Cefixime Medochemie 400 mg
Third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic for bacterial infections
Quick Facts About Cefixime Medochemie
Key Takeaways About Cefixime Medochemie
- Broad-spectrum antibiotic: Cefixime is effective against many gram-negative and some gram-positive bacteria, making it suitable for a wide range of common infections
- Convenient dosing: A single 400 mg tablet once daily makes adherence straightforward, though it can be split into two 200 mg doses taken 12 hours apart
- Penicillin cross-reactivity: Patients with a history of severe penicillin allergy (anaphylaxis) should not take cefixime due to the risk of cross-reaction with beta-lactam antibiotics
- Complete the full course: Always finish all prescribed doses, even if you feel better. Stopping early promotes antibiotic resistance and may allow the infection to return
- WHO Essential Medicine: Cefixime is recognized by the World Health Organization as an essential medicine for treating common bacterial infections worldwide
What Is Cefixime Medochemie and What Is It Used For?
Cefixime Medochemie contains cefixime, a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic that works by killing bacteria responsible for common infections. It is prescribed for ear infections, throat infections, sinusitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and uncomplicated gonorrhea when the causative bacteria are known or expected to be susceptible.
Cefixime belongs to the cephalosporin class of antibiotics, which are structurally related to penicillins but offer a broader spectrum of antibacterial activity and greater resistance to bacterial enzymes called beta-lactamases. As a third-generation cephalosporin, cefixime is particularly effective against gram-negative bacteria while retaining activity against certain gram-positive organisms. It was first approved for medical use in 1989 and has since become one of the most widely prescribed oral cephalosporins globally.
The mechanism of action of cefixime involves interference with bacterial cell wall synthesis. All bacteria possess a rigid cell wall made of a substance called peptidoglycan, which provides structural integrity and protects the bacterial cell from osmotic lysis. Cefixime binds to specific enzymes called penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), particularly PBP 3, which are essential for the cross-linking step of peptidoglycan synthesis. By inhibiting this enzyme, cefixime prevents the bacteria from constructing a functional cell wall. Without structural support, the bacterial cell takes on water, swells, and ultimately lyses (bursts), leading to bacterial death.
Cefixime is classified as a bactericidal antibiotic, meaning it directly kills bacteria rather than merely inhibiting their growth. This distinguishes it from bacteriostatic antibiotics, which only prevent bacterial multiplication. The bactericidal activity of cefixime is time-dependent, meaning the duration for which the drug concentration exceeds the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the target organism is the primary determinant of efficacy.
Approved Indications
Cefixime Medochemie is used to treat the following infections when caused by susceptible bacteria:
- Acute otitis media: A serious infection of the middle ear, most commonly caused by Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, and Streptococcus pneumoniae. Cefixime is typically reserved for cases that have not responded to first-line therapy or when amoxicillin cannot be used.
- Upper respiratory tract infections: Including pharyngitis (sore throat), tonsillitis, and acute sinusitis. When caused by Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A streptococcus), cefixime is an alternative for patients who cannot take penicillin as first-line therapy.
- Lower respiratory tract infections: Including acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis and community-acquired pneumonia caused by susceptible organisms such as H. influenzae and S. pneumoniae.
- Urinary tract infections: Including uncomplicated acute cystitis (bladder infection) and uncomplicated acute pyelonephritis (kidney infection) caused by Escherichia coli and Proteus mirabilis.
- Uncomplicated gonococcal infections: Urethritis (inflammation of the urethra) and cervicitis (inflammation of the cervix) caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae. However, due to rising antimicrobial resistance, current guidelines from the WHO and CDC now recommend dual therapy with injectable ceftriaxone and oral azithromycin as first-line treatment for gonorrhea in many regions.
Cefixime should only be used to treat infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria. Misuse and overuse of antibiotics contribute to the growing problem of antimicrobial resistance, which the WHO has identified as one of the top ten global public health threats. Your doctor will determine whether cefixime is the most appropriate antibiotic for your specific infection based on local resistance patterns and clinical guidelines.
Pharmacokinetics
After oral administration, cefixime is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract with a bioavailability of approximately 40–50%. Food does not significantly affect the total absorption but may slow the rate of absorption slightly. Peak plasma concentrations are typically reached 3–8 hours after dosing. The drug is approximately 65% bound to plasma proteins, primarily albumin. Cefixime distributes into various body tissues and fluids including bronchial secretions, middle ear fluid, tonsils, and urinary tract tissue.
