Cefpodoxime

Description

Cefpodoxime is an antibiotic medicine that is used to treat bacterial infections of the lungs, nose, throat, kidneys and bladder. This medicine is used alone or in combination with other medicines for treating bacterial infections. It is not effective against infections caused by viruses. Cefpodoxime kills bacteria thus treats the infection. Cefpodoxime shows common side effects that include diarrhoea, stomach pain, headache, weakness, nausea, and vomiting. Consult your doctor if any of these symptoms are seen for a long time. Do not take this medicine if you are previously allergic to it. Cefpodoxime tablet and dispersible tablet forms should be taken with food for good absorption and the suspension form can be taken with or without food. For the ease of remembering, take this medicine around the same time every day. Once an antibiotic is started, it is always recommended to finish the entire course of treatment. Cefpodoxime should only be used to treat or prevent infections that are caused by bacteria. Taking an antibiotic when it is not required can make it less effective for future infections. Cefpodoxime reacts with medications that reduce or prevent the production of stomach acids like antacids, proton pump inhibitors or H2 blockers. These medicines may delay the effect of Cefpodoxime. Therefore, take Cefpodoxime at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after taking such medications. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, before using Cefpodoxime. Cefpodoxime is available in various dosage forms like tablets, tablet DT (dispersible tablets), drops, syrup, suspension and dry syrup. The drops, syrup and suspension forms of cefpodoxime are specific for use in children.

Side effects

Major & minor side effects for Cefpodoxime

  • Diarrhoea
  • Stomach pain
  • Dark or clay coloured stools
  • Decreased appetite
  • Acid or sour stomach
  • Excessive gas in stomach
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Skin rash
  • Headache
  • Dizziness

Uses of Cefpodoxime

What is it prescribed for?

  • Bronchitis
  • Cystitis
  • Gonorrhoea
  • Community-acquired pneumonia
  • Sinusitis
  • Pharyngitis/Tonsilitis
  • Skin and soft tissue infections
  • Acute bacterial otitis media
  • Pyelonephritis
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Concerns

Commonly asked questions

  • Onset of action
    The effect of Cefpodoxime can be observed within 2 to 3 hours of administration. Finish your entire course of treatment, even if your condition gets better with a few doses.
  • Duration of effect
    The effect of Cefpodoxime lasts for an average duration of 12 hours.
  • Safe with alcohol?
    Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
  • Is it habit forming?
    No habit-forming tendency has been reported for Cefpodoxime.
  • Usage in pregnancy?
    Cefpodoxime is considered safe to be used in pregnancy for treating bacterial infections. It is not known to cause birth defects in the foetus. However, use it only on your doctor's recommendation.
  • Usage while breast-feeding?
    Cefpodoxime is safe to use during breastfeeding. It enters into breast milk in fewer amounts. Use this medicine only if your doctor recommends it. Observe your baby for diarrhoea and symptoms of yeast infection like diaper rash or a thick white coating on the tongue.

Allergy

Avoid using Cefpodoxime if you are allergic to it. Inform your doctor if there is any history of allergy to cefpodoxime. If you notice any symptoms such as skin rashes, itching/swelling anywhere on your body, dizziness, breathing difficulty, etc. inform your doctor and seek immediate medical attention.
Warnings for special population

Pregnancy

Cefpodoxime is considered safe to be used in pregnancy for treating bacterial infections. It is not known to cause birth defects in the foetus. However, use it only on your doctor's recommendation.

Breast-feeding

Cefpodoxime is safe to use during breastfeeding. It enters into breast milk in fewer amounts. Use this medicine only if your doctor recommends it. Observe your baby for diarrhoea and symptoms of yeast infection like diaper rash or a thick white coating on the tongue.
General warnings

Diarrhoea

Cefpodoxime can cause diarrhoea because it may also kill the helpful bacteria in your stomach or intestine. Inform your doctor if you experience severe diarrhoea while receiving this medicine.

