Dofexim

Indications

Cefpodoxime is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections, including:

• Throat and tonsil infections, sinusitis and middle ear infections.
• Chest infections such as bronchitis and community-acquired pneumonia.
• Uncomplicated urinary tract infections.
• Skin and soft tissue infections.
• Uncomplicated gonorrhoea.

It does not work against viral infections such as colds and flu.

How It Works

Cefpodoxime stops bacteria from building their cell walls, so the bacteria break down and die.

Dosage and Administration

• Adults and children over 12 years: usually 100 to 200 mg twice a day, depending on the infection, for 5 to 14 days. For uncomplicated gonorrhoea, a single 200 mg dose is commonly used, as prescribed.
• Children under 12: suspension dosed by body weight, as prescribed.
• Kidney problems: the doctor may lower the dose.

Tablets are best taken with food. Finish the full course even if you feel better.

Interactions

Antacids and stomach-acid reducing medicines such as Omeprazole, Ranitidine and Famotidine reduce absorption; take antacids at least 2 hours apart. Probenecid increases cefpodoxime levels. Strong diuretics such as Furosemide and some other antibiotics may increase the risk of kidney problems. It may give a false positive result in some urine sugar tests.

Contraindications

• Allergy to cefpodoxime or other cephalosporin antibiotics.
• A previous severe allergic reaction to Penicillin or other beta-lactam antibiotics.

Side Effects

Common: diarrhoea, nausea, stomach pain, headache and rash. Vaginal thrush or oral thrush can occur.

Get urgent medical help for swelling of the face, lips or throat, difficulty breathing, a blistering or peeling skin rash, or severe, watery or bloody diarrhoea (which can happen during or weeks after treatment).

Pregnancy and Lactation

Cephalosporins are generally considered acceptable in pregnancy when a doctor decides they are needed. Small amounts pass into breast milk; it is usually compatible with breastfeeding, but watch the baby for diarrhoea or thrush and tell the doctor.

Precautions and Warnings

• Tell the doctor about any past allergy to antibiotics.
• Use with care in kidney disease and in people with a history of colitis.
• Long use can allow resistant germs or fungi to grow.
• See a doctor if symptoms do not improve after 2 to 3 days.

Overdose

Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain and diarrhoea. In people with kidney failure, very high levels may rarely cause fits. Seek medical advice if a large amount has been taken.

Therapeutic Class

Third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic.

Storage

Store tablets and dry powder below 30°C in a dry place, away from light. Once the suspension is mixed, keep it in the fridge (2 to 8°C) and use within the time on the label, usually 14 days. Keep out of reach of children.