Indications
Suprax is a prescription medication used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections, including urinary tract infections, bronchitis, and gonorrhea. It is a brand name for the antibiotic cefixime, which belongs to the class of drugs known as cephalosporins.
Cefixime works by preventing the growth and spread of bacteria by disrupting the formation of the bacterial cell wall, ultimately leading to the death of the bacteria. By inhibiting the bacterial cell wall synthesis, cefixime can effectively treat a variety of bacterial infections, including urinary tract infections, gonorrhea, and ear infections.
Suprax will help to ensure that the infection is fully treated and prevent the development of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria. Cefixime treats only bacterial infections. It will not work for viral infections (such as the common cold, flu). Using any antibiotic when it is not needed can cause it to not work for future infections.
Uses and Dosage
Cefixime is an antibiotic that can be taken orally in tablet form, with or without food, usually once a day. Children may take the tablet twice a day, about 12 hours apart. In the case of chewable tablets, they should be chewed properly before swallowing.
The dosage of cefixime is determined by your health condition and response to the treatment, and in children, it is also determined by their weight. To get optimal results, take the antibiotic at evenly spaced intervals. To help with remembering, take the medication at the same time(s) every day.
Continue using cefixime until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if the symptoms have disappeared after a few days. Stopping the medication too early can allow bacteria to persist and grow, leading to a recurrence of the infection.
Side Effects
Common Side Effects of Suprax (Cefixime):
- Abdominal pain
- Gas
- Indigestion
- Loose stools
- Mild diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Serious Side Effects of Suprax (Cefixime):
- Bleeding
- Colitis
- Decrease in urine output
- Dizziness
- Fever
- Headaches
- Hepatitis
- Hives
- Itching
- Kidney failure
- Seizures
- Severe abdominal or stomach cramps
- Severe diarrhea
- Shock
Form and Strength
Suprax (Cefixime) is available in the following forms and strengths:
Suprax: Tablet
- 400 mg
Cefixime: Tablet
- 200 mg
- 400 mg
Caution
- Allergic reaction: if you are allergic to cephalosporin antibiotics or penicillins, you should not take Suprax.
- Kidney disease: if you have kidney disease or a history of kidney problems, you should use Suprax with caution and under the supervision of a healthcare provider.
- Diarrhea: Suprax may cause diarrhea, which can be a sign of a new infection. If you experience severe or persistent diarrhea, you should contact your healthcare provider.
- Bleeding: Suprax may increase your risk of bleeding, especially if you have a bleeding disorder such as hemophilia.
- Drug-resistant bacteria: overuse or misuse of antibiotics like Suprax can lead to the development of drug-resistant bacteria.
- Other medications: it is important to inform your healthcare provider about all the medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking before starting Suprax, as it may interact with some drugs.
- Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Suprax should only be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding if the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks.
- Liver disease: if you have liver disease or a history of liver problems, you should use Suprax with caution and under the supervision of a healthcare provider.
- Convulsions: Suprax may cause convulsions or seizures, especially in people with a history of convulsions or those who are taking medications that can lower the seizure threshold.
- Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea: using Suprax can result in an overgrowth of certain bacteria, including Clostridium difficile, which can lead to severe diarrhea, fever, abdominal pain, and other symptoms.
- Immune system problems: Suprax may decrease the effectiveness of vaccines, so inform your healthcare provider if you are due to receive a vaccine while taking Suprax.
- Diabetes: Suprax may cause false tests for sugar in the urine in patients with diabetes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can Suprax be taken with other medications?
Suprax may interact with certain medications and supplements, so inform your healthcare provider about all the medications and supplements you are taking before starting Suprax.
Can Suprax be used to treat viral infections?
No, Suprax is an antibiotic and is only effective against bacterial infections. It will not be effective against viral infections, such as the flu or common cold.
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.
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