Medicine Information

Gigacef

Name: Gigacef
Brand: Gigacef
Rating: 4.5 (117 reviews)

Capsule500 mgAntibioticsATC: J01DD08

Generic Name

Cefixime

Manufacturer

Acme Laboratories Ltd.

Country

Bangladesh

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Price Details

Current market pricing information

Variant	Unit Price	Strip Price
gigacef 500 mg capsule	৳ 15.00	৳ 150.00

Description

Overview of the medicine

Cefixime is a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections including respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, and otitis media.

Uses & Indications

Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

Otitis Media

Pharyngitis and Tonsillitis

Acute Bronchitis and Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Bronchitis

Uncomplicated Gonorrhea

Dosage

Adults

Adults and children over 12 years or weighing more than 50 kg: 400 mg once daily or 200 mg twice daily. For 500mg capsule, typically 500mg once daily or as directed by physician.

Elderly

No dosage adjustment needed unless severe renal impairment. Careful monitoring of renal function is advised.

Renal_impairment

Creatinine clearance 21-60 mL/min: 300 mg daily. Creatinine clearance <20 mL/min: 200 mg daily.

How to Take

Oral administration. Can be taken with or without food. For best absorption and to minimize gastrointestinal upset, it's often advised to take with food.

Mechanism of Action

Cefixime acts by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis, leading to bacterial lysis and death. It binds to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) located inside the bacterial cell wall.

Pharmacokinetics

Onset

Peak plasma concentrations are achieved 2 to 6 hours after oral administration.

Excretion

Approximately 50% is excreted unchanged in the urine, about 10% via bile.

Half life

Average half-life is 3-4 hours, potentially longer in renal impairment.

Absorption

Approximately 40-50% orally absorbed, food may delay absorption but not significantly alter total amount.

Metabolism

Not extensively metabolized; primarily eliminated as unchanged drug.

Side Effects

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to cefixime or other cephalosporins.
History of severe hypersensitivity reaction to any penicillin (due to potential cross-reactivity).

Drug Interactions

Probenecid

Increases cefixime plasma concentrations by inhibiting renal excretion.

Methotrexate

Increased methotrexate levels and toxicity due to reduced renal clearance.

Carbamazepine

Concurrent use with cefixime may result in increased carbamazepine levels.

Oral Anticoagulants (e.g., Warfarin)

May increase prothrombin time and INR; careful monitoring required.

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.

Overdose

Gastric lavage, symptomatic and supportive treatment. Hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis do not remove significant amounts of cefixime from the body.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy Category B. Use with caution. Small amounts may pass into breast milk; generally considered compatible with breastfeeding, but consult a doctor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this medicine

Pack Sizes

10 capsules (1x10 blister pack)30 capsules (3x10 blister pack)

Shelf Life

Typically 24-36 months from manufacturing date.

Availability

Pharmacies nationwide

Approval Status

Approved by DGDA

Patent Status

Generic

WHO Essential Medicine

Yes

Clinical Trials

Extensive clinical trials have established the efficacy and safety of cefixime for its approved indications. Post-marketing surveillance continues to monitor safety.

Lab Monitoring

Renal function tests (e.g., creatinine clearance) in patients with pre-existing renal impairment.
Prothrombin time/INR in patients concurrently taking oral anticoagulants.
Complete blood count if treatment is prolonged.

Doctor Notes

Advise patients to report any signs of allergic reactions or severe diarrhea immediately.
Consider renal function adjustment in elderly patients and those with pre-existing renal impairment.
Counsel on the importance of completing the full course of therapy to prevent antibiotic resistance.

Patient Guidelines

Complete the full course of antibiotic treatment, even if symptoms improve.
Do not share this medicine with others.
Inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking.
Report any severe diarrhea or allergic reactions immediately.

Missed Dose Advice

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not double dose.