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Cefixime Trihydrate: Brands, Price & Uses in Bangladesh

Cefixime Trihydrate is a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat infections caused by susceptible bacteria.

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About Cefixime Trihydrate

Indications of Cefixime Trihydrate

Cefixime Trihydrate is a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat infections caused by susceptible bacteria. Indications are classified below by strength of evidence:

Established / approved uses

  • Uncomplicated urinary tract infections caused by susceptible Escherichia coli and Proteus mirabilis
  • Pharyngitis and tonsillitis caused by Streptococcus pyogenes (note: penicillin is generally considered the drug of first choice for streptococcal pharyngitis, including prevention of rheumatic fever)
  • Acute otitis media caused by susceptible Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, or Streptococcus pneumoniae
  • Acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis and other lower respiratory tract infections caused by susceptible organisms
  • Uncomplicated cervical/urethral gonorrhea caused by susceptible non-penicillinase- and penicillinase-producing Neisseria gonorrhoeae, given as a single dose

Guideline-supported use

  • Typhoid fever (enteric fever) caused by susceptible Salmonella typhi, where Cefixime Trihydrate is a recognized oral treatment option, particularly for multidrug-resistant strains

Use of Cefixime Trihydrate should be guided by culture and susceptibility information where possible, and by local antimicrobial resistance patterns, to ensure appropriate use of this antibiotic.

Dosage & Administration of Cefixime Trihydrate

Adults and children over 10 years / over 50 kg

IndicationDose
Uncomplicated UTI, pharyngitis/tonsillitis, bronchitis, otitis media (general use)Cefixime Trihydrate 200 mg twice daily or 400 mg once daily, for 7–14 days depending on severity and site of infection (streptococcal pharyngitis requires at least 10 days)
Uncomplicated gonorrheaCefixime Trihydrate 400 mg as a single oral dose
Typhoid feverCefixime Trihydrate 200 mg twice daily for 10–14 days (higher weight-based doses used in children, see below)

Children (6 months and older, using oral suspension)

IndicationDose
General susceptible infections (UTI, otitis media, pharyngitis/tonsillitis, bronchitis)Cefixime Trihydrate 8 mg/kg/day, given once daily or as 4 mg/kg every 12 hours
Typhoid feverCefixime Trihydrate 10–15 mg/kg/day in two divided doses for 10–14 days, as commonly used in guideline-supported regimens for multidrug-resistant typhoid

Safety and efficacy of Cefixime Trihydrate in infants below 6 months of age have not been established.

Renal impairment

Creatinine clearanceDose adjustment
≥ 60 mL/min (or on hemodialysis)No adjustment necessary
20–59 mL/minReduce dose by approximately 25%
< 20 mL/minReduce dose by approximately 50% (e.g. maximum 200 mg once daily)

Administration: Cefixime Trihydrate may be taken with or without food. The oral suspension should be shaken well before each use and measured with an accurate dosing device. Cefixime Trihydrate should be taken exactly as prescribed by your physician; do not stop, extend, skip doses, or share this medicine with others without medical advice, and complete the full prescribed course even if symptoms improve early.

Side Effects of Cefixime Trihydrate

The most commonly reported side effects of Cefixime Trihydrate are gastrointestinal:

  • Diarrhea (most common)
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Abdominal pain
  • Dyspepsia and loose stools
  • Flatulence

Less common effects include headache, dizziness, and skin reactions such as rash, pruritus, and urticaria. Reversible hematologic changes (eosinophilia, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia) have been reported. Rare but serious effects include hypersensitivity reactions (including anaphylaxis and serious skin reactions), Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea/pseudomembranous colitis (see Precautions and Warnings), and reversible elevations in liver enzymes.

Contraindications of Cefixime Trihydrate

Cefixime Trihydrate is contraindicated in patients with a known history of hypersensitivity (e.g. anaphylaxis, serious skin reactions) to Cefixime Trihydrate, other cephalosporin antibiotics, or any component of the formulation. Because of the possibility of cross-reactivity, Cefixime Trihydrate should also not be given to patients with a history of a severe (e.g. anaphylactic) reaction to penicillins.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cefixime Trihydrate

What is Cefixime Trihydrate used for?

Cefixime Trihydrate is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections such as urinary tract infections, throat infections (pharyngitis/tonsillitis), middle ear infections (otitis media), bronchitis, uncomplicated gonorrhea, and typhoid fever caused by susceptible bacteria.

How should I take Cefixime Trihydrate?

Take Cefixime Trihydrate exactly as prescribed by your physician, with or without food, at evenly spaced intervals. Do not stop, extend, skip doses, or share this medicine with others without medical advice, and always complete the full course even if you feel better before it is finished, to reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance and relapse.

Can Cefixime Trihydrate be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of Cefixime Trihydrate in pregnant women, so it should be used in pregnancy only if clearly needed, when the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. It is not known whether Cefixime Trihydrate passes into breast milk in significant amounts, so it should be used while breastfeeding only if a physician considers it necessary. Always consult your doctor before using it in pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

What are the common side effects of Cefixime Trihydrate?

The most common side effects of Cefixime Trihydrate are gastrointestinal, including diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, dyspepsia, and loose stools. Less commonly, headache, dizziness, or skin rash may occur. Seek medical attention if you develop severe or persistent diarrhea, signs of an allergic reaction (rash, swelling, difficulty breathing), or unusually severe illness.

Who should not take Cefixime Trihydrate?

Cefixime Trihydrate should not be taken by anyone with a known allergy (hypersensitivity) to Cefixime Trihydrate, other cephalosporin antibiotics, or by anyone who has had a severe allergic reaction to penicillin antibiotics, because of the possibility of cross-reactivity between the two drug classes.

What should I do if I miss a dose or take too much Cefixime Trihydrate?

If you miss a dose of Cefixime Trihydrate, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next dose, in which case skip the missed dose; do not double up. If an overdose of Cefixime Trihydrate is suspected, seek immediate medical attention or contact a poison control center, as there is no specific antidote and treatment is supportive.

Disclaimer

The information provided is accurate to the best of our knowledge, but it does not replace professional medical advice. We cannot guarantee its completeness or accuracy, and the absence of specific information about a drug should not be taken as an endorsement. We are not responsible for any consequences arising from this information, so please consult a healthcare professional for any concerns or questions.

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