cefixime, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how cefixime could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take cefixime while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if cefixime passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take cefixime while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does cefixime interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between cefixime and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect cefixime, but heavy drinking can slow your immune response and make it harder for your body to fight infection.

Does cefixime interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or OTC medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking cefixime.

  • Carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol, and others), which is a medicine commonly used to treat seizures or nerve pain
  • A blood thinner, which is a medicine used to treat or prevent blood clots

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with cefixime. Always check with your healthcare provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much cefixime?

If you or someone else has used too much cefixime, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of cefixime?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

It is important to complete your prescribed course of cefixime, even if your symptoms get better or go away. This will reduce the risk that future infections are resistant to cefixime or other similar medicines.