What is Cefixime: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Cefixime overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Suprax

Generic Names:

  • Cefixime

Uses:

  • Treats infections. This medicine is a cephalosporin antibiotic.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antibiotic, Anti-Infective Agent

Forms:

  • Capsule, Liquid, Tablet, Chewable Tablet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Cefixime used for?

What form(s) does Cefixime come in

  • Capsule

  • Liquid

  • Tablet

  • Chewable Tablet

What are common Cefixime doses?

  • Capsule 400MG

  • Bottle 50ML of 100MG/5ML

  • Bottle 50ML of 200MG/5ML

  • Bottle 75ML of 200MG/5ML

Common Cefixime prescriptions

  • Cefixime
    50ml of 100mg/5ml bottle

  • Cefixime
    50ml of 200mg/5ml bottle

  • Cefixime
    400mg capsule

How to take Cefixime

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Oral routeIt is best to take this medicine with food or milk.

  • Capsule: Swallow whole. Do not cut, break, or chew it.

  • Chewable tablet: Crush or chew the tablet before swallowing.

  • Oral liquid: Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup. Shake well before each use.

  • Take all of the medicine in your prescription to clear up your infection, even if you feel better after the first few doses.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep the oral liquid at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Throw away any unused liquid after 14 days. Keep it tightly closed.

  • Take all of the medicine in your prescription to clear up your infection, even if you feel better after the first few doses.

  • Capsule: Swallow whole. Do not cut, break, or chew it.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Oral liquid: Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup. Shake well before each use.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep the oral liquid at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Throw away any unused liquid after 14 days. Keep it tightly closed.

  • Oral routeIt is best to take this medicine with food or milk.

  • Chewable tablet: Crush or chew the tablet before swallowing.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

What to do if you miss a dose of Cefixime

Cefixime contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to cefixime or other similar medicines.

Cefixime warnings

  • Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, bleeding problems, or phenylketonuria. Tell your doctor if you have an allergy to penicillins.

  • This medicine can cause diarrhea. Call your doctor if the diarrhea becomes severe, does not stop, or is bloody. Do not take any medicine to stop diarrhea until you have talked to your doctor. Diarrhea can occur 2 months or more after you stop taking this medicine.

  • Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

Cefixime interactions

  • Some medicines can affect how cefixime works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:CarbamazepineBirth control pillsBlood thinner (including warfarin)

  • This medicine can cause diarrhea. Call your doctor if the diarrhea becomes severe, does not stop, or is bloody. Do not take any medicine to stop diarrhea until you have talked to your doctor. Diarrhea can occur 2 months or more after you stop taking this medicine.

  • Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

  • Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Cefixime side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Blistering, peeling, red skin rash

  • Severe diarrhea, stomach cramps, fever

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Mild diarrhea, nausea

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