provider image
Welcome! You’re in GoodRx for healthcare professionals. Now, you’ll enjoy a streamlined experience created specifically for healthcare professionals.
Skip to main content
Cefpodoxime Coupon - Cefpodoxime 200mg tablet

cefpodoxime

Generic Vantin
Used for Skin Infection, Ear Infection, Urinary Tract Infection, Bacterial Infection, Upper Respiratory Infection, Pneumonia, Sinus Infection
Used for Skin Infection, Ear Infection, Urinary Tract Infection, Bacterial Infection, Upper Respiratory Infection, Pneumonia, Sinus Infection

Cefpodoxime is a cephalosporin antibiotic. It's used to treat several types of bacterial infections, such as urinary tract infection (UTI), pneumonia, and strep throat, in adults and children. The brand-name product Vantin is discontinued, but the antibiotic is still available as a lower-cost generic tablet and suspension. The dosage depends on your age and the type of infection you have, but cefpodoxime is typically taken twice per day by mouth. Side effects include diarrhea and nausea.

Last reviewed on May 23, 2024
basics-icon

What is Cefpodoxime?

What is Cefpodoxime used for?

How Cefpodoxime works

Cefpodoxime is a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic. It kills bacteria by preventing them from making an additional covering around themselves for protection.

Are you looking for information on cefuroxime instead?
When does Cefpodoxime start working?
Time passed since treatment started:
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Full effect

Drug Facts

Common BrandsVantin (brand name no longer available)
Drug ClassCephalosporin antibiotic
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
coupon-save-icon

Get your GoodRx coupon

Avg retail price
$124.43(save 79.76%)
GoodRx discount
$25.18
See prices
basics-icon

What are the side effects of Cefpodoxime?

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

  • Diaper rash or fungal skin rash in children (up to 9%)
  • Diarrhea (up to 7% in adults; up to 13% in children under 2 years old)
  • Nausea (3%)
  • Vomiting (2%)

Other Side Effects

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Serious allergic reaction: hives, rash, blisters, swelling of the lips or tongue, difficulty breathing
  • Infectious diarrhea (C. difficile-related diarrhea): fever, nausea, foul-smelling diarrhea, frequent bowel movements (up to 15 times per day)
When do Cefpodoxime possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
MINUTES
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Risk of diarrhea
Risk of nausea or vomiting

