Suprax

Generic Name: cefixime (sef IX eem)

Brand Names: Suprax

What is Suprax (cefixime)?

Cefixime is in a group of drugs called cephalosporin (SEF a low spor in) antibiotics. It works by fighting bacteria in your body.

Cefixime is used to treat many different types of infections caused by bacteria.

Cefixime may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Suprax (cefixime)?

Do not take this medication if you are allergic to cefixime, or to similar antibiotics, such as Ceftin, Cefzil, Keflex, Omnicef, and others.

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs (especially penicillin).

Take this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Cefixime will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or has blood in it, call your doctor. Do not use any medicine to stop the diarrhea unless your doctor has told you to.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Suprax (cefixime)?

Do not take this medication if you are allergic to cefixime or to other cephalosporin antibiotics, such as:

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  cefaclor (Raniclor);

  
  


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  cefadroxil (Duricef);

  
  


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  cefazolin (Ancef);

  
  


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  cefdinir (Omnicef);

  
  


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  cefditoren (Spectracef);

  
  


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  cefpodoxime (Vantin);

  
  


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  cefprozil (Cefzil);

  
  


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  ceftibuten (Cedax);

  
  


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  cefuroxime (Ceftin);

  
  


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  cephalexin (Keflex);

  
  


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  cephradine (Velosef); and others.

  
  

Before taking cefixime, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, especially penicillins.

FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Cefixime may pass into breast milk and could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

The cefixime suspension (liquid) contains sucrose. Talk to your doctor before using this form of cefixime if you have diabetes.

How should I take Suprax (cefixime)?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Take this medicine with a full glass of water. Cefixime works best if you take it with a meal or within 30 minutes of a meal.

The cefixime chewable tablet must be chewed before you swallow it.

Do not crush, chew, or break an extended-release tablet. Swallow the pill whole. Breaking the pill may cause too much of the drug to be released at one time. Shake the oral suspension (liquid) well just before you measure a dose. To be sure you get the correct dose, measure the liquid with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

This medication can cause you to have unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using cefixime.

Take cefixime for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Cefixime will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu. Store the tablets and capsules at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Store the oral liquid in the refrigerator. Throw away any unused medication after 14 days.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medication as soon as you remember the missed dose. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and use the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and diarrhea.

What should I avoid while taking Suprax (cefixime)?

Avoid using antacids within 1 hour before or after taking cefixime. Antacids can make it harder for your body to absorb cefixime.

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or has blood in it, call your doctor. Do not use any medicine to stop the diarrhea unless your doctor has told you to.

Suprax (cefixime) side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

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  diarrhea that is watery or bloody;

  
  


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  fever, sore throat, and joint pain with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash;

  
  


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  numbness or tingly feeling;

  
  


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  warmth, redness, or tingling under your skin;

  
  


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  swelling in your hands or feet;

  
  


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  fast or pounding heartbeats;

  
  


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  chest pain, shortness of breath.

  
  

Less serious side effects may include:

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  mild nausea, stomach pain, constipation, loss of appetite;

  
  


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  anxiety, drowsiness;

  
  


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  increased night-time urination;

  
  


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  headache;

  
  


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  runny nose, sore throat, cough; or

  
  


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  vaginal itching or discharge.

  
  

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Suprax (cefixime)?

There may be other drugs that can interact with cefixime. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start taking a new medication without telling your doctor.

More Suprax resources

• Suprax Side Effects (in more detail)
• Suprax Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Drug Images
• Suprax Drug Interactions
• Suprax Support Group
• 1 Review for Suprax - Add your own review/rating

• Suprax Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Suprax MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)


• Suprax Monograph (AHFS DI)


• Suprax Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information


• Cefixime Professional Patient Advice (Wolters Kluwer)

Compare Suprax with other medications

• Bladder Infection
• Bronchitis
• Gonococcal Infection, Disseminated
• Gonococcal Infection, Uncomplicated
• Kidney Infections
• Otitis Media
• Pneumonia
• Sinusitis
• STD Prophylaxis
• Tonsillitis/Pharyngitis
• Upper Respiratory Tract Infection
• Urinary Tract Infection

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist can provide more information about cefixime.

See also: Suprax side effects (in more detail)