Cefixime is not extensively metabolized in the body. Approximately 50% of an administered dose is excreted unchanged in the urine, and about 10% is excreted via the bile into the feces. The elimination half-life is 3–4 hours in patients with normal kidney function, which supports once-daily or twice-daily dosing. In patients with significant renal impairment (creatinine clearance below 20 mL/min), the half-life may be prolonged to 11–12 hours, necessitating dose adjustment.
What Should You Know Before Taking Cefixime Medochemie?
Before taking cefixime, inform your doctor about any allergies to cephalosporins, penicillins, or other beta-lactam antibiotics. Key contraindications include severe penicillin allergy and known hypersensitivity to cefixime. Patients with kidney disease may need dose adjustments, and certain drug interactions must be managed.
Like all medicines, Cefixime Medochemie carries certain risks and is not appropriate for every patient. Before prescribing this antibiotic, your healthcare provider will evaluate your medical history, current medications, and individual risk factors to ensure it is safe for you. Providing complete and accurate information about your health background is essential for preventing potentially serious adverse effects.
Contraindications
You must not take Cefixime Medochemie if:
- You are allergic (hypersensitive) to cefixime or any of the other ingredients in this medicine (listed in the composition section below)
- You have ever had a severe allergic reaction to any antibiotic in the penicillin or beta-lactam group. Although cephalosporins and penicillins are structurally different, they share a core beta-lactam ring that can trigger cross-reactive allergic responses. The risk of cross-reactivity between penicillins and third-generation cephalosporins is estimated at approximately 1–2%, but in patients with a history of anaphylaxis or other severe immediate reactions to penicillin, the risk is considered unacceptable.
There is a rare but real risk of a severe, sudden allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) when using cefixime, particularly in patients with known beta-lactam allergy. Symptoms may include chest tightness, dizziness, a general feeling of being unwell, fainting, difficulty breathing, and skin flushing. If you experience any of these symptoms, stop taking Cefixime Medochemie immediately and seek emergency medical help.
Warnings and Precautions
Talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse before taking Cefixime Medochemie if any of the following apply:
- Kidney impairment: If you have reduced kidney function, your doctor may need to lower your dose of cefixime. Since approximately half of the drug is excreted through the kidneys, impaired renal function can lead to higher-than-expected blood levels and an increased risk of side effects. Your doctor may order blood tests to monitor your kidney function during treatment.
- Nephrotoxic medications: If you are taking other medicines that can affect kidney function, inform your doctor. The combination of cefixime with nephrotoxic drugs may increase the risk of kidney damage.
- History of gastrointestinal disease: Patients with a history of colitis or other significant gastrointestinal conditions should be monitored closely, as antibiotic-associated colitis (including Clostridioides difficile infection) can occur during or after antibiotic treatment.
- Prolonged use: Extended courses of cefixime may result in overgrowth of non-susceptible organisms, including fungi (such as Candida). If a secondary infection develops during treatment, appropriate measures should be taken.
A particular type of anemia called hemolytic anemia has been observed in association with cefixime treatment. In rare cases, this condition can become life-threatening. Hemolytic anemia involves the premature destruction of red blood cells, leading to fatigue, pale skin, rapid heart rate, and dark-colored urine. If hemolytic anemia develops during treatment with Cefixime Medochemie, the medication should be discontinued immediately and appropriate medical care sought.
Children
Cefixime Medochemie 400 mg film-coated tablets are intended for patients aged 12 years and older who weigh more than 50 kg. For younger children, alternative formulations (such as oral suspension) and weight-based dosing are typically available from other manufacturers. Your pediatrician will determine the most appropriate cefixime formulation and dose for your child.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant, or are planning to have a baby, consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medicine. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of cefixime use in pregnant women. Animal reproductive studies have not demonstrated teratogenic effects, but the absence of human data means that cefixime should only be used during pregnancy when the potential benefit clearly justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
Cefixime is excreted in small amounts in breast milk. While significant adverse effects in breastfed infants are unlikely at therapeutic maternal doses, there is a theoretical risk of sensitization, alteration of the infant's gut flora, or candidiasis. Breastfeeding mothers should discuss the risks and benefits with their healthcare provider before starting treatment.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Cefixime is not known to affect the ability to drive or operate machinery. No studies on the effects on driving performance have been conducted, and dizziness is listed only as a rare side effect. However, if you experience dizziness or any other central nervous system effects while taking cefixime, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until the symptoms resolve.