Source: DailyMed

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 stools

Less common

Change in the color, amount, or odor of vaginal discharge

Rare

Abdominal or stomach cramps or tenderness

black, tarry stools

bladder pain

bleeding gums

bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet

bloody nose

bloody or cloudy urine

blurred vision

burning while urinating

chest pain

collection of blood under the skin

confusion

continuing ringing or buzzing or other unexplained noise in the ears

cough or hoarseness

cough producing mucus

dark urine

decreased urination

decreased urine output

deep, dark purple bruise

diarrhea, watery and severe, which may also be bloody

difficult or labored breathing

difficult, burning, or painful urination

difficulty with breathing or troubled breathing

dilated neck veins

dizziness

dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position

dry mouth

extreme fatigue

fainting

fast, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse

feeling of warmth or heat

fever or chills

flushing or redness of the skin, especially on the face and neck

frequent urge to urinate

general body swelling

headache

hearing loss

heavier menstrual periods

increase in heart rate

increased thirst

increased urge to urinate during the night

increased weight

irregular breathing

irregular heartbeat

itching of the vagina or genital area

itching, pain, redness, or swelling

loss of appetite

lower back or side pain

nausea or vomiting

nervousness

noisy breathing

nosebleeds

pain

pain during sexual intercourse

pain or swelling of the treated skin

pain or tenderness around the eyes and cheekbones

pain, warmth, or burning in the fingers, toes, and legs

pale skin

pinpoint red spots on the skin

pounding in the ears

problems with vision or hearing

rapid breathing

rapid weight gain

runny nose

shortness of breath or troubled breathing

skin rash

slow or fast heartbeat

sneezing

sore throat

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

stuffy or runny nose

sunken eyes

sweating

swelling of the face, fingers, feet, or lower legs

swelling or puffiness of the face

swollen glands

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

thirst

tightness of the chest or wheezing

tingling of the hands or feet

troubled breathing

troubled breathing with exertion

unusual bleeding or bruising

unusual tiredness or weakness

unusual weight gain or loss

waking to urinate at night

weight gain

wheezing

wrinkled skin

yellowing of the eyes or skin

Incidence not known

Abdominal or stomach pain

blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin

bloody, black, or tarry stools

clay-colored stools

feeling of discomfort

fever with or without chills

general feeling of tiredness or weakness

high fever

inflammation of the joints

irritation or inflammation of the eyelid

itching

joint or muscle pain

muscle aches

rectal bleeding

red skin lesions, often with a purple center

red, irritated eyes

seizures

sudden decrease in the amount of urine

swollen lymph glands

swollen or painful glands

unpleasant breath odor

vomiting of blood

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:

Rare

Accumulation of pus

acid or sour stomach

ankle, knee, or great toe joint pain

bad, unusual, or unpleasant (after) taste

belching

blemishes on the skin

bloated or full feeling

burning feeling in the chest or stomach

burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings

change in taste

constipation

cracks in the skin

decreased appetite

difficulty with moving

dry skin

excess air or gas in the stomach or intestines

fear or nervousness

feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings

frequent urge to defecate

general feeling of discomfort or illness

hair loss

headache, severe and throbbing

heartburn

hives or welts

increase in body movements

increased sweating

increased thirst

indigestion

irritation or soreness of the mouth

joint stiffness or swelling

lack or loss of strength

loss of heat from the body

lower back or side pain

muscle aching or cramping

muscle pains or stiffness

passing of gas

peeling of the skin

pimples

poor concentration

pressure in the stomach

red, sore eyes

red, swollen skin

redness of the skin

scaly skin

seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there

sensation of spinning

sleepiness or unusual drowsiness

sleeplessness

sore mouth or tongue

soreness or redness around the fingernails and toenails

stomach discomfort, upset, or pain

stomach upset

straining while passing stool

swelling of the abdominal or stomach area

swelling or inflammation of the mouth

swollen, red, or tender area of infection

trouble with sleeping

unable to sleep

white patches in the mouth, tongue, or throat

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 Cefpodoxime

thumbs-up

Pros

Treats many types of bacterial infections throughout the body

Can use to treat infections in both children and adults

Available as a tablet and liquid suspension

Available as a lower-cost generic

thumbs-down

Cons

Need to take twice per day to treat most infections

Might not be able to take if you have a severe allergy to penicillins or other cephalosporin antibiotics

Not recommended for the cold or flu, since they're not caused by a bacterial infection

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Cefpodoxime

pharmacist
  • Take cefpodoxime exactly as prescribed. Make sure to finish your treatment course, even if you're starting to feel better. Stopping the antibiotic earlier than prescribed can make your infection come back and become harder to treat.

    • Cefpodoxime can cause diarrhea, though it should go away when you stop taking the antibiotic. But contact a healthcare professional (HCP) right away if you have watery or bloody diarrhea, fever, fatigue, or stomach cramps at any time during treatment or after stopping cefpodoxime. These could be signs of a type of serious infectious diarrhea that should be treated immediately.

      • Speak with an HCP about whether you should take a probiotic to help lessen the risk of serious infectious diarrhea. If your HCP suggests that you should, take the probiotic at least 2 hours after your cefpodoxime dose to prevent the antibiotic from killing the "good" bacteria in the probiotic.

        • Tell the prescriber and your pharmacist about all the medications you take or plan to take with cefpodoxime. Certain medications, like antacids or other heartburn medications and probenecid, can affect how well cefpodoxime gets absorbed into your body.

          • Discuss with your prescriber about the risks and benefits of taking cefpodoxime during pregnancy. Most cephalosporin antibiotics, such as cefpodoxime, are generally considered safe in pregnancy.

