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Cefixime Coupon - Cefixime 400mg capsule

cefixime

Generic Suprax
Used for Ear Infection, Urinary Tract Infection, Bacterial Infection, Upper Respiratory Infection, Lower Respiratory Infection
Used for Ear Infection, Urinary Tract Infection, Bacterial Infection, Upper Respiratory Infection, Lower Respiratory Infection

Cefixime (Suprax) is a cephalosporin antibiotic that treats many types of bacterial infections, but it tends to cause diarrhea and stomach upset, and is more expensive than other similar antibiotics.

Last reviewed on April 1, 2021
basics-icon

What is Cefixime (Suprax)?

What is Cefixime (Suprax) used for?

  • Urinary tract infections

  • Ear infections (otitis media)

  • Throat and tonsil infections (strep throat, tonsillitis)

  • Bronchitis with bacterial infection

  • Gonorrhea

How Cefixime (Suprax) works

Cefixime (Suprax) is a cephalosporin antibiotic. It kills bacteria by preventing them from making their own protective covering.

Drug Facts

Common BrandsSuprax
Drug ClassCephalosporin antibiotic
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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Avg retail price
$36.96(save 53.43%)
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$17.21
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What are the side effects of Cefixime (Suprax)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Diarrhea (16%)
  • Nausea (7%)
  • Loose or frequent stools (6%)
  • Passing gas (4%)
  • Abdominal pain (3%)
  • Indigestion (3%)

Other Side Effects

  • Abnormal liver tests and liver injury
  • Kidney injury
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Seizures
  • Abnormal blood cell counts
  • Genital itching, inflammation, or fungal infection

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Severe allergic reaction: itching or hives, swelling in your face or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
  • Loose, watery stools (diarrhea), severe stomach pain or cramps, fever, nausea (these are signs of a serious C. difficile infection)

Source: FDA

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Diarrhea

loose or frequent stools

Less common

Abdominal or stomach pain

agitation

black, tarry stools

bleeding gums

blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin

blood in the urine or stools

chest pain

chills

clay-colored stools

coma

confusion

cough

dark urine

decreased urine output

depression

difficulty with swallowing

dizziness

fast heartbeat

feeling of discomfort

fever

general tiredness and weakness

headache

hives, itching, or skin rash

hostility

inflammation of the joints

irritability

joint or muscle pain

large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs

lethargy

light-colored stools

loss of appetite

lower back or side pain

muscle aches

muscle twitching

nausea and vomiting

painful or difficult urination

pale skin

pinpoint red spots on the skin

puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue

rapid weight gain

red skin lesions, often with a purple center

red, irritated eyes

seizures

sore throat

sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth

stupor

swelling of the face, ankles, or hands

swollen glands

swollen lymph glands

tightness in the chest

unpleasant breath odor

unusual bleeding or bruising

unusual tiredness or weakness

upper right abdominal or stomach pain

vomiting of blood

yellow eyes or skin

Incidence not known

Abdominal or stomach cramps or tenderness

back, leg, or stomach pains

cough or hoarseness

coughing up blood

diarrhea, watery and severe, which may also be bloody

general body swelling

increased menstrual flow or vaginal bleeding

increased thirst

nosebleeds

paralysis

prolonged bleeding from cuts

red or black, tarry stools

red or dark brown urine

sudden decrease in the amount of urine

unpleasant breath odor

unusual weight loss

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common

Acid or sour stomach

belching

bloated

excess air or gas in the stomach or intestines

full feeling

heartburn

hives or welts

indigestion

itching of the vagina or genital area itching or pain of the genital area

pain during sexual intercourse

passing gas

redness of the skin

stomach discomfort, upset, or pain

thick, white vaginal discharge with no odor or with a mild odor

white patches in the mouth or throat or on the tongue

white patches with diaper rash

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Cefixime (Suprax)

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Pros

Treats many types of bacterial infections

May be a good choice for people who have gonorrhea and don't like getting shots

Available as a suspension and chewable tablet for people who cannot swallow pills

Can be taken once a day, which is convenient

Available as a generic

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Cons

About 30% of people who take cefixime (Suprax) experience a stomach or intestinal side effect, such as nausea and diarrhea.

