Suprax

Brand Names: Suprax

Common Name: cefixime

What is this drug used for?

Cefixime is an antibiotic that belongs to the family of medications known as cephalosporins. It is used to treat certain types of bacterial infections. It is most commonly used to treat gonorrhea as well as infections of the ear, sinus, bladder, throat, and lung.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

Is there any reason not to take this drug?

Anyone allergic to cefixime or to any of the cephalosporin or penicillin antibiotics should not take this medication.

What about possible side effects?

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor. Your health professional may be able to help you deal with some of the effects.

The following side effects may go away as your body becomes used to the medicine; check with your doctor if they continue or become bothersome.

More common
• headache
• mild diarrhea
• nausea

Less common
• abdominal bloating or gas
• mild stomach cramps

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Less common
• diarrhea (watery and severe, which may also be bloody)
• fever
• severe abdominal or stomach cramps and pain
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• vaginal itching or discharge
• vomiting

Rare
• blistering, peeling, or loosening of skin
• convulsions (seizures)
• skin rash, itching, redness, or swelling
• trouble breathing
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• yellowing of the eyes or skin

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.

What if I am taking other drugs?

Probenecid may affect how cefixime works or increase the risk of side effects.

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. In many cases, interactions are intended or are managed by close monitoring. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications that you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Other information:

Allergy: Before starting treatment with cefixime, inform your doctor about any adverse reactions you have had to medications, especially cefixime, cephalosporins, and penicillins. Some people allergic to penicillin may also be allergic to cephalosporins such as cefixime. If you have an allergic reaction, contact a doctor.

Medical conditions: People with severe kidney problems should take cefixime with caution.

Other infections: Prolonged use of cefixime may result in the overgrowth of organisms not affected by the medication, such as yeast.

Pregnancy: It is not known if cefixime is safe for use during pregnancy.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if cefixime is safe for use by breast-feeding women.

Children: It is not known if cefixime is safe for use by children less than 6 months old.

Special Instructions:

The recommended adult dose of cefixime is 400 mg once a day. The recommended children's dose is 8 mg per kg of body weight once daily. Children weighing more than 50 kg or older than 12 years should be treated with the recommended adult dose.

Cefixime liquid is good for 14 days at room temperature or refrigerated. Any leftover liquid should be discarded after 14 days.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones given here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is very important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Finish all of this medication, even if you start to feel better. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue on with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue on with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

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