Seizures

Use Cefpodoxime with caution if you have a seizure episode or fits because it can worsen the condition.

Antibiotic resistance

The entire course of treatment with Cefpodoxime should be completed, even if the condition gets better with a few doses to avoid antibiotic resistance (a condition where microorganisms develop the ability to defeat the antibiotics).

Driving or operating machinery

Cefpodoxime may cause dizziness, confusion, or fits. Do not drive vehicles or operate machines after taking this medicine.

Antacids

If you are taking an antacid containing aluminium and magnesium salts for indigestion, they can delay the effects of Cefpodoxime. Hence, it is recommended to take this medicine at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after taking antacids.

Missed Dose

Do not skip a dose of Cefpodoxime. If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If the time for your next dose is near, skip the missed dose. Do not double the dose to compensate for the missed dose.

Overdose

Never take more than the prescribed dose of Cefpodoxime. Seek emergency medical attention in case of an overdose of this medicine.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol

Description

Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.

Instructions

Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Interaction with Medicine

Cholera Vaccine

Furosemide

Entecavir

Probenecid

Ethinyl Estradiol

Esomeprazole

Disease interactions

Colitis

Cefpodoxime can kill the helpful bacteria in your stomach or intestine and leads to diarrhoea. Use Cefpodoxime with extreme caution if you have any gastrointestinal problems, particularly colitis (swelling of the inner lining of the colon), as it may worsen your health condition.

Kidney diseases

Cefpodoxime is filtered by the kidney and excreted through urine. A damaged kidney can lead to its accumulation and toxicity. Hence, maintain caution while taking Cefpodoxime as it can increase the risk of kidney damage especially if you have pre-existing kidney problems.

Liver disease

Cefpodoxime may increase liver enzyme levels. Hence, maintain caution while taking Cefpodoxime especially if you have liver problems, as it can increase the risk of liver damage.
Food interactions
Taking Cefpodoxime on empty stomach may result in severe adverse effects. Therefore, take this medicine with food to avoid undesirable effects.
Lab interactions

Coombs test

The Coombs test is used to detect antibodies that act against the surface of your red blood cells. A false-positive result may be obtained if this test is performed while taking Cefpodoxime.
Take Cefpodoxime tablet SR, tablet or capsule with food for better absorption. The drops, suspension and syrup forms can be given with or without food. Never take/give more than the prescribed dose. Use this medicine at around the same time daily. Do not give your medicine to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours. Finish the entire course of treatment even if you feel better by taking few doses, as abrupt stopping may worsen your condition. Cefpodoxime may cause diarrhoea, but it resolves when your course is completed. Consult your doctor if it is not resolved and if you find blood in your stools. Cefpodoxime tablet DT dissolves quickly and easily in water. It can be dispersed in a teaspoonful or a glass of boiled and cooled water before administration. Do not administer if the tablet is not dissolved/dispersed completely in the water. Shake cefpodoxime suspension bottle well before use. Measure an appropriate dose using the measuring spoon, cup or dropper. Add water up to the mark to the cefpodoxime dry syrup, shake the contents for uniform mixing. Ensure that medicine particles are dissolved properly. Measure an appropriate dose using the measuring spoon, cup or dropper. Take cefpodoxime table SR, tablet or capsule with or without food. Drink an adequate amount of water. Do not chew or crush the tablet/capsule in the mouth.
Miscelleneous

Can be taken with or without food, as advised by your doctor

To be taken as instructed by doctor

Does not cause sleepiness

How it works
Cefpodoxime works by preventing the formation of the bacterial cell wall. It kills bacteria by stopping the growth and multiplication. Thus it treats the infection.
Legal Status

Approved

Approved

Approved

Unknown

Classification

Category

Third generation cephalosporins, Antibiotics

Schedule

Schedule H

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https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a698024.html>

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https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB01416>

Accessdata.fda.gov. 2021. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 5 January 2021].

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https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2013/050674s015,050675s018lbl.pdf>

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Information on this page was last updated on 15 Sep 2021

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