Cefixime is an oral 3rd-generation cephalosporin active against Gram-negatives including beta-lactamase-producing Haemophilus influenzae. It is used in urinary tract infections, pharyngotonsillitis, and otitis media.
Also known as: Suprax
Cephalosporin + anticoagulant: may potentiate warfarin effect.
Cephalosporins reduce vitamin K synthesis by gut flora, potentiating the anticoagulant effect.
INR, signs of bleeding.
Major bleeding.
Monitor INR during and after cefixime course.
DailyMed/FDA; EMC-EMC PT
Food increases cefixime absorption by ~15%. Bioavailability: 40-50% fasting, ~55% with food.
Take with food to improve absorption, if needed.
Renal excretion ~50% unchanged. Accumulation at eGFR <60. Prolonged half-life.
eGFR 30-60: usual dose. eGFR 10-29: 200 mg/day. eGFR <10: 100 mg/day.
DailyMed/FDA (NIH/NLM) — approved Cefixime label: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=655a59ba-08e9-51d4-e053-2991aa0aef34
Category B: safe. Limited but reassuring human data.
All trimesters. Limited data.
Excreted in small amounts in breast milk. Use with caution.
No evidence of effects on fertility.
DailyMed/FDA (NIH/NLM) — approved Cefixime label: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=655a59ba-08e9-51d4-e053-2991aa0aef34
Clinical and educational support tool. The information does not replace a medical prescription or the opinion of a qualified healthcare professional.
Bactericidal: inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis via binding to PBPs. Activity against Gram-negatives (E. coli, Klebsiella, Proteus, H. influenzae, N. gonorrhoeae). Weak against Gram-positives and anaerobes.
Binds to PBPs 1a, 1b, and 3 — results in bactericidal action. Resistant to extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (TEM, SHV). 3rd-generation cephalosporin with greater stability than earlier oral cephalosporins.
Oral absorption: ~40-50% (food-influenced). Peaks in 2-6 h. Distribution into tissues and body fluids.
Not metabolised — excreted unchanged (~50%) renally and ~10% bile. No active metabolites.
3-4 h (normal renal function). 10-15 h in severe renal impairment.
Medicines from the same therapeutic group (ATC classification) or the same pharmacological class.