How Does Cefixime Medochemie Interact with Other Drugs?
Cefixime can interact with oral anticoagulants (blood thinners), nephrotoxic drugs, certain diuretics, and nifedipine. The most clinically significant interaction is with warfarin and similar anticoagulants, where cefixime may increase the risk of bleeding. Always tell your doctor about all medications you are taking.
Drug interactions can alter how medications work, increase side effects, or reduce therapeutic efficacy. While cefixime has fewer clinically significant interactions than many other antibiotics, several important interactions deserve attention. Always provide your doctor and pharmacist with a complete list of all prescription medicines, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements you are currently using.
Major Interactions
| Interacting Drug | Effect | Clinical Action |
|---|---|---|
| Warfarin and oral anticoagulants | Cefixime may enhance the anticoagulant effect by suppressing vitamin K–producing gut flora, increasing INR and bleeding risk | More frequent INR monitoring; dose adjustment of anticoagulant may be necessary |
| Aminoglycosides (gentamicin, tobramycin) | Increased risk of nephrotoxicity (kidney damage) when used concurrently | Monitor renal function closely; avoid combination if possible |
| Colistin, polymyxin B | Additive nephrotoxic potential | Monitor renal function; use combination only when clearly necessary |
| Loop diuretics (furosemide, ethacrynic acid) | High-dose loop diuretics combined with cephalosporins may increase risk of renal damage | Monitor kidney function and serum creatinine regularly |
Minor Interactions
| Interacting Drug | Effect | Clinical Action |
|---|---|---|
| Nifedipine | Nifedipine may increase the bioavailability of cefixime by up to 70%, raising plasma levels | Inform your doctor; dose adjustment may be considered |
| Probenecid | Probenecid inhibits renal tubular secretion of cefixime, increasing its serum concentration and half-life | Monitor for increased cefixime side effects; dose reduction may be warranted |
| Carbamazepine | Cefixime may increase carbamazepine serum levels | Monitor carbamazepine levels; watch for signs of toxicity |
Cefixime may cause a false-positive result in urine glucose tests that use the copper reduction method (e.g., Benedict's solution or Clinitest tablets). If you have diabetes and are testing your urine for glucose, use an enzyme-based glucose oxidase method instead. Additionally, cefixime may produce a false-positive direct Coombs test, which can complicate cross-matching of blood for transfusion.
What Is the Correct Dosage of Cefixime Medochemie?
The standard adult dose is 400 mg once daily (one tablet) or 200 mg twice daily (half a tablet every 12 hours). Treatment duration is typically 3–14 days depending on the infection. Always take cefixime exactly as your doctor has prescribed.
Correct dosing is essential for ensuring the antibiotic effectively eliminates the infection while minimizing the risk of adverse effects and the development of antibiotic resistance. The dose, frequency, and duration of treatment depend on the type and severity of infection, the patient's kidney function, and the susceptibility of the causative pathogen. Always follow your doctor's specific instructions for your individual situation.
Adults and Children Over 12 Years
Standard Dosing
The recommended dose is 400 mg per day, which can be taken as:
- One 400 mg tablet once daily – convenient for most patients and promotes adherence
- One half-tablet (200 mg) every 12 hours – preferred by some clinicians for more sustained drug levels throughout the day
The tablet can be taken with or without food and should be swallowed with a full glass of water. The scored tablet may be divided into two equal halves. Taking the dose at approximately the same time each day helps maintain consistent blood levels of the antibiotic.
Dosage by Indication
| Infection | Dose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Acute otitis media | 400 mg once daily | 5–10 days |
| Pharyngitis / tonsillitis | 400 mg once daily | 7–10 days |
| Acute sinusitis | 400 mg once daily | 7–14 days |
| Acute bronchitis exacerbation | 400 mg once daily | 5–10 days |
| Uncomplicated cystitis | 400 mg once daily | 3–7 days |
| Uncomplicated pyelonephritis | 400 mg once daily | 10–14 days |
| Uncomplicated gonorrhea | 400 mg single dose | One-time dose |
Elderly Patients
Elderly patients with normal kidney function can take the same dose as younger adults. However, because kidney function naturally declines with age, your doctor may assess your creatinine clearance before prescribing cefixime. If significant renal impairment is detected, a dose reduction will be necessary. Elderly patients are also at increased risk for antibiotic-associated diarrhea, and close monitoring is recommended.
