Often used for:
Infections
What is cefixime?
Cefixime is an antibiotic that kills bacteria causing infections. It may also be used for febrile neutropenia or to prevent irinotecan-induced diarrhea.
Possible side effects
- Diarrhea
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Gas
- Heartburn
- Headache
- Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include rash, hives, itching, chills, fever, headache, muscle ache, shortness of breath, coughing, tightness in the throat, or swelling of the face or neck
- Not all patients who take cefixime will experience these side effects. Common side effects are in bold, but there may be others. Please report all suspected side effects to your doctor or pharmacist.
Tips for families
- Discuss all questions and instructions with your doctor or pharmacist.
- Let the doctor know if severe diarrhea occurs while taking this medicine.
- Drink plenty of fluids and follow care team instructions for fluid intake.
- Cefixime may affect lab tests in patients with high blood sugar. Talk to the care team about urine glucose test strips.
- Inform the doctor if the patient is pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Finish all doses as prescribed, even if symptoms improve.
- Take the medicine at the same time each day.
- Cefixime may be taken with or without food; take with food if stomach upset occurs.
- Chew or crush chewable tablets before swallowing.
- Shake liquid medicine well before use.
- If a dose is missed and it is close to the next dose, skip it. Do not double doses.
- Store cefixime at room temperature. Liquid may be kept at room temperature or in the refrigerator and discarded after 14 days.
- Do not use after the expiration date and follow instructions for safe storage and disposal.
