Cefpodoxime: Price, Dosage & Where to Buy

Cefpodoxime is a cephalosporin beta-lactam antibiotic used to treat mild to moderate bacterial infections. It is prescribed for conditions including sinusitis, pneumonia, bronchitis exacerbations, urinary tract infections, throat infections, skin infections and certain gonococcal infections. Cefpodoxime has been available as a generic medicine since 2007-06-08 and requires a prescription in the United Kingdom.

Cefpodoxime is indicated for mild to moderate infections caused by susceptible bacteria. These include acute middle-ear infection, sore throat or tonsillitis, community-acquired pneumonia, and acute bacterial worsening of chronic bronchitis. It is also indicated for uncomplicated gonorrhoea involving the urethra or cervix, and uncomplicated rectal gonococcal infections in women.

Other listed uses include uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections, acute maxillary sinusitis, and uncomplicated urinary tract infections such as cystitis. Abscesses may need surgical drainage where clinically indicated.

Cefpodoxime is not supported for pharyngeal gonococcal infections in men or women, and its effectiveness for male rectal gonococcal infections has not been established. Treatment should be based on bacteria that are proven or strongly suspected to be susceptible.

Cefpodoxime belongs to the cephalosporin group of beta-lactam antibiotics. It works by interfering with bacterial cell-wall formation. Without a properly formed cell wall, susceptible bacteria cannot maintain their structure and are damaged or destroyed.

This action targets bacteria rather than viruses, so cefpodoxime is not useful for viral illnesses such as ordinary colds. Bacterial susceptibility varies, and some bacteria produce enzymes that can reduce the activity of certain antibiotics.

For this reason, specimens and susceptibility information may help clinicians select or adjust treatment when available. Completing the prescribed course as directed supports appropriate treatment and helps reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria.

The label lists cefpodoxime proxetil film-coated tablets and granules for oral suspension. The label lists 100 mg and 200 mg tablets. The label lists oral suspension dosing for adults, adolescents and paediatric patients, with doses based on the infection, age and body weight.

The usual starting dose is 100 mg every 12 hours for some throat infections and uncomplicated urinary tract infections. The usual starting dose is 200 mg every 12 hours for community-acquired pneumonia, acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic bronchitis and acute maxillary sinusitis. The label lists a 200 mg single dose for uncomplicated gonorrhoea and certain rectal gonococcal infections in women.

The usual starting dose is 400 mg every 12 hours for skin and skin structure infections. Tablet administration is listed with food, while oral suspension may be given without regard to food. The label lists longer dosing intervals for severe renal impairment and a frequency of 3 times/week after haemodialysis.

A missed dose can reduce the consistency of antibiotic treatment. General pharmacy advice is to take the missed dose when remembered unless it is nearly time for the next scheduled dose.

If the next dose is due soon, the missed dose is usually omitted rather than doubled. The prescribed course should continue according to the clinician’s directions, and a pharmacist can advise if several doses have been missed.

Animal studies did not show teratogenic or embryocidal effects at the doses studied, but adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women are not available. The label states that cefpodoxime should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Pregnancy and lactation information is limited in the label, so discussion with a doctor or pharmacist is appropriate.

Store at 20°C to 25°C, with excursions permitted to 15°C to 30°C. Keep the tablets in a tight, light-resistant container and replace the cap securely after each opening. Follow the label directions to maintain quality.