Patients with Kidney Impairment
Renal Dose Adjustments
Because cefixime is primarily eliminated through the kidneys, dose modification is required in patients with reduced renal function:
- Creatinine clearance 21–60 mL/min: No adjustment necessary, but monitoring is recommended
- Creatinine clearance ≤20 mL/min or hemodialysis: The dose should be reduced to 200 mg per day (half the standard dose), and kidney function should be monitored regularly
Missed Dose
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is nearly time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose. Taking more than the prescribed amount does not improve efficacy and increases the risk of side effects, particularly gastrointestinal symptoms.
Overdose
If you take too much Cefixime Medochemie, contact your doctor or go to the nearest emergency department immediately. Bring the medication packaging with you. Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, and severe diarrhea. Treatment is supportive and may include gastric lavage (stomach pumping) if performed soon after ingestion. Cefixime is not significantly removed by hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis.
Continue taking Cefixime Medochemie until the prescribed course is finished, even if you feel better after a few days. All prescribed doses are needed to fully eliminate the infection. If some bacteria survive, the infection may return and may be more difficult to treat due to antibiotic resistance. The World Health Organization identifies incomplete antibiotic courses as a major driver of antimicrobial resistance.
What Are the Side Effects of Cefixime Medochemie?
The most common side effect of cefixime is diarrhea, affecting up to 1 in 10 patients. Less common effects include headache, nausea, abdominal pain, and rash. Serious but rare side effects include anaphylaxis, severe skin reactions (Stevens-Johnson syndrome), hemolytic anemia, and antibiotic-associated colitis. Stop taking cefixime and seek immediate medical help if you develop severe symptoms.
Like all antibiotics, cefixime can cause side effects, although not everyone who takes it will experience them. Most side effects are mild and resolve on their own after the treatment course is completed. However, some side effects can be serious and require prompt medical attention. Understanding what to watch for will help you respond appropriately if side effects occur.
The most frequently reported adverse effect during clinical trials and post-marketing surveillance is diarrhea. This occurs because cefixime, like all broad-spectrum antibiotics, disrupts the normal balance of beneficial bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. In most cases, the diarrhea is mild and self-limiting. However, if diarrhea is severe, persistent, watery, or contains blood or mucus, this may indicate Clostridioides difficile-associated colitis, a potentially serious complication that requires immediate medical evaluation.
Common
- Diarrhea
Uncommon
- Headache
- Abdominal pain (stomach pain)
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Skin rash (red spots)
- Elevated liver enzymes (transaminases, alkaline phosphatase) in blood tests
Rare
- Bacterial superinfection (overgrowth of resistant bacteria)
- Fungal superinfection (e.g., oral or vaginal candidiasis)
- Eosinophilia (increased eosinophil white blood cells)
- Hypersensitivity (allergic reactions)
- Decreased appetite
- Dizziness
- Flatulence (gas)
- Hepatitis (liver inflammation)
- Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes)
- Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS syndrome)
- Mucosal inflammation (mouth, nose)
- Fever
- Elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN) in blood tests
Very Rare
- Antibiotic-associated colitis (Clostridioides difficile infection)
- Hemolytic anemia (excessive breakdown of red blood cells)
- Anaphylactic shock (severe, life-threatening allergic reaction)
- Psychomotor hyperactivity (restlessness)
- Erythema multiforme (raised, red skin areas)
- Pruritus (itching)
- Stevens-Johnson syndrome (life-threatening reaction with painful rash affecting skin, mouth, eyes, and genitals)
- Toxic epidermal necrolysis (life-threatening blistering of skin)
- Urticaria (hives)
- Interstitial nephritis (kidney inflammation)
- Elevated serum creatinine in blood tests
Stop taking cefixime and go to your nearest emergency department if you experience: severe allergic reaction (swelling of face, lips, tongue or throat; difficulty breathing; severe rash or hives); severe or bloody diarrhea; yellowing of skin or eyes; dark urine; signs of severe skin reaction (widespread rash with blisters, peeling skin, fever); or unexplained fatigue with pale skin and rapid heartbeat (signs of hemolytic anemia).
Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea
Diarrhea is the most frequently encountered side effect of cefixime therapy. The disruption of normal intestinal flora allows opportunistic organisms, particularly Clostridioides difficile, to colonize the bowel. Mild diarrhea typically resolves upon completion of the antibiotic course. However, C. difficile colitis can develop during or even several weeks after antibiotic treatment and presents with watery diarrhea, abdominal cramps, fever, and in severe cases, toxic megacolon. If you develop persistent diarrhea during or after cefixime therapy, contact your healthcare provider promptly. Do not take anti-diarrheal medications without medical advice, as they may worsen the condition.
How Should You Store Cefixime Medochemie?
Store Cefixime Medochemie at or below 25°C (77°F), in its original packaging, away from moisture and direct sunlight. Keep it out of the reach and sight of children. Do not use after the expiry date printed on the packaging.
Proper storage of medications ensures they remain effective and safe throughout their shelf life. Cefixime Medochemie should be stored at a temperature not exceeding 25°C (77°F). Keep the tablets in their original blister packaging until you are ready to take them, as this protects them from moisture and light. Do not transfer the tablets to a different container unless it is a proper medication container with a secure lid.
Check the expiry date on the carton before taking any tablet. The expiry date refers to the last day of the stated month. Do not use Cefixime Medochemie after this date, even if the tablets appear normal, as the chemical stability and potency of the active ingredient may be compromised.
Do not dispose of unused medicines by flushing them down the toilet or putting them in household waste. Return unused tablets to your pharmacist for safe disposal. Proper medication disposal protects the environment from pharmaceutical contamination of water systems and soil.
What Does Cefixime Medochemie Contain?
Each Cefixime Medochemie tablet contains 447.68 mg of cefixime trihydrate, equivalent to 400 mg of cefixime (the active ingredient). The tablets also contain inactive ingredients for structure, coating, and appearance.
Active Ingredient
Each film-coated tablet contains 447.68 mg of cefixime trihydrate, which is equivalent to 400 mg of cefixime. Cefixime trihydrate is the hydrated crystalline form of the active substance, chosen for its stability and consistent bioavailability when formulated as an oral tablet.
Inactive Ingredients (Excipients)
The tablet core and film coating contain the following inactive ingredients, which serve various pharmaceutical functions:
| Ingredient | Function | E Number |
|---|---|---|
| Microcrystalline cellulose PH 102 | Binder / diluent | E460 |
| Calcium hydrogen phosphate dihydrate | Diluent / filler | E341 |
| Pregelatinised starch | Binder / disintegrant | – |
| Magnesium stearate | Lubricant | E470b |
| Poly(vinyl alcohol) | Film coating agent | E1203 |
| Titanium dioxide | Opacifier / colorant | E171 |
| Macrogol (PEG 3350) | Plasticizer | – |
| Talc | Anti-adherent / glidant | E553b |
| Red iron oxide | Colorant | E172 |
| Yellow iron oxide | Colorant | E172 |
Appearance and Packaging
Cefixime Medochemie 400 mg tablets are light brown, oval, biconvex, film-coated tablets with a score line on both sides. The score line allows the tablet to be divided into two equal 200 mg halves for flexible dosing. Each tablet measures approximately 18.2 mm × 9.2 mm.
The tablets are supplied in PVC–aluminium blister packs. Available pack sizes include 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, and 100 film-coated tablets. Not all pack sizes may be marketed in every country.
Manufacturer: Medochemie Ltd, Constantinoupoleos 1-10, Limassol 3011, Cyprus. Cefixime Medochemie is approved and marketed across multiple countries within the European Economic Area under various brand names, including Cefimed in Bulgaria, Cyprus, and Malta, and Afixora in Spain.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cefixime Medochemie
Cefixime is a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic prescribed for a range of bacterial infections. Its approved indications include acute otitis media (middle ear infection), pharyngitis and tonsillitis, acute sinusitis, acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis, community-acquired pneumonia, uncomplicated urinary tract infections (cystitis and pyelonephritis), and uncomplicated gonococcal infections of the cervix and urethra. It works by killing bacteria through disruption of their cell wall synthesis. Cefixime is only effective against bacterial infections and will not work for viral illnesses such as the common cold or flu.
