Medicine Information

sk-cef

Name: sk-cef
Brand: sk-cef

Capsule500 mgCephalosporins, 3rd GenerationATC: J01DD08

Generic Name

Cefixime

Manufacturer

Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

Country

Bangladesh

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Price Details

Current market pricing information

Variant	Unit Price	Strip Price
sk cef 500 mg capsule	৳ 15.00	৳ 90.00

Description

Overview of the medicine

Cefixime is a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections.

Uses & Indications

Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs)

Otitis media

Pharyngitis and tonsillitis

Acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis

Uncomplicated gonorrhea

Dosage

Adults

The usual adult dose of Cefixime is 400 mg once daily or 200 mg every 12 hours. For 500 mg capsule, dosage should be strictly as directed by physician based on infection type and severity.

Elderly

No dose adjustment is necessary for elderly patients unless there is severe renal impairment. Monitor renal function.

Renal_impairment

For creatinine clearance < 60 mL/min, dosage adjustment is required. Consult physician for specific dosage.

How to Take

Administer orally, with or without food. Can be taken with food to reduce gastric upset.

Mechanism of Action

Inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), leading to bacterial cell lysis and death.

Pharmacokinetics

Onset

1-2 hours

Excretion

Primarily via urine (approximately 50% of absorbed dose) and bile (non-renal clearance).

Half life

3-4 hours

Absorption

Approximately 40-50% absorbed orally. Food may delay absorption but does not significantly affect the extent of absorption.

Metabolism

Limited hepatic metabolism; primarily excreted as unchanged drug.

Side Effects

Contraindications

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

Drug Interactions

Probenecid

May increase cefixime plasma concentrations by inhibiting renal excretion.

Carbamazepine

Elevated carbamazepine levels have been reported with concomitant cefixime use; monitor carbamazepine levels.

Oral Anticoagulants (e.g., Warfarin)

May increase prothrombin time and INR; monitor coagulation parameters closely.

Storage

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

Overdose

Gastric lavage may be indicated in cases of acute massive overdose. Otherwise, treatment is primarily supportive and symptomatic. Hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis are not effective in removing cefixime from the body.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy Category B. Studies in animals have shown no evidence of harm to the fetus, but there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Use only if clearly needed. Excreted in small amounts in breast milk; use with caution in nursing mothers and monitor infants for potential adverse effects (e.g., diarrhea, fungal infections).

Side Effects

Contraindications

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

Drug Interactions

Probenecid

May increase cefixime plasma concentrations by inhibiting renal excretion.

Carbamazepine

Elevated carbamazepine levels have been reported with concomitant cefixime use; monitor carbamazepine levels.

Oral Anticoagulants (e.g., Warfarin)

May increase prothrombin time and INR; monitor coagulation parameters closely.

Storage

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

Overdose

Pregnancy & Lactation

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this medicine

Pack Sizes

Blister pack of 10 capsulesBox containing 3x10 capsules

Shelf Life

24 months from the date of manufacture.

Availability

Pharmacies, Hospitals

Approval Status

FDA Approved (globally), DGDA Approved (Bangladesh)

Patent Status

Off-patent

WHO Essential Medicine

Yes

Clinical Trials

Extensive clinical trials have established cefixime's efficacy and safety in treating various bacterial infections. Ongoing post-marketing surveillance continues to monitor its profile.

Lab Monitoring

Renal function tests (e.g., creatinine clearance) in patients with pre-existing renal impairment.
Complete blood count (CBC) for patients on prolonged therapy.
Prothrombin time/INR for patients concomitantly receiving oral anticoagulants.

Doctor Notes

Confirm bacterial infection before prescribing, ideally with culture and sensitivity testing.
Advise patients on the importance of completing the full course to minimize resistance.
Caution patients about potential GI side effects and C. difficile associated diarrhea.

Patient Guidelines

Complete the entire course of medication as prescribed, even if symptoms improve, to prevent resistance and recurrence.
Do not share this medication with others, even if they have similar symptoms.
Report any severe or persistent side effects, especially severe diarrhea, to your doctor immediately.

Missed Dose Advice

If a dose is missed, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.