Cefixime oral suspension

What is this medicine?

CEFIXIME (sef IX eem) is a cephalosporin antibiotic. It is used to treat certain kinds of bacterial infections. It will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Shake well before using. Use a specially marked spoon or container to measure your medicine. Household spoons are not accurate. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed. Take all of your medicine as directed even if you think your are better. Do not skip doses or stop your medicine early.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 6 months old for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• bloody or watery diarrhea

• difficulty breathing or wheezing

• dizziness

• fever

• pain or trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine

• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

• seizures

• unusual bleeding or bruising

• unusually weak or tired

• yellowing of the eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• diarrhea

• headache

• genital or anal irritation

• nausea, vomiting

• stomach pain, upset, or gas

What may interact with this medicine?

• aspirin and aspirin-like medicines

• carbamazepine

• medicines that treat or prevent blood clots like warfarin

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

After this medicine is mixed by your pharmacist, store it in a refrigerator or at room temperature. Do not freeze. Keep tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after 14 days.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• bleeding problems

• kidney disease

• stomach or intestine problems (especially colitis)

• an unusual or allergic reaction to cefixime, other cephalosporin or penicillin antibiotics, other foods, dyes or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve or if you get new symptoms. Your doctor will monitor your condition and blood work as needed.

Do not treat diarrhea with over the counter products. Contact your doctor if you have diarrhea that lasts more than 2 days or if it is severe and watery.

This medicine can interfere with some urine glucose and some urine ketone tests. If you use such tests, talk with your health care professional.