Not recommended to be used for the cold or flu, or for bronchitis that is not bacterial

If you're allergic to penicillins or other cephalosporin antibiotics, you might not be able to take this medicine.

Though it is available as a generic, cefixime (Suprax) costs more than other antibiotics that are used for the same types of infections.

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Cefixime (Suprax)

pharmacist
  • Finish all of the medication your provider gives you, even if you start to feel better. Stopping it early can cause the bacteria to develop resistance.

    • Take cefixime (Suprax) with or without food. You can take it with food to decrease upset stomach.

      • Diarrhea is a common side effect for this medication. It should go away when you stop the medication. However, if it doesn't stop, or if you develop very watery or bloody stools, contact your provider immediately.

        • If your child is getting cefixime (Suprax) for otitis media, it should be the suspension or chewable tablet form since they are more effective than the regular tablet.

          • Store the suspension in the fridge or at room temperature, and shake well before using. Discard the bottle after 14 days or after you have completed the total number of days that the provider prescribed. Using old, expired antibiotics can lead to antibiotic resistance and development of other infections.

            • If you have the chewable tablets, make sure you chew the tablet fully. If you can't chew, you may crush it beforehand. Do not swallow the tablet whole.

              • Tell your provider or get medical help right away if you get a rash, itchy skin, trouble breathing, or swelling in your face or mouth.

                faqs

                Frequently asked questions about Cefixime (Suprax)

                Is cefixime (Suprax) a strong antibiotic?
                Cefixime (Suprax) is used to treat various types of infections. Compared to other cephalosporin antibiotics, it can sometimes work better against certain resistant bacteria. There are other antibiotics that can treat more types of infections, or more serious infections. Keep in mind that "stronger" antibiotics are not always the best choice. Your provider will choose the antibiotic that is best for you.
                Does cefixime (Suprax) treat UTI?
                Cefixime (Suprax) can be used to treat uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTI), since it works against some of the bacteria that commonly cause these infections. Let your provider know if you don't start to feel better within 1 or 2 days, since that could be an indication that your infection is due to resistant bacteria, or that there is some other problem going on. Cefixime (Suprax) is not the best medication for people with complicated UTI's. A UTI is considered to be complicated for various reasons, including if someone is male, pregnant, or has a weak immune system.
                Is cefixime (Suprax) stronger than amoxicillin?
                Amoxicillin and cefixime (Suprax) are often used to treat similar types of infections. Both are good antibiotics when used for the right scenario, but there are some types of infections where one may be better. For example, amoxicillin doesn't treat gonorrhea, and cefixime (Suprax) won't work for a H. pylori stomach infection. Your provider will determine which antibiotic is best for you based on your specific infection and medical history.
                Is cefixime (Suprax) safe for the kidneys?
                People with kidney problems can take cefixime (Suprax). Depending on their level of kidney function, they may need to take a lower dose than usual to avoid build-up of the antibiotic in the body. Rarely, cefixime (Suprax) may cause kidney problems including renal failure.
                Does cefixime (Suprax) have penicllin?
                Cefixime (Suprax) does not contain penicillin. It is a cephalosporin, which is a class of antibiotics that are like cousins to penicillin. The molecule structures have some similarities, and they both kill bacteria by preventing them from making their own protective covering.
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                What are the risks and warnings for Cefixime (Suprax)?

