Cefpodoxime proxetil 200 mg (equivalent to cefpodoxime 200 mg)
Class: Third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic (beta-lactam)
Manufacturer: Aurobindo Pharma Limited, India
Dosage Form: Film-coated or uncoated oral tablets
Similar Brands:
Uses:
Treatment of mild to moderate bacterial infections caused by susceptible organisms, including:
- Respiratory tract infections: Acute bacterial sinusitis, acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis, community-acquired pneumonia.
- Pharyngitis/tonsillitis (e.g., Streptococcus pyogenes).
- Skin and soft tissue infections (uncomplicated).
- Urinary tract infections (uncomplicated, e.g., cystitis).
- Acute otitis media (in some guidelines).
- Gonorrhea (uncomplicated, single dose in some regimens).
Not for viral infections (e.g., common cold/flu), fungal, or non-susceptible bacteria. Use only when bacterial etiology is suspected/confirmed; culture testing recommended for severe cases.
Dosage:
Oral, every 12 hours (BID), with food. Duration varies by infection (complete full course to prevent resistance/recurrence). Typical adult/adolescent dosing:
- Pharyngitis/tonsillitis: 100 mg every 12 hours for 5–10 days.
- Acute sinusitis, bronchitis exacerbations: 200 mg every 12 hours for 10 days.
- Community-acquired pneumonia: 200 mg every 12 hours for 14 days.
- Skin/soft tissue infections: 400 mg every 12 hours for 7–14 days.
- Uncomplicated UTI: 100 mg every 12 hours for 7 days.
- Uncomplicated gonorrhea: 200 mg single dose (often with other agents per guidelines).
Children (if using adult tablets; often suspension preferred): Weight-based (e.g., 5 mg/kg every 12 hours; max adult dose).
Renal impairment: Adjust interval (e.g., every 24 hours if CrCl <30 mL/min). Hepatic impairment: No major adjustment. Elderly: No routine change but monitor.
Side Effects:
Common (>1–10%): Diarrhea (most frequent), nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, headache.
Less common: Rash, pruritus, vaginitis (in females), altered taste, superinfection (e.g., oral thrush/C. difficile).
Serious (rare, seek immediate care): Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis—hives, swelling, breathing difficulty), severe diarrhea (C. difficile colitis—watery/bloody, even months later), seizures (high doses/renal failure), Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis (severe rash/blistering), liver enzyme elevations/hepatotoxicity, blood disorders (e.g., thrombocytopenia).
Less common: Rash, pruritus, vaginitis (in females), altered taste, superinfection (e.g., oral thrush/C. difficile).
Serious (rare, seek immediate care): Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis—hives, swelling, breathing difficulty), severe diarrhea (C. difficile colitis—watery/bloody, even months later), seizures (high doses/renal failure), Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis (severe rash/blistering), liver enzyme elevations/hepatotoxicity, blood disorders (e.g., thrombocytopenia).
Warnings & Precautions:
Hypersensitivity: Contraindicated in cephalosporin/penicillin allergy (cross-reactivity ~5–10%).
Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea: Monitor for persistent/severe diarrhea.
Renal impairment: Dose adjustment needed.
Superinfection: Possible with prolonged use (e.g., fungal).
Not for viral infections—avoid unnecessary use to prevent resistance.
Culture/susceptibility testing recommended before starting in serious infections.
Take with food; avoid antacids/H2 blockers/PPI if possible (may reduce absorption).
Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea: Monitor for persistent/severe diarrhea.
Renal impairment: Dose adjustment needed.
Superinfection: Possible with prolonged use (e.g., fungal).
Not for viral infections—avoid unnecessary use to prevent resistance.
Culture/susceptibility testing recommended before starting in serious infections.
Take with food; avoid antacids/H2 blockers/PPI if possible (may reduce absorption).
Pregnancy & Lactation:
- Pregnancy: Limited human data; animal studies show no major risks at therapeutic doses—use only if clearly needed (former Category B equivalent); consult doctor.
- Lactation: Excreted in low amounts in breast milk; generally compatible—monitor infant for diarrhea/thrush/rash; consult provider.
Drug Interactions:
Probenecid: Increases cefpodoxime levels (may require adjustment).
Antacids, H2 blockers, PPIs: Reduce absorption—separate dosing or take with food.
Oral contraceptives: Possible reduced efficacy (use backup method).
Warfarin: Potential increased anticoagulation (monitor INR).
Nephrotoxic drugs (e.g., aminoglycosides): Additive renal risk (rare).
Antacids, H2 blockers, PPIs: Reduce absorption—separate dosing or take with food.
Oral contraceptives: Possible reduced efficacy (use backup method).
Warfarin: Potential increased anticoagulation (monitor INR).
Nephrotoxic drugs (e.g., aminoglycosides): Additive renal risk (rare).
Contraindications:
Known hypersensitivity to cefpodoxime, other cephalosporins, or any component.
History of severe immediate hypersensitivity to penicillins (cross-reactivity risk).
History of severe immediate hypersensitivity to penicillins (cross-reactivity risk).
Price: Ksh 904.4/-
Notes:
Pack of 10 tablets.