Oracef Special Precautions

Before therapy with cefixime is instituted, careful inquiry should be made to determine whether the patient has had previous hypersensitivity reactions to cephalosporins, penicillins or other drugs. If Oracef is to be given to penicillin-sensitive patients, caution should be exercised because cross hypersensitivity among β-lactam antibiotics has been clearly documented and may occur to 10% of patients with a history of penicillin allergy. If an allergic reaction to cefixime occurs, discontinue Oracef. Serious acute hypersensitivity reactions may require treatment with epinephrine and other emergency measures including oxygen, IV fluids, IV antihistamines, corticosteroids, pressors amines and airway management, as clinically indicated.
Use in pregnancy & lactation: There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, Oracef should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.
It is not known whether cefixime is excreted in human milk. Consideration should be given to discontinuing nursing temporarily during treatment with Oracef.