Cefixime

February 20, 2020

Medicine

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Cefixime is an antibiotic medicine used for the treatment of various infections that are caused by bacteria. These infections may include:

• Ear infections
• Chest infections (bronchitis or sinusitis)
• Urinary tract infections (UTI)

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has already approved this medication. Cefixime comes as a tablet for oral use and available in the dosage strength of 400 mg. This medication stops the growth and development of the bacteria in your body. 

An ear infection is an infection of the middle ear which is the air-filled space behind the eardrum. It has the little vibrating bones of the ear. Children are more likely than adults to get this infection. Ear infection often clears up on their own, treatment may begin with managing pain and monitoring the problem. Signs and symptoms may include:

• Tugging or pulling at an ear
• Ear pain, especially when lying down
• Fussiness
• Loss of balance
• Loss of appetite
• Headache
• Drainage of fluid from the ear
• Trouble hearing

Chest infection is a type of respiratory infection that impacts the lower part of your respiratory tract. Your lower respiratory tract includes your bronchi, windpipe, and lungs. Chest infections can range anywhere from mild to severe. Some signs and symptoms may include:

• Wheezing
• Chesty cough
• Coughing up yellow or green mucus 
• Discomfort in your chest
• Feeling short of breath
• Headache
• Fever
• Muscle aches and pains
• Feeling tired or fatigued

UTI are produced by bacteria such as microbes poisoning the body’s defenses in the urinary tract. They can affect the kidneys, bladder, and the tubes that run between them. Women are at greater risk of developing this infection than are men. Infection partial to your bladder might be annoying and painful. On the other hand, serious concerns can happen if the infection spreads to your kidneys. Signs and symptoms of this infection may include:

• A burning sensation when urinating
• A strong and persistent urge to urinate
• Urine that appears cloudy
• Strong-smelling urine
• Passing frequent or small amounts of urine
• Urine that appears bright pink, red, or cola-colored which is a mark of blood in the urine
• Pelvic pain, in women especially in the center of the pelvis and around the area of the pubic bone

How does Cefixime work?

Cefixime works by interfering with the formation of bacterial cell walls. This medication impairs the bonds that hold the bacterial cell wall together. Wherein, it allows holes to appear in the cell walls. This kills off the bacteria causing the infection. Cefixime is a broad-spectrum antibiotic which means it kills a wide variety of different types of bacteria. 

A broad-spectrum antibiotic is an antibiotic that acts on the two major bacterial groups, gram-negative and gram-positive or any antibiotic that acts against a wide range of disease-causing bacteria. 

How to use Cefixime?

Take this medication by mouth either with or without a meal. This is usually taken once a day or as directed by your doctor. In children, this medication may also be taken twice a day every 12 hours. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to the treatment. In children, the dosage is also based on their weight. Swallow the tablet as a whole with a full glass of water. Do not break, chew, or crush it. 

Your doctor may start you at a low dose and gradually increase your dose. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. You should not stop quickly taking this medication without the consultation of your doctor. Inform your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens. If you missed a dose, call your doctor right away for instructions. Do not double the dose to make up for your missed dose. 

What are the side effects of Cefixime?

Common side effects:

• Diarrhea
• Stomach upset or pain
• Constipation
• Nausea
• Gas
• Loss of appetite
• Headache
• Anxiety
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Runny nose
• Increased night-time urination
• Sore throat
• Vaginal itching or discharge
• Cough 

Call your doctor right away if you have these side effects:

• Persistent nausea or vomiting
• Severe stomach or abdominal pain
• Dark urine
• Yellowing eyes or skin
• Unusual tiredness
• Easy bruising 
• Change in the amount of urine
• New signs of infections such as persistent sore throat or fever
• Mental/mood changes such as confusion 

Call for medical help if you have these signs of an allergic reaction:

• Hives or itching
• Swelling of your face, lips, throat, mouth, or tongue 
• Trouble or difficulty breathing 

If other side effects occur, call your doctor right away. If there are any signs of an overdose, call for medical assistance as well. 

Warnings and Precautions

• Cefixime should not take by babies under six months of age. 
• If you ever had an allergic reaction to this medication, let your doctor know. Inform as well if you have any allergies. This drug may contain any ingredient that causes an allergic reaction. 
• People with kidney problems may need a lower Cefixime dose or extra monitoring. 
• If you are breastfeeding or pregnant make sure your doctor knows before you start treatment with this antibiotic. This is not known to be harmful if used during pregnancy. But, it will only be prescribed if your doctor thinks it is essential to treat your infection.
• Cefixime passes into breast milk in small amounts that are unlikely to be harmful to a nursing baby. it is if you’re taking a typical course of this antibiotic. However, if you’re taking a particularly high dose or a long course of Cefixime, your doctor might ask you to monitor your baby for any signs of stomach upset or oral thrush infection.
• Avoid or limit alcoholic beverages while having this medication. If you feel unwell with your infection or if you find this drug gives you a headache then drinking alcohol could make this worse. 
• Before taking this prescription, let your doctor know if you ever had any medical history such as kidney disease or a certain intestinal disease. 
• Tell as well to your doctor if you are taking other medications including herbal supplements or vitamins.