            • Talk to your baby's pediatrician or primary care provider about the risks and benefits of breastfeeding while you're taking cefpodoxime. Based on limited data, this antibiotic isn't expected to harm breastfed babies and it might be a safe choice while nursing.

              For cefpodoxime tablets:

              • Take cefpodoxime tablets with food so it's absorbed into your body better.

                • Don't crush or chew the cefpodoxime tablet. If you can't swallow the tablet whole, ask your prescriber to switch you to the oral suspension (liquid) version of the antibiotic.

                  • Store the cefpodoxime tablets in a cool and dry place at room temperature and away from light.

                    For cefpodoxime oral suspension:

                    • Your pharmacist will typically prepare the oral cefpodoxime suspension for you before you take the medication home. Before each dose, shake the bottle well to make sure the medication hasn't settled at the bottom.

                      • Only use a medication dose cup or oral syringe from the pharmacy to measure out your dose. Don't use household spoons because they aren't accurate and using them might cause you to take the wrong dose.

                        • Store the cefpodoxime liquid in the refrigerator for up to 14 days. Throw away the bottle after 14 days, even if there's still some medication left.

                          faqs

                          Frequently asked questions about Cefpodoxime

                          Why was Vantin discontinued?
                          Vantin, the brand-name version of cefpodoxime, was discontinued. It isn't clear why brand name Vantin was discontinued, but it doesn't appear to be because of safety reasons or because it didn't work well. Although brand name Vantin is no longer available, the generic version of cefpodoxime is still around and is prescribed today.
                          How long does it take for cefpodoxime to work?
                          In general, it takes antibiotics like cefpodoxime about 1 to 3 days to start helping you feel better. Keep in mind that the time it takes for your symptoms to improve with antibiotic treatment can also depend on what type of infection you have and how serious it is.
                          How long does cefpodoxime stay in your system?
                          It typically takes about 15 hours for most of cefpodoxime to leave your body after a dose. This time frame is estimated based on the half-life of cefpodoxime. The kidneys help get rid of cefpodoxime from the body, so the antibiotic might stay longer in the body for people with kidney problems. Talk with your healthcare team if you have specific concerns about how long cefpodoxime stays in your body.
                          Is cefpodoxime a penicillin?
                          No. Cefpodoxime is a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic. Cefpodoxime and penicillin antibiotics have similar chemical structures. But they're typically used to treat different infections and they work against different types of bacteria.
                          Can I take cefpodoxime if I am allergic to penicillin?
                          Maybe. In general, there's a small chance that you'll have an allergic reaction to cefpodoxime if you're allergic to penicillins. The prescriber will typically decide to use cefpodoxime to treat your infection depending on what your reaction to the penicillin antibiotic was like. For example, you might be able to take cefpodoxime if you had a mild reaction (rash or itchiness), though your prescriber will probably ask you to closely watch for any allergic reactions during treatment. But your prescriber might choose a different antibiotic altogether if you had a severe reaction to penicillin (facial swelling, closing of the throat). Let the prescriber know about any reactions to antibiotics you've had before so they can decide whether cefpodoxime is right for you.
                          Does cefpodoxime treat UTI?
                          Yes, cefpodoxime is FDA-approved to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs) that are at low risk for complications. According to certain treatment guidelines, cefpodoxime is one of the recommended options for UTIs, including UTIs during pregnancy. Ask your healthcare professional whether cefpodoxime is an appropriate choice for you if you have a UTI.
                          Can you drink alcohol while you're taking cefpodoxime?
                          It's best to avoid alcohol while you're taking cefpodoxime. Alcohol can worsen cefpodoxime side effects, such as diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Drinking a lot of alcohol can also weaken your immune system, which can make it harder for you to recover from an infection. Speak with a healthcare professional about your drinking habits and how to best avoid drinking alcohol while you're taking cefpodoxime.
                          Can cefpodoxime be crushed or cut in half?
                          No, the cefpodoxime tablet shouldn't be crushed or cut in half because it has a special film coating around it. Crushing or splitting the tablets can damage this coating and can make the antibiotic not work as well. Ask your prescriber about switching you to the liquid suspension version of cefpodoxime if you're having trouble swallowing the tablets whole.
                          GoodRxEducationalIcon

