About cefixime

Cefixime is a broad spectrum antibiotic which means it is active against a wide variety of bacteria. It treats infections by killing or stopping the growth of the bacteria that cause them.

Before taking cefixime

Before taking cefixime make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
• If you have kidney problems.
• If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine. It is particularly important that you tell your doctor if you are allergic to any other antibiotics.

How to take cefixime

• Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack.
• Take cefixime exactly as your doctor has told you. You may take your doses before or after food.
• Take your doses at regular intervals and complete the prescribed course. It is important to take the full course (even if you feel your infection has cleared up) to prevent the infection from coming back. Usually the course of treatment lasts for 7 days although your doctor may ask you to take cefixime for up to 14 days.
• Try to take cefixime at the same time(s) each day to avoid missing any doses. You will be told whether to take this antibiotic as a single dose each day or as two doses.
• If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose, in which case leave out the missed dose. Do not take two doses together to make up for a forgotten dose.

Getting the most from your treatment

• 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 not required during a course of this antibiotic unless you are sick or have diarrhoea. If you need further advice, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
• If you are having an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment that you are taking cefixime.
• This antibiotic 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 medicine.
• If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with cefixime.

Can cefixime cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

Important: If you experience any of the following symptoms, stop taking cefixime and contact your doctor for advice straight away:

• A severe skin rash.
• Jaundice, fever, and pain in your joints.
• Swelling of your tongue, mouth, or face.
• Severe diarrhoea.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store cefixime

• 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 are using the oral liquid, check the expiry date on the bottle - do not use it after this date.

Important information about all medicines