                Cefixime (Suprax) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

                risk-warning

                ALLERGIC REACTION

                • Risk factors: History of allergy to penicillin or other cephalosporin antibiotics | Allergy to many other medications

                  If you've had an allergic reaction from taking penicillin-type or cephalosporin antibiotics, such as trouble breathing, or swelling in your face and neck, let your provider know before taking this. Cefixime (Suprax) may not be right for you and your provider may prescribe another antibiotic. If you experience those allergy symptoms after starting on cefixime (Suprax), seek medical attention immediately.

                  risk-warning

                  C. DIFFICILE DIARRHEA

                  • Risk factors: Taking cefixime (Suprax) for a long time | Recent use of other antibiotics

                    In rare cases, taking antibiotics like cefixime (Suprax) can increase your chance of getting a serious bacterial infection that causes severe diarrhea. This can happen up to 2 months after you finish taking antibiotics. If you develop severe diarrhea with watery stools after you finish the medication, talk to your provider.

                    risk-warning

                    KIDNEY PROBLEMS

                    • Risk factors: History of kidney problems, including dialysis | Elderly people

                      Your body removes cefixime (Suprax) through the kidneys. If your kidneys are not working well, or if you are on dialysis, you are more likely to have a build-up of cefixime (Suprax) in your body. Too much cefixime (Suprax) in the body can cause more side effects and other problems. Your provider or pharmacist will determine the right dose for you based on your kidney labs.

                      risk-warning

                      HIGHER RISK OF BLEEDING

                      • Risk factors: Taking blood thinners | Lower kidney or liver function | Poor nutritional state | Taking cefixime (Suprax) for long periods of time

                        Although rare, cefixime (Suprax) can affect your body's ability to stop bleeding. Let your provider know if you're on blood thinners, since they might have to change your dose while you're taking cefixime (Suprax). Talk to your provider or go to the emergency room right away if you notice unusual bleeding, or cuts that take a very long time to heal.

                        risk-warning

                        DRUG-RESISTANT BACTERIA

                        • Risk factors: Taking cefixime (Suprax) for a non-bacterial infection

                          You should only take cefixime (Suprax) for bacterial infections. Using cefixime (Suprax) or other antibiotics when they are not necessary can lead to drug-resistant bacteria, which are much harder to treat.

                          risk-warning

                          PHENYLKETONURIA (PKU) PROBLEMS

                          The chewable tablet form of cefixime (Suprax) contains phenylalanine. Eating too much phenylalanine can be dangerous for people who have PKU. Talk to your provider about whether it is safe for you or your child to take cefixime (Suprax) chewable tabs.

                          dosage

                          Cefixime (Suprax) dosage forms

                          The average cost for 2 capsules of 400mg of Cefixime (Suprax) is $17.21 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 53.43% off the average retail price of $36.96.
                          bottle of oral suspension
                          Bottle of oral suspension
                          DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                          50ml of 100mg/5ml1 bottle$56.35$56.35
                          50ml of 200mg/5ml1 bottle$105.50$105.50
                          75ml of 200mg/5ml1 bottle$156.00$156.00
                          capsule
                          Capsule
                          DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                          400mg2 capsules$17.21$8.60

                          Typical dosing for Cefixime (Suprax)

                          Adults and children older than 12 years of age or weighing more than 45 kg (99 lb): Take 400 mg per day by mouth. If you have the tablet, you can split it and take each half tablet twice a day. For gonorrhea, take a one-time dose of 400 mg.

                          Children age 6 months to 12 years old: Take 8 mg per kg of body weight, once a day or split in half and taken twice a day.

                          interactions

                          Interactions between Cefixime (Suprax) and other drugs

                          Cefixime (Suprax) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Cefixime (Suprax). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                          Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

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                          alternatives

                          What are alternatives to Cefixime (Suprax)?

                          There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Cefixime (Suprax). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                          Cefixime (Suprax)
                          Used for:
                          • Urinary tract infections

                          • Ear infections (otitis media)

                          • Throat and tonsil infections (strep throat, tonsillitis)

                          • Bronchitis with bacterial infection

                          • Gonorrhea

                          $17.21 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                          images

                          Cefixime (Suprax) images

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                          Pink Lu U43 - Cefixime 400mg Capsule
                          This medicine is Pink Capsule Imprinted With "Lu U43".Pink Lu U43 - Cefixime 400mg Capsule

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