                          How to save using GoodRx

                          Compare Prices
                          1. Compare PricesSpecify your dosage and quantity to find out exactly how much you can save.
                          Select your free coupon
                          2. Select your free couponYou can use the displayed coupon, or compare prices at other pharmacies near you.
                          Show coupon to your pharmacist
                          3. Show coupon to your pharmacistPresent your printed or electronic coupon when you pick up your prescription.
                          Get free couponLearn more
                          warings-icon

                          What are the risks and warnings for Cefpodoxime?

                          Cefpodoxime 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

                          Severe allergic reaction

                          • Risk factors: Allergy to penicillin or other cephalosporin antibiotics

                            Severe allergic reactions to cefpodoxime are possible, including life-threatening reactions like facial swelling, shock, and anaphylaxis (e.g., closing of the throat). Let your prescriber know if you have an allergy to any antibiotics; you might be at risk of having an allergic reaction to cefpodoxime. Get medical attention right away if you notice hives, rash, red skin, swelling of the lips or tongue, or difficulty breathing after you take cefpodoxime.

                            risk-warning

                            Diarrhea from Clostridioides difficile infection

                            Antibiotics like cefpodoxime can raise your risk of getting infected with a bacteria called Clostridioides difficile (C. diff). This is because antibiotics change the amount of normal bacteria in your stomach and intestines. As a result, C. diff can overgrow in your gut, leading to an infection that causes severe diarrhea.

                            It's important to recognize the difference between diarrhea as a side effect of cefpodoxime and C. diff-related diarrhea. C. diff-related diarrhea can cause rapid heart rate, fever, nausea, foul-smelling diarrhea, and frequent bowel movements (even up to 15 times per day). This type of infectious diarrhea is a medical emergency. So get help immediately if you have any of these symptoms. You'll get tested for C. diff infection and get treatment, if needed.

                            risk-warning

                            Possible development of drug-resistant bacteria

                            Take cefpodoxime exactly as prescribed. Using cefpodoxime for any shorter or longer periods of time or taking the antibiotic for other illnesses can raise your risk for developing infections caused by drug-resistant bacteria. These types of infections can be severe, life-threatening, and more difficult to treat.

                            dosage

                            Cefpodoxime dosage forms

                            The average cost for 20 tablets of 200mg of Cefpodoxime is $43.62 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 64.95% off the average retail price of $124.43.
                            bottle of oral suspension
                            Bottle of oral suspension
                            DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                            50ml of 50mg/5ml3 bottles$47.13$15.71
                            100ml of 50mg/5ml1 bottle$34.42$34.42
                            50ml of 100mg/5ml1 bottle$25.18$25.18
                            100ml of 100mg/5ml1 bottle$45.86$45.86
                            tablet
                            Tablet
                            DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                            100mg14 tablets$25.79$1.84
                            200mg20 tablets$43.62$2.18

                            Typical dosing for Cefpodoxime

                            The dose and length of treatment depends on the type of infection you have and your age. Your dose might also differ if you have kidney problems.

                            Adults and children 12 years and older

                            • Strep throat or tonsil infection: The typical dose is 100 mg by mouth twice per day for 5 to 10 days.

                            • Pneumonia: The typical dose is 200 mg by mouth twice per day for 14 days.

                            • Bronchitis or sinus infection: The typical dose is 200 mg by mouth twice per day for 10 days.

                            • Urinary tract infection: The typical dose is 100 mg by mouth twice per day for 7 days.

                            • Skin infection: The typical dose is 400 mg by mouth twice per day for 7 to 14 days.

                            • Gonorrhea: The typical dose is 200 mg by mouth as a single dose.

