Cefpodoxime for infection

About cefpodoxime

Cefpodoxime is a broad-spectrum antibiotic, which means that it is active against a wide variety of bacteria. It is used to treat bacterial infections such as urinary tract infections, chest and throat infections, skin infections and sinusitis. Cefpodoxime treats an infection by killing the bacteria that are causing it.

Some people who are allergic to penicillin antibiotics may not be able to take cefpodoxime, so make sure your doctor knows if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any other antibiotic.

Before taking cefpodoxime

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking cefpodoxime it is important that your doctor knows:

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine. It is particularly important that you tell your doctor if you have had a bad reaction to a penicillin or cephalosporin antibiotic.

• If you have any problems with the way your kidneys work.

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breastfeeding. (Although cefpodoxime is not known to be harmful to babies, it is still important that you tell your doctor if you are expecting or breastfeeding a baby.)

• If you are taking or using any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.

How to take cefpodoxime

• Before you start taking cefpodoxime, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside your pack. The manufacturer's leaflet will give you more information about the antibiotic and a full list of side-effects which you may experience from taking it.

• Usual doses of cefpodoxime are as follows, but they are intended as a guide only. Your doctor will tell you what dose is right for you (or your child), and this information will be printed on the label of the pack to remind you. You should take cefpodoxime exactly as your doctor tells you to:
  

  • Adults: 1 or 2 tablets twice daily, morning and evening.

  • Children aged over 9 years: 1 tablet twice daily, morning and evening.

  • Children aged 3-8 years: 10 ml twice daily, morning and evening.

  • Children aged 6 months-2 years: 5 ml twice daily, morning and evening.

• If you have been given liquid medicine for your child, read the directions carefully to make sure you measure out the correct amount of medicine. There is 40 mg of cefpodoxime in each 5 ml of medicine.

• Take cefpodoxime with a snack or just after eating a meal, as this will help your body to absorb the medicine. Space your doses out evenly throughout the day.

• Your doctor will tell you how long the course of treatment will last - this is commonly about five days. Keep taking the antibiotic until the course is finished unless you are told to stop by your doctor. Taking the full course is important (even if you feel your infection has cleared up) in order to prevent the infection from coming back.

• If you forget to take a dose, take one as soon as you remember. Try to take the correct number of doses each day, but do not take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed dose.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Some people develop thrush (redness and itching in the mouth or vagina) after taking a course of antibiotics. If you think you have thrush speak with your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

• Antacids reduce the amount of cefpodoxime that your body absorbs. Because of this, it is recommended that you do not take indigestion remedies during the two hours before or the two hours after you take cefpodoxime.

• If you are using oral combined hormonal contraception (the 'pill'), additional contraceptive precautions such as condoms are recommended for a time if you have sickness (vomiting) or diarrhoea which lasts for more than 24 hours. If you need further advice about this, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

• If you are having an operation or any other medical treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment that you are taking an antibiotic. This is because cefpodoxime may interfere with the results of some tests to check for sugar in urine.

• Cefpodoxime may stop the oral typhoid vaccine from working. If you are having any vaccinations, make sure the person treating you knows that you are taking this antibiotic.

Can cefpodoxime cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the most common ones associated with cefpodoxime. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine. The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

Important: if you develop an itchy rash, swollen face or mouth, or have difficulty breathing, these can be signs that you are allergic to the antibiotic. Do not take any more cefpodoxime and speak with your doctor or go to your local accident and emergency department straightaway.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

How to store cefpodoxime

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.

• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

• If you have been given liquid medicine, store it in a refrigerator. It will have been made up by the pharmacy, so remember to check the expiry date on the bottle and do not use it after this date.
  

Important information about all medicines