Cefixime

Cefixime

Cefixime is an antibiotic used for a wide range of bacterial infections. It is used to treat acute (short-term) bacterial infections such as ear infections, chest and throat infections, and urinary tract infections. By eliminating the causative microorganisms, Cefixime helps relieve these infections.

Depending on the condition being treated, the dosage is determined. Make sure your doctor is aware of any past adverse reactions you may had with any other antibiotics. 

How Does Cefixime Work?

Cefixime works by interfering with the growth and reproduction of bacteria. It does this by inhibiting the formation of the bacterial cell wall, weakening the bacteria, and eventually leading to their destruction. This mechanism of action makes Cefixime effective against a wide range of bacterial pathogens.

Mechanism of Action

Cefixime is an antibiotic that belongs to the class of drugs known as cephalosporins. Its mechanism of action involves inhibiting the synthesis of bacterial cell walls. Specifically, Cefixime interferes with the final step of bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to specific proteins called penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) located on the bacterial cell membrane. This binding inhibits the cross-linking of peptidoglycan chains, which are essential components of the bacterial cell wall. As a result, bacteria are unable to build and maintain their cell walls properly, leading to weakened cell walls and eventual cell death.

Cefixime is effective against a broad spectrum of bacteria by targeting both Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms. Its bactericidal action makes it useful in treating various bacterial infections, including respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, and certain sexually transmitted infections, among others.

What are the uses of Cefixime?

Many different types of bacterial infections are treated with Cefixime. This antibiotic is classified as Cephalosporin. It works by preventing harmful bacteria from growing. Only bacterial illnesses respond well to this medication. It is not effective against viral infections (such as the common cold, flu etc.). It can be used to treat bronchitis, gonorrhoea, and infections of the ears, throat, tonsils, and urinary tract. 

How and when to take Cefixime?

Take this drug by mouth as prescribed by your doctor, often once per day, with or without a meal. If you're taking chewable pills, chew them up completely before swallowing. The dose is always determined by your doctor depending on your health status, weight, and treatment response. To get the best results from this antibiotic take this medicine according to the doctor's prescription.

The centre of every tablet of Cefixime has a line running through it. If your doctor directs you to take only half of the pill, break it gently on the line. Save the remaining half of the tablet for your next dosage as prescribed. Even if symptoms go away after a few days, keep taking this medicine until the entire advised dosage is done. If you stop taking the medicine too soon, the bacteria may be able to continue to develop and cause an infection to return.

Other uses - Cefixime is also occasionally used to treat Pneumonia, Shigella (an illness that causes extremely bad diarrhoea), and Typhoid fever (a serious infection that is common in developing countries) in those who are allergic to penicillin. The risks of using this medication for your illness should be discussed with your doctor. Ask your doctor or chemist for further details if you believe this drug should be used for something else.

Dosage

The usual dosage of Cefixime varies based on age and the type of infection being treated:

• Adults: Usually, it's 400 mg once a day or split into two 200 mg doses daily.
• Children: The dose is determined by weight and the severity of the infection, usually given twice a day.

What are the side effects of Cefixime?

In case you have any of the following symptoms of a Cefixime allergy: Hives, Swelling of the face, lips, or throat, Breathing difficulties, seek immediate medical attention. Call your doctor if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Jaundice
• Seizure
• Severe abdominal pain, bloody or watery diarrhoea.
• Urine with a black hue or yellowed complexion, disorientation, or weakness.
• Low blood cell counts can cause sudden weakness or illness, fever, chills, flu-like symptoms, mouth sores, and skin sores, as well as pale complexion, unusual bleeding, easy bruising, and dizziness.
• A red or purple skin rash that spreads and produces blistering and peeling is followed by a severe skin response that includes fever, sore throat, burning in the eyes, and skin discomfort.

In very rare cases cefixime may cause negative consequences, such as:

• Indigestion
• Stomach pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Vaginal itching or discharge.

When should I contact a doctor for the side effects?

You should contact your doctor if you experience any of the following side effects while taking Cefixime:

• Severe diarrhea, especially if it's watery or contains blood.
• Signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, itching, swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.
• Persistent or severe stomach pain or cramping.
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice) or dark urine, which may indicate liver problems.
• Unusual bruising or bleeding.
• Symptoms of a new infection or worsening of an existing infection.
• Severe skin reactions, such as blistering or peeling.

What precautions should be taken?

• If you are allergic to Cefixime and other cephalosporin antibiotics, or if you have any other allergies, inform your doctor before using Cefixime.
• Typhoid vaccination and other live bacterial vaccines might perform less effectively if Cefixime is used. Before getting any shots or vaccines, let your doctor know that you are taking Cefixime.
• This medication's chewable version could have aspartame in it. Aspartame must be limited or avoided in your diet if you have Phenylketonuria (PKU) or any other concerning condition. See your doctor or chemist for advice on how to use this medicine safely if you have any of these conditions.
• Cefixime may induce diarrhoea, and this diarrhoea may occasionally be quite severe. Never administer medicine to your child or consume any medication for diarrhoea without consulting a doctor first.
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding then please inform your doctor before taking this medicine.

What if I missed the dose of Cefixime?

Take the missing Cefixime dosage as soon as you recall. If your next scheduled dosage is approaching, skip the missing dose. Take no additional medication to make up for a missing dose. Consult your doctor if you are confused and get clarity on what to do in case of a missing dose.

What if there is an overdose of Cefixime?

Call for immediate assistance if someone has overdosed and has severe symptoms like fainting out or difficulty breathing. Reach out to the nearest hospital in case of overdosage.

What are the storage and disposal conditions of Cefixime?

Keep this medication tightly closed in the original container, away from children, and out of the reach of pets. Keep the capsules, chewable tablets, and tablets at normal temperature, away from sources of extreme heat, and in a dry place. Store liquid medications firmly covered and at room temperature or in the fridge; after 14 days, discard any that are still usable.

In order to prevent dogs, kids, and other people from ingesting leftover medicines, they should be disposed of in a certain manner. This medication should not, however, be flushed down the toilet. To keep small children safe from poisoning, always lock the safety caps and immediately store the medication in a safe location out of their sight and reach.

Cefixime Interactions with Other Medicines

Inform your doctor about all of the medications you use, including vitamins, herbal supplements, prescription, and non-prescription drugs. Inform your physician right away if you take: 

• Carbamazepine 
• Anticoagulants such as heparin and warfarin
• Birth control pills
• Probenecid (Probalan, Benemid)
• Methotrexate (Trexall, Rheumatrex)

Other Interactions

Some medications should not be taken with or immediately after eating food or specific types of food, as this could lead to interactions. Similarly, consuming alcohol or tobacco while taking certain medications may also cause interactions. It's important to talk to your healthcare provider about whether you should take your medication with food, alcohol, or tobacco to avoid potential complications or reduced effectiveness.

How quickly does Cefixime show results?

The effects of the medication Cefixime typically begin between 10 and 30 minutes after its administration. It totally depends on the individual’s biological response and the body’s chemistry.

What should I inform the doctor before taking the medicine?

Before starting Cefixime, tell your doctor:

• If you have any health problems, like kidney issues or allergies to antibiotics.
• About any allergies you have, especially to antibiotics like cephalosporins or penicillins.
• If you're pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or breastfeeding.
• All the medications you're currently taking, including vitamins and supplements.
• If you've had any problems with antibiotics in the past.
• Any major changes in your diet or if you have dietary restrictions.
• If you have symptoms of an infection, so your doctor can determine if Cefixime is appropriate for your condition.

Comparison of Cefixime with Amoxicillin