An oral cephalosporin antibiotic
Cefixime
An oral cephalosporin antibiotic used for certain bacterial infections; people with a penicillin allergy need caution, and the full course should be completed.
What is Cefixime?
Cefixime is a cephalosporin antibiotic taken by mouth to treat certain bacterial infections, such as some urinary and respiratory infections. It works by stopping bacteria from building their protective cell wall, which kills them. Because cephalosporins are related to penicillins, people with a serious penicillin allergy may need to avoid it, and the full course should always be completed.
Education and reference only. This is a plain-language guide to Cefixime — it deliberately contains no doses. Doses depend on the person, the brand and the reason for treatment, and belong with your prescriber. Always check the BNF, the product labelling (SmPC) and follow medical advice.
What it is
Cefixime is a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic used in the UK for selected bacterial infections, including some urinary-tract infections and certain respiratory infections, where it is a suitable choice. It is taken by mouth, which makes it a convenient option for infections that do not need hospital treatment. Cephalosporins are chemically related to penicillins, so they share some allergy and resistance considerations. Cefixime treats bacterial infections only and does nothing for viral illnesses such as colds and flu.
How it works
Bacteria are protected by a tough outer cell wall that they must constantly build and repair to survive. Cefixime blocks the enzymes bacteria use to construct this wall. Without a properly formed wall the bacteria cannot hold themselves together and they burst and die, which clears the infection. As a third-generation cephalosporin it is active against a useful range of bacteria, but, like all antibiotics, it should be used appropriately to limit the development of resistance.
Company & origin
Originated / developed by: Originally developed by Fujisawa (now Astellas)..
Cefixime is a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic developed in Japan in the 1980s and used as an oral treatment for certain bacterial infections.
Practical use
How to take Cefixime
General, dose-free guidance — always follow your prescriber's and the leaflet's specific instructions.
- Take it as prescribed, spacing the doses evenly through the day, and finish the whole course even if you feel better.
- It can be taken with or without food; taking it with food may help if it upsets your stomach.
- If you have the liquid (oral suspension), shake the bottle well before each dose and measure it with the device provided, not a kitchen spoon.
- Tell your prescriber or pharmacist before starting if you have ever reacted to penicillin or another antibiotic.
- Report severe, watery or bloody diarrhoea promptly, and do not take anti-diarrhoea medicines for it without advice.
- Seek urgent help for any rash, facial swelling or breathing difficulty, which could be an allergic reaction.
Weighing it up
Advantages & disadvantages of Cefixime
Advantages
- It is taken by mouth, so it can treat suitable infections without the need for a hospital drip.
- It is active against a useful range of bacteria, including some involved in urinary and respiratory infections.
- It offers an alternative for some people who cannot use first-choice antibiotics.
Disadvantages
- People with a serious penicillin allergy may react to it because the two groups are related.
- Like other antibiotics it can cause diarrhoea and, occasionally, a serious bowel infection (C. difficile).
- Overuse of broad antibiotics can encourage resistance, so it is used only when appropriate.
Practical use
Good to know
Because cephalosporins are related to penicillins, there is a small chance of cross-reactivity, so tell your prescriber if you have ever had a reaction to penicillin or another antibiotic — a previous severe penicillin allergy is an important reason for caution. Like other antibiotics it can disturb the gut and cause diarrhoea; severe, watery or bloody diarrhoea, especially with a high temperature, can signal a serious bowel infection (Clostridioides difficile) and should be reported promptly rather than treated with anti-diarrhoea medicines on your own. Complete the full course even if you feel better, as stopping early can let the infection return and encourage resistance. It can be taken with or without food.
Who should not take it / use with caution
- People who have had a serious allergic reaction to cefixime or other cephalosporins.
- People who have had a severe (anaphylactic) reaction to penicillin, unless a specialist advises it is safe.
- Anyone advised against it by their prescriber because of their particular history or other conditions.
Monitoring
- Reviewing whether the infection is responding to treatment.
- Watching for diarrhoea and signs of a serious bowel infection.
- Watching for any allergic reaction, especially in people with a history of antibiotic allergy.
Side effects
- Diarrhoea, nausea and stomach discomfort.
- Skin rash and itching.
- Headache and dizziness.
- Rarely, a serious bowel infection (C. difficile) causing severe or bloody diarrhoea, or a serious allergic reaction.
Key interactions
- Tell your prescriber about all your medicines, as some, including certain blood thinners, may interact.
- The oral typhoid vaccine may work less well while taking antibiotics.
- Other medicines that can affect the kidneys may need to be taken into account.
Available as: Tablets and an oral suspension (liquid).
Answers
Cefixime: frequently asked questions
I'm allergic to penicillin — can I take cefixime?
Cephalosporins such as cefixime are related to penicillins, so there is a small chance of cross-reactivity. If you have had a mild penicillin rash it may still be suitable, but a previous severe (anaphylactic) reaction is an important reason for caution. Always tell your prescriber about your allergy so they can decide.
Can I take cefixime with food?
Yes, it can be taken with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, taking it with a meal may help. Try to space the doses evenly through the day and finish the whole course.
Why might cefixime cause diarrhoea?
Antibiotics can disturb the natural balance of bacteria in the gut, which often causes mild diarrhoea. Occasionally this allows a harmful bacterium (C. difficile) to overgrow, causing severe, watery or bloody diarrhoea. Report this promptly and do not treat it yourself with anti-diarrhoea medicines.
Do I need to finish the whole course?
Yes. Even if you feel better, stopping early can leave some bacteria behind, allowing the infection to return and encouraging antibiotic resistance. Complete the full course exactly as prescribed.
Does cefixime work for colds and flu?
No. Cefixime only treats bacterial infections and has no effect on viruses, which cause colds and flu. Using antibiotics when they are not needed has no benefit and adds to the problem of resistance.
The wider class
About Cephalosporins
Cefixime belongs to the cephalosporins class. For how the class as a whole works, its shared safety principles and monitoring, see the full guide.
Browse by body system
Authoritative sources
- BNF
- NICE CKS
Building a medicines information resource?
We create evidence-led, dose-free drug and formulary references for teams.