This depends on the nature and severity of your penicillin allergy. If you experienced only a mild reaction to penicillin (such as a non-severe rash), the cross-reactivity risk with third-generation cephalosporins like cefixime is estimated at only 1–2%, and your doctor may consider cefixime with appropriate monitoring. However, if you have ever had a severe or immediate allergic reaction to penicillin — including anaphylaxis, severe hives, angioedema, or breathing difficulties — you should not take cefixime, as the shared beta-lactam ring structure means a cross-reaction could be life-threatening. Always discuss your allergy history with your doctor before starting any new antibiotic.
Cefixime begins killing bacteria within hours of taking the first dose, as it reaches therapeutic concentrations in blood and tissues relatively quickly. Most patients notice symptom improvement within 2–3 days of starting treatment. However, it is critically important to complete the entire prescribed course (typically 3–14 days), even if you feel better before it is finished. Stopping the antibiotic early allows surviving bacteria to regrow, potentially leading to treatment failure and the development of antibiotic-resistant strains.
Unlike certain cephalosporins that contain a methylthiotetrazole (MTT) side chain (such as cefoperazone or cefotetan), cefixime does not cause a disulfiram-like reaction with alcohol. Therefore, there is no specific pharmacological interaction between cefixime and alcohol. However, alcohol can suppress immune function, increase the likelihood of gastrointestinal upset (nausea, diarrhea), and impair your body's ability to fight infection. Most healthcare professionals advise limiting or avoiding alcohol while you are recovering from an infection and taking antibiotics.
Cefixime should only be used during pregnancy when the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the unborn child. While animal reproductive studies have not shown evidence of harm, there are no well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Cefixime is excreted in small amounts in breast milk. Although significant adverse effects on the breastfed infant are unlikely at normal therapeutic doses, there is a theoretical risk of sensitization or disruption of the infant's gut flora. Consult your doctor to weigh the risks and benefits for your specific situation.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Never take a double dose to compensate for a forgotten one. If you miss an entire day, take the normal dose the next day and continue as prescribed. Missing doses reduces the effectiveness of the antibiotic and may allow bacteria to develop resistance, so try to set reminders to help you take your medicine at the same time each day.
References and Sources
- European Medicines Agency (EMA). Cefixime-containing medicines – referral. Available at: www.ema.europa.eu.
- World Health Organization. WHO Model List of Essential Medicines – 23rd list, 2023. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2023. Available at: www.who.int.
- Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA). Practice Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Group A Streptococcal Pharyngitis: 2012 Update. Clin Infect Dis. 2012;55(10):e86–e102. doi:10.1093/cid/cis629.
- European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST). Breakpoint tables for interpretation of MICs and zone diameters, Version 14.0, 2024. Available at: www.eucast.org.
- British National Formulary (BNF). Cefixime. London: BMJ Group and Pharmaceutical Press; 2025. Available at: bnf.nice.org.uk.
- Guay DR. Cefixime: a review. Drug Intell Clin Pharm. 1991;25(12):1334–1346. doi:10.1177/106002809102501210.
- World Health Organization. WHO guidelines for the treatment of Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2016. Available at: www.who.int.
- Medochemie Ltd. Cefixime Medochemie 400 mg film-coated tablets – Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC). Last updated December 2025.
- Nicolle LE, Gupta K, Bradley SF, et al. Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Asymptomatic Bacteriuria: 2019 Update by the Infectious Diseases Society of America. Clin Infect Dis. 2019;68(10):e83–e110. doi:10.1093/cid/ciz021.
- Pichichero ME. Cephalosporins can be prescribed safely for penicillin-allergic patients. J Fam Pract. 2006;55(2):106–112.
Medical Editorial Team
This article was researched and written by the iMedic Medical Editorial Team, a multidisciplinary group of healthcare professionals with expertise in infectious disease, clinical pharmacology, microbiology, and evidence-based medicine.
Content developed by specialist physicians with clinical experience in infectious disease and antimicrobial therapy. All medical claims are substantiated by peer-reviewed literature and international guidelines.
Independently reviewed by the iMedic Medical Review Board, which includes board-certified physicians in infectious disease and clinical pharmacology. The review process follows the GRADE evidence framework.
All content adheres to international medical editorial standards including evidence grading, conflict-of-interest disclosure, and regular updates following new guideline publications or safety communications.
This article is reviewed at least annually and updated whenever new safety information, regulatory changes, or significant clinical evidence emerges. Last fact-check: January 2026.