Cefixime for infection

Cefixime is a broad-spectrum antibiotic, which means that it is active against a wide variety of bacteria. It is used to treat short-term (acute) bacterial infections such as urinary tract infections, chest and throat infections, and ear infections. Cefixime treats an infection by killing the bacteria that are causing it.

Some people who are allergic to penicillin antibiotics may not be able to take cefixime, so make sure your doctor knows if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any other antibiotic.

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking cefixime it is important that your doctor knows:

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine. It is particularly important that you tell your doctor if you have had a bad reaction to a penicillin or cephalosporin antibiotic.
• If you have any problems with the way your kidneys work.
• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding. (Although cefixime is not known to be harmful to babies, it is still important that you tell your doctor if you are expecting or breast-feeding a baby.)
• If you are taking or using any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.

• Before you start taking cefixime, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside your pack. The manufacturer's leaflet will give you more information about the antibiotic and a full list of side-effects which you may experience from taking it.
• You should take cefixime exactly as your doctor tells you to. The usual dose for adults and for children over 10 years of age, is 1 or 2 tablets daily (or 10-20 ml liquid medicine). You will be told whether to take this as a single dose each day, or as two doses, morning and evening. The dose for younger children is calculated from their age or weight. Your doctor will tell you what dose is right for you (or your child), and this information will be printed on the label of the pack to remind you. If you have been given liquid medicine, read the directions carefully to make sure you measure out the correct amount of medicine. Your doctor will also tell you how long the course of treatment will last - this is commonly about 7 days, but may be for up to 14 days.
• You can take cefixime before or after food. Swallow the tablets whole with a drink of water. If you are taking more than one dose a day, space your doses out evenly throughout the day.
• Keep taking the antibiotic until the course is finished unless you are told to stop by your doctor. Taking the full course is important (even if you feel your infection has cleared up) in order to prevent the infection from coming back.
• If you forget to take a dose, take one as soon as you remember. Try to take the correct number of doses each day.

• Some people develop thrush (redness and itching in the mouth or vagina) after taking a course of antibiotics. If you think you have thrush speak with your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
• If you are using oral combined hormonal contraception (the 'pill'), additional contraceptive precautions such as condoms are recommended for a time if you have sickness (vomiting) or diarrhoea which lasts for more than 24 hours. If you need further advice about this, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
• If you are having an operation or any other medical treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment that you are taking an antibiotic. This is because cefixime may interfere with the results of some tests to check for sugar in urine.
• Cefixime may stop the oral typhoid vaccine from working. If you are having any vaccinations, make sure the person treating you knows that you are taking this antibiotic.

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
• If you have been given liquid medicine, it will have been made up by the pharmacy and lasts for 14 days. Remember to check the expiry date on the bottle and do not use it after this date.