                            Children age 2 months to 12 years

                            • Strep throat or tonsil infection: The typical dose is 5 mg/kg of your child's body weight (up to 100 mg) by mouth every 12 hours for 5 to 10 days.

                            • Sinus infection: The typical dose is 5 mg/kg (up to 200 mg) by mouth every 12 hours for 10 days.

                            • Ear infection: The typical dose is 5 mg/kg (up to 200 mg) by mouth every 12 hours for 5 days.

                            interactions

                            Interactions between Cefpodoxime and other drugs

                            Cefpodoxime 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 Cefpodoxime. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                            Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                            drug-cost

                            How much does Cefpodoxime cost?

                            To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.View prices & coupons
                            contraindications-icon

                            Cefpodoxime contraindications

                            Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Cefpodoxime will not be safe for you to take.
                            alternatives

                            What are alternatives to Cefpodoxime?

                            There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Cefpodoxime. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                            images

                            Cefpodoxime images

                            Orange Oblong Sz 439 - Cefpodoxime Proxetil 200mg Tablet
                            This medicine is Orange, Oblong Tablet Imprinted With "Sz 439".Orange Oblong Sz 439 - Cefpodoxime Proxetil 200mg Tablet
                            Red Oval 523 - Cefpodoxime Proxetil 200mg Tablet
                            This medicine is Red, Oval Tablet Imprinted With "523".Red Oval 523 - Cefpodoxime Proxetil 200mg Tablet
                            Red Oblong 62 And C - Cefpodoxime Proxetil 200mg Tablet
                            This medicine is Red, Oblong Tablet Imprinted With "C" And "62".Red Oblong 62 And C - Cefpodoxime Proxetil 200mg Tablet
                            White Oblong Rx 521 - Cefpodoxime Proxetil 200mg Tablet
                            This medicine is White, Oblong Tablet Imprinted With "Rx 521".White Oblong Rx 521 - Cefpodoxime Proxetil 200mg Tablet
                            Orange Oblong A57 - Cefpodoxime Proxetil 200mg Tablet
                            This medicine is Orange, Oblong Tablet Imprinted With "A57".Orange Oblong A57 - Cefpodoxime Proxetil 200mg Tablet

                            Get savings updates for Cefpodoxime

                            Receive price alerts, news, and other messages from GoodRx about Cefpodoxime and other healthcare topics and relevant savings offers.

                            By providing your email, you consent to receive marketing communications from GoodRx, which may include content and/or data related to men’s health, women's health, reproductive care, or sexual health. You agree to the GoodRx Terms of Use and acknowledge the Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time.

                            References

                            Best studies we found

                            Al Lawati, H., et al. (2023). Urinary tract infections: Core curriculum 2024. American Journal of Kidney Diseases.

                            Aurobindo Pharma Limited. (2024). Cefpodoxime proxetil granule, for suspension [package insert]. DailyMed.

                            Aurobindo Pharma Limited. (2024). Cefpodoxime proxetil tablet, film coated [package insert]. DailyMed.

                            View All References (8)

                            Borin, M. T. (1991). A review of the pharmacokinetics of cefpodoxime proxetil. Drugs.

                            Chaudhry, S. B., et al. (2019). Cephalosporins: A focus on side chains and β-lactam cross-reactivity. Pharmacy. 

                            Drugs@FDA: FDA-Approved Drugs. (n.d.). Vantin. U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

                            Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®). (2021). Cefpodoxime. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.

                            McFarland, L. V., et al. Comparison of pediatric and adult antibiotic-associated diarrhea and Clostridium difficile infections. World Journal of Gastroenterology.

                            MedlinePlus. (2024). Chronic bronchitis.

                            Pandey, N., et al. (2023). Beta-lactam antibiotics. StatPearls.

                            Pegler, S., et al. (2007). In patients allergic to penicillin, consider second and third generation cephalosporins for life threatening infections. The British Medical Journal.

                            GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
                            Was this page helpful?

                            Browse medications

                            View All

                            Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.