Cefpodoxime is an oral 3rd-generation cephalosporin used in respiratory tract, urinary, and dermatological infections. It has good oral bioavailability and a spectrum similar to IV ceftriaxone.
Also known as: Vantin
Cephalosporin + anticoagulant: may potentiate warfarin effect.
Same mechanism as cefixime. Cephalosporins reduce vitamin K synthesis by gut flora.
INR, signs of bleeding.
Major bleeding.
Monitor INR.
DailyMed/FDA; EMC-EMC PT
No documented food or drink interactions.
No documented disease interactions.
Category B: safe. Limited 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 Cefpodoxime label: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=c36f2137-98bb-4583-89f7-6bce9582c465
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. Broad spectrum against Gram-negatives and some Gram-positives. The prodrug (proxetil) improves oral absorption.
Binds to PBPs 1a, 1b, and 3. Activity against E. coli, Klebsiella, Proteus, H. influenzae, M. catarrhalis, S. pneumoniae. Resistant to extended-spectrum beta-lactamases.
Prodrug proxetil: oral absorption ~50%, hydrolysed by intestinal esterases. Peaks in 2-3 h. Food improves absorption by ~20%.
Not metabolised — excreted unchanged (~30%) renally. The prodrug is hydrolysed by intestinal esterases to active cefpodoxime.
2-3 h (normal renal function). 8-9 h in severe renal impairment.
Medicines from the same therapeutic group (ATC classification) or the same pharmacological class.
