Generic Suprax

Chemical name: CEFIXIME

Common uses

This medicine is a cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat infections caused by bacteria such as pneumonia; bronchitis; gonorrhea; and ear, lung, throat, and urinary tract infections. Antibiotics will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Before using

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to cefixime or other any cephalosporin antibiotic such as cefaclor (Ceclor) or cephalexin (Keflex), penicillin, or any other drugs.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially other antibiotics, anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin), aspirin, carbamazepine (Tegretol), probenecid (Benemid), and vitamins.

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney or liver disease, colitis, or stomach problems.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking cefixime, call your doctor.

If you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking cefixime.

Directions

Cefixime comes as a tablet and liquid to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day or every 12 hours (twice a day) for 5-14 days. Gonorrhea may be treated in 1-10 days. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take cefixime exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Shake the liquid well before each use to mix the medication evenly. The tablets should be swallowed whole and taken with a full glass of water. Continue to take cefixime even if you feel well. Do not stop taking cefixime without talking to your doctor.

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store the tablets at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Keep liquid medicine in the refrigerator, closed tightly, and throw away any unused medication after 14 days. Do not freeze. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

Cautions

Cefixime may cause an upset stomach. Take cefixime with food or milk.

If you miss a dose take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Possible side effects

Although side effects from cefixime are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• upset stomach
• diarrhea
• vomiting
• mild skin rash
• headache

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• severe skin rash
• itching
• hives
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• wheezing
• vaginal infection

If you take too much

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Additional information

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response to cefixime.

If you are diabetic, use Clinistix or TesTape (not Clinitest) to test your urine for sugar while taking this drug.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Your prescription is probably not refillable. If you still have symptoms of infection after you finish the cefixime, call your doctor.