Cefpodoxime is an antibiotic. It is used to treat bacterial infections of the nose, ear, throat, lungs, skin, or bladder.
This medicine is also used to treat certain sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhoea.
Take Cefpodoxime exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist about whether you should take this medicine with or without food. Different preparations of Cefpodoxime may be taken differently.
This medicine is available as a tablet or oral suspension.
If you are taking the tablet, you may swallow it whole with a full glass of water.
If you are taking an oral suspension, shake the bottle well before you take it to ensure that the liquid is evenly mixed. Use the measuring spoon or cup provided to measure your dose.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the type and severity of your infection.
Take Cefpodoxime at regular intervals. Do not skip any doses. You must complete the entire course of this medicine. If you don't, the infection will not be properly controlled.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Do not take this medicine if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to Cefpodoxime or any similar antibiotics such as cefalexin, cefuroxime, cefixime, or any other cephalosporin antibiotics.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- history of allergic reaction to other beta-lactam antibiotics such as meropenem
- history of bowel disease e.g. colitis (inflammation of the lining of the colon or large intestine)
- kidney disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving this medicine to a child. Children may be more sensitive to the side effects.
If you are going to have certain laboratory tests (e.g. tests for urine glucose), inform your doctor that you are taking Cefpodoxime.
If you are being treated with Cefpodoxime for gonorrhoea (a sexually transmitted disease), you should follow your doctor's advice on ways to prevent passing the disease to others. You should also avoid sexual contact until the doctor certifies that you are cleared of the infection.
For as long as you are taking this medicine, you may need to have regular blood tests (e.g. kidney function) to check your body's response to the medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have blood tests.
Cefpodoxime may cause any of the following side effects: headache, vomiting, stomach wind, loss of appetite, and dizziness.
You may experience diarrhoea, nausea, and stomach discomfort while being treated with Cefpodoxime. These side effects are usually mild and will get better with rest. If you have diarrhoea, drink lots of water to replace the fluids lost. However, if you have severe diarrhoea or diarrhoea with severe stomach cramps or bloody stools, alert your doctor immediately.
If you develop rashes, breathlessness, swollen mouth or eyes, stop the medicine and inform your doctor quickly. These could be signs of an allergic reaction.
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- probenecid (medicine for gout or high uric acid level in the blood)
- gastric medicine e.g. ranitidine
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Cefpodoxime.
Cefpodoxime should not be taken with antacids as antacids could reduce the effectiveness of this medicine. If you must take antacids, take it between meals at least 2 hours after you have taken this medicine.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Protect from light.
Refrigerate the oral suspension (between 2-8°C) once you have mixed the powder with water. Do not freeze it otherwise it will become less effective. Throw away unused portion after 14 days.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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