Cefpodoxime Proxetil
About Cefpodoxime Proxetil
Cefpodoxime Proxetil is used to treat bacterial infections of the ear, nose, throat, lower respiratory tract, urinary tract, skin, and soft tissue. Bacterial infections are caused by the multiplication of harmful bacteria inside or on the body.
Cefpodoxime Proxetil contains 'Cefpodoxime Proxetil', which is a broad-spectrum antibiotic effective against both gram-positive and gram-negative groups of bacteria. It works by preventing the formation of the bacterial cell covering (cell wall), which is necessary for their survival. Therefore, it kills the bacteria and helps treat and prevent the spread of bacterial infections.
Take this medicine as prescribed. In some cases, you may experience specific common side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea (watery or loose stool), abdominal pain, loss of appetite, bloating, skin rash, and itching. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.
Talk to your doctor before taking Cefpodoxime Proxetil if you have a history of bowel inflammation, kidney or liver problems. Do not take antacids and anti-ulcer medications along with Cefpodoxime Proxetil; maintain a 2-3 hour gap between them. Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before starting Cefpodoxime Proxetil. Avoid alcohol consumption to prevent unpleasant side effects. Cefpodoxime Proxetil may cause dizziness; hence, drive or operate machinery only if you are alert. Inform your doctor about all the medicines you are taking and about your health condition to rule out any unpleasant side effects.
Uses of Cefpodoxime Proxetil
• Treats bacterial infections: Cefpodoxime Proxetil is effective against infections in the lungs (pneumonia), urinary tract, ear, nasal sinus, and throat.
• Manages respiratory conditions: Cefpodoxime Proxetil is used for pharyngitis, tonsillitis, bronchitis, and sinusitis.
• Helps with skin infections: Cefpodoxime Proxetil treats uncomplicated skin and soft tissue infections.
• Supports treatment of gonorrhea: Cefpodoxime Proxetil is used for uncomplicated urethral and cervical gonorrhea.
• Effective against otitis media: Cefpodoxime Proxetil helps manage middle ear infections.
Medicinal Benefits
Cefpodoxime Proxetil belongs to the group of antibiotic medicines called 'cephalosporins' used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections of the ear, nose, throat, lower respiratory tract, urinary tract, skin, and soft tissue. It is composed of Cefpodoxime Proxetil. It is a broad-spectrum antibiotic effective against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, as well as aerobic and some anaerobic bacteria. Cefpodoxime Proxetil works by preventing the formation of a bacterial cell's covering, which is necessary for its survival. Thereby, it kills the bacteria and helps in treating and preventing the spread of infections. Cefpodoxime Proxetil has been shown to reduce the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Directions for Use
- Cefpodoxime Proxetil can be taken with food to enhance its absorption, or as advised by your doctor.
- Follow your doctor's instructions regarding dosage and timing to ensure optimal effectiveness.
- Swallow Cefpodoxime Proxetil whole with a glass of water.
- Do not crush, break, or chew it.
Storage
Side Effects of Cefpodoxime Proxetil
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
- Bloating
- Skin rash
- Itching
Drug Warnings
Avoid taking Cefpodoxime Proxetil if you are allergic to any of its components. Before taking Cefpodoxime Proxetil, let your doctor know if you have/had inflammation in the bowel, kidney, or liver problems. Do not take antacids or anti-ulcer medications along with Cefpodoxime Proxetil, and maintain a gap of at least 2-3 hours between the two medicines. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should seek medical advice before starting Cefpodoxime Proxetil. Avoid alcohol consumption while being treated with Cefpodoxime Proxetil to prevent unpleasant side effects. Cefpodoxime Proxetil may cause dizziness, hence drive or operate machinery only if you are alert.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Cefpodoxime Proxetil may interact with water pills (furosemide), blood thinners (warfarin), supplements (calcium and vitamin D), antacids (cimetidine and ranitidine), and anti-gout medications (probenecid).
Drug-Food Interaction: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Let your doctor know if you have colitis (inflammation in the lining of the colon), seizures (epilepsy), kidney, and liver diseases before starting Cefpodoxime Proxetil.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
safeNo interaction is found with alcohol. However, it is better to avoid/limit alcohol intake while using Cefpodoxime Proxetil. For more information, please consult a healthcare professional.
Pregnancy
cautionPlease consult your doctor if you are pregnant; your doctor will prescribe Cefpodoxime Proxetil only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionCefpodoxime Proxetil may pass into the breast milk when used by a nursing mother. Please consult your doctor if you are breastfeeding before starting Cefpodoxime Proxetil.
