Suprax (Cefixime)

What is Suprax?

Suprax (cefixime) is an oral drug which belongs to the class of drugs known as cephalosporin antibiotic. It helps in the treatment of various bacterial infections.

What is Suprax used for?

Suprax is used in the treatment of various bacterial infections. Since it is an antibiotic it treats infections caused by bacteria only. It does not treat infections caused by non-bacterial elements.

How does Suprax work?

Being an antibiotic, Suprax inhibits the growth of bacteria and thus helps in the treatment and prevention of bacterial infections.

How to use Suprax

Suprax should be used in the manner prescribed by a doctor. The dosage depends on your medical condition and response to treatment.

Suprax is usually taken orally once a day, with or without food. The extended-release capsules should be swallowed whole and not opened, crushed or chewed. In case of an oral suspension, measure the correct dose with a measuring device provided by your pharmacist.

The drug should preferably be taken at the same time every day in order to maintain a constant level of antibiotic in the body. This facilitates the action of the drug.

Care should be taken to complete the full course of Suprax. The medication should not be stopped suddenly even if your condition improves within a few days. Doing so may allow the bacteria to resume their growth thus resulting into a relapse of the infection. The medication needs to be gradually decreased as per directions from your doctor. 

Do not increase your dose unless otherwise directed by your doctor. However, if your condition does not improve at all or becomes worse consult your doctor immediately.

Suprax warnings and precautions

Suprax is not administered to patients who are allergic to cefixime or to any other cephalosporin antibiotics.  

Before taking the medication, inform your doctor about your medical conditions, especially if you are allergic to penicillins or if you have diabetes. Suprax contains sucrose and taking the medicine for a longer period may aggravate your diabetic condition.

Suprax is an antibiotic and will not treat viral infections such as flu or common cold.

Cefixime can cause diarrhea. Consult your doctor before using any medicine to check the condition. If you have watery or bloody diarrhea, contact your doctor immediately.

Do not take an antacid within an hour before or after taking the medicine as antacids make absorption of antibiotics into the body difficult.

The drug may alter the results of certain medical tests. It may also reduce the efficacy of certain birth control pills. So, you should take more reliable precautions to avoid pregnancy during treatment.

Pregnant and lactating women are advised to discuss the possible risks and benefits of taking the drug with their doctors.

What do I do if I have missed a Suprax dose?

If you have missed a Suprax dose, take it as soon as you remember. If, however, it is almost time for the next dose, the missed dose can be skipped. Do not take a double dose.

What do I do if I have taken a Suprax overdose?

If you have taken an overdose of Suprax, seek emergency medical attention.

Suprax interactions

Some drugs which may interact with Suprax are: antacids, warfarin, probenecid, live bacterial vaccines etc. The drug reduces efficacy of certain birth control pills.

It is necessary to inform your doctor about all the prescription/non prescription drugs/herbal medicines that you are taking, before using Suprax.

You should not start taking any new medicine, without consulting your doctor.

Suprax side effects

Side effects from Suprax include allergic reactions such as swelling of tongue, face, throat, hives, redness of skin etc. as well as some serious symptoms such as watery or bloody diarrhea, chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeats, fever, sore throat, shortness of breath, numbness or tingly feeling, severe blistering or peeling of skin, red skin rash etc.

Headache, frequent urination during night, constipation, mild nausea, loss of appetite, stomach ache, runny nose, cough, anxiety, drowsiness vaginal itching or discharge are some less serious side effects of Suprax.