What is Cefpodoxime: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Cefpodoxime overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Vantin

Generic Names:

  • Cefpodoxime Proxetil

Uses:

  • Treats bacterial infections. This medicine is a cephalosporin antibiotic.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antibiotic

Forms:

  • Tablet, Liquid

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Cefpodoxime used for?

What form(s) does Cefpodoxime come in

  • Tablet

  • Liquid

What are common Cefpodoxime doses?

  • Tablet 100MG

  • Tablet 200MG

  • Bottle 50ML of 50MG/5ML

  • Bottle 100ML of 50MG/5ML

  • Bottle 50ML of 100MG/5ML

  • Bottle 100ML of 100MG/5ML

Common Cefpodoxime prescriptions

  • Cefpodoxime Proxetil
    100ml of 100mg/5ml bottle

  • Cefpodoxime Proxetil
    50ml of 100mg/5ml bottle

  • Cefpodoxime Proxetil
    50ml of 50mg/5ml bottle

  • Cefpodoxime Proxetil
    100mg tablet

  • Cefpodoxime Proxetil
    200mg tablet

How to take Cefpodoxime

  • Your doctor will tell you how much to take and how often.

  • Keep taking your medicine unless your doctor tells you to stop, even if you feel better. If you stop taking this medicine too soon, your infection may come back.

  • Take cefpodoxime with food.

  • Shake the oral liquid well just before using. Measure your medicine with a measuring spoon or medicine cup.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much to take and how often.

  • Keep taking your medicine unless your doctor tells you to stop, even if you feel better. If you stop taking this medicine too soon, your infection may come back.

  • Take cefpodoxime with food.

  • Shake the oral liquid well just before using. Measure your medicine with a measuring spoon or medicine cup.

What to do if you miss a dose of Cefpodoxime

  • Take your medicine as soon as you remember that you have missed your dose.

  • If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.

  • You should not use two doses at one time.

Cefpodoxime contraindications

  • You should not use this medicine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to cephalosporin medicine such as Keflex®, Ceclor®, Velosef®, or Suprax®.

Cefpodoxime warnings

  • If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before taking this medicine.

  • Before taking this medicine, let your doctor know if you have ever had an allergic reaction to penicillin medicines, or if you have stomach or kidney problems.

  • If you have severe diarrhea while taking cefpodoxime, check with your doctor before taking medicine to stop the diarrhea.

  • Severe diarrhea (watery or bloody)

  • Severe stomach pain, vomiting

Cefpodoxime interactions

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are taking birth control pills or probenecid (Benemid®, ColBENEMID®) while taking cefpodoxime.

  • Before taking this medicine, let your doctor know if you have ever had an allergic reaction to penicillin medicines, or if you have stomach or kidney problems.

  • If you have severe diarrhea while taking cefpodoxime, check with your doctor before taking medicine to stop the diarrhea.

Cefpodoxime side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Rash, hives, or blistering of the skin

  • Swelling

  • Wheezing or trouble breathing

  • Severe diarrhea (watery or bloody)

  • Severe stomach pain, vomiting

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Nausea

  • Mild diarrhea

  • Vaginal itching or discharge

  • Sore mouth or tongue

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