Driving
cautionCefpodoxime Proxetil may cause dizziness; do not drive or operate heavy machinery if you feel dizzy.
Liver
cautionDose adjustment may be needed. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding this or if you have liver problems before taking Cefpodoxime Proxetil.
Kidney
cautionDose adjustment may be needed. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding this or if you have kidney impairment before taking Cefpodoxime Proxetil.
Children
cautionCefpodoxime Proxetil should be used for children only if prescribed by the doctor. However, Cefpodoxime Proxetil is not recommended for children below 2 months, as safety and efficacy have not been established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Antibiotics can alter the useful bacteria in the stomach, which help with indigestion. Therefore, you are advised to take foods rich in probiotics such as yoghurt/curd, kefir, sauerkraut, tempeh, kimchi, miso, kombucha, buttermilk, natto and cheese.
- Eat fibre-rich food like whole grains, beans, lentils, berries, broccoli, peas and bananas.
- Avoid foods rich in calcium, grapefruit and grapefruit juice as they might hinder the absorption of antibiotics.
- Avoid the consumption of alcohol to treat your condition effectively.
- Avoid the use of tobacco.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Bacterial infection: A bacterial infection is a condition in which harmful bacteria enter, multiply, and infect the body. Infectious or harmful bacteria can make you sick and reproduce quickly in your body. These destructive bacteria produce chemicals known as toxins, which can damage tissue and make you ill. It can target any body part and multiply very quickly. When you get infected with bacteria, you can experience generalised symptoms, like fever, chills, and fatigue. Bacterial infections range from minor illnesses, such as sore throats and ear infections, to severe brain infections, including meningitis and encephalitis. Anyone can become infected with a bacterial infection. However, people with weakened immune systems or those taking immunosuppressive medications are more prone to bacterial infections.
FAQs
Cefpodoxime Proxetil is used to treat bacterial infections of the ear, nose, throat, lower respiratory tract, urinary tract, skin, and soft tissue.
Cefpodoxime Proxetil works by preventing the formation of a bacterial cell's covering, which is necessary for its survival. Thereby, it kills the bacteria and helps in treating and preventing the spread of infections.
Diarrhoea is the most commonly reported side effect of Cefpodoxime Proxetil. So, it is advisable to drink lots of fluids and eat non-spicy food if you experience diarrhoea. If you observe blood in stools (tarry stools) or experience excess diarrhoea (vomiting or watery stool), immediately consult your doctor. Do not take anti-diarrheal medicine on your own.
It is recommended to complete the course of Cefpodoxime Proxetil, even if you feel better, as it is an antibiotic, and leaving it incomplete may lead to a severe infection that will stop responding to the antibiotic as well (antibiotic resistance).
Cefpodoxime Proxetil may cause stomach upset as a side effect. To avoid this, take Cefpodoxime Proxetil preferably with food. Taking Cefpodoxime Proxetil with food helps in increasing its absorption in the body.
Do not take antacids or anti-ulcer medicines along with Cefpodoxime Proxetil. Try to maintain a gap of at least 2-3 hours between the two medicines.
Cefpodoxime Proxetil may cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain, loss of appetite, bloating and skin rash. If these side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
No, Cefpodoxime Proxetil should not be taken without consulting the doctor. Cefpodoxime Proxetil is a stronger antibiotic intended for severe infections, and your doctor will prescribe it only if necessary. It is not for viral infections such as the flu. Please consult your doctor so that appropriate medication is prescribed based on your condition.
Cefpodoxime Proxetil is safe if used as per the dose and duration advised by the doctor. Do not exceed the recommended dose.
Yes, Cefpodoxime Proxetil is an antibiotic. It belongs to the class of antibiotics known as cephalosporins.
Cefpodoxime Proxetil usually starts working as soon as you take it. However, it may take a few days to kill all the harmful bacteria and relieve your symptoms completely.
If you do not feel better even after completing the full course of treatment with Cefpodoxime Proxetil, inform your doctor. Also, let your doctor know if the symptoms worsen while using Cefpodoxime Proxetil.
Yes, Cefpodoxime Proxetil may be used to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs). According to studies, it has better tolerance and helps to effectively treat UTI symptoms such as frequent urination, foul smelling urine, vaginal discharge, vaginal irritation, stomach pain, etc. However, it is advisable to take Cefpodoxime Proxetil only if prescribed by a doctor.
If you forget to take a dose of Cefpodoxime Proxetil, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next scheduled dose in the prescribed time. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed one, as this may increase the risk of side effects.
