Cefixime: what it treats and how to use it safely

Thinking about cefixime? It's a common oral cephalosporin antibiotic your doctor may prescribe for ear infections, some throat and chest infections, urinary tract infections, and a few sexually transmitted infections. This page gives straight, practical tips so you know what to expect and what to watch for.

How cefixime works and when it helps

Cefixime kills bacteria by interfering with their cell walls. That makes it useful against certain bacteria, not viruses. If you have a cold or the flu, cefixime won't help. Your clinician will decide if the bug is likely to respond based on symptoms, tests, or local resistance patterns.

Common uses include: uncomplicated urinary tract infections, otitis media (middle ear infection), bronchitis when bacterial, and specific sexually transmitted infections. The exact choice depends on the infection and local antibiotic resistance.

Practical dosing tips and missed doses

Adults often take 400 mg once daily or 200 mg every 12 hours. Kids get a dose based on weight. Always follow the prescription you were given — don't mix doses from the internet or a friend. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it's almost time for the next one. Don't double up to catch up.

You can take cefixime with or without food. Some antacids and medications with calcium or magnesium may reduce how much drug your body absorbs — take cefixime a couple of hours before or after those, or ask your pharmacist for specifics.

Kidney function matters. If you have reduced kidney function, your doctor may lower the dose. Tell them about any kidney problems or other chronic conditions.

Finish the full course unless your prescriber tells you otherwise. Stopping early can let bacteria come back and become resistant.

Common side effects are mild: diarrhea, nausea, stomach pain, and sometimes a headache. Diarrhea that is severe or watery and doesn't stop could be Clostridioides difficile — call your provider. Allergic reactions to cephalosporins can happen. If you get hives, swelling of the face or throat, trouble breathing, or severe rash, seek emergency care.

Tell your prescriber if you're on blood thinners, as antibiotic courses can change bleeding risk. Also mention pregnancy or breastfeeding — cefixime is often used in pregnancy, but it's best to check first.

Thinking of buying cefixime online? Only use licensed pharmacies that require a prescription. Avoid suspicious sites selling antibiotics without a prescription — those drugs may be fake or unsafe.

Have questions for your doctor? Ask what bacteria they're treating, how long you should take it, what side effects to expect, and whether you need any follow-up tests. That makes treatment safer and more likely to work.

If symptoms worsen or you get new fever, increased pain, or signs of allergy, contact your healthcare provider right away. Clear, early communication beats guesswork when antibiotics are involved.