Perhaps you or your child has been prescribed a medicine called Cefixime by your doctor for a bacterial infection that comes with a fever or cough. This medicine also comes in the form of a chewable tablet. So, there are a few things we need to be careful about when using this medicine. Let's talk about it simply and precisely today.
What is this Cefixime?
Simply put, Cefixime is an antibiotic . This means that this medicine helps to kill certain types of bacteria that have entered our body and cure infections caused by them. It belongs to the group of antibiotics called `(Cephalosporin)`.
But it's important to remember this: This medicine only works for bacterial infections. It won't help with viral infections like the common cold or flu. So only use it if your doctor tells you to.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
It is very important for your doctor to have a complete picture of your health. So before starting Cefixime, be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of these conditions.
- Bleeding problems: Do you have a problem where you bleed easily?
- Kidney problem: Is there any kidney disease?
- Phenylketonuria (PKU): Do you have a genetic condition called PKU? (We'll talk about this later).
- Digestive system problems: Have you ever had a specific inflammatory condition of the intestines (such as colitis)?
- Allergies: Are you allergic to Cefixime, any other Cephalosporin, or penicillin ? Also, tell us if you have any allergies to other foods, medications, or dyes.
- Are you pregnant or expecting a baby ?
- Are you a breastfeeding mother ?
Based on this information, your doctor will decide whether this medication is right for you or whether the dosage needs to be changed.
The correct way to use the medicine
To get the most out of a medicine, you need to use it correctly.
- Chew or crush: Since this is a chewable tablet, it should be chewed or crushed thoroughly before swallowing. Never swallow the tablet whole.
- With or without food: This medicine can be taken before or after meals. However, if you experience stomach upset or heartburn, it is best to take it with food.
- Complete the course: This is the most important thing. Even if you feel better, take the medicine for the full number of days prescribed by your doctor. If you stop, the remaining bacteria can become stronger again and the disease can recur.
- When given to children: This is sometimes given to children over 6 years of age. But talk to your doctor about it and follow his instructions exactly.
Overdosage
Imagine you have taken too much of this medicine. If this happens, do not panic, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once.
Things we should pay attention to when taking Cefixime
There are some things you need to be careful about while taking this medicine.
- Symptoms: If your symptoms do not improve, or if new symptoms appear, tell your doctor.
- Severe skin rash: This is a serious condition. Sometimes it can occur weeks after starting the medication. If you have a fever, chills, or a rash that appears red or peeling, seek medical attention immediately. Also, don't ignore any redness of the skin along with swelling of the face, lips, or a rash on the neck or armpits.
- Diarrhea: Diarrhea can occur while taking medication. However, if you have severe diarrhea that lasts for more than two days and is watery, do not take over-the-counter medication and talk to your doctor.
- Urine tests: If a person with diabetes is having urine tests that check for sugar in their urine, this medicine may affect the results of those tests. Talk to your doctor about this as well.
- PKU Condition: These chewable tablets may contain the sweetener `(Aspartame).` This is not suitable for people with PKU. If you have PKU, tell your doctor about this.
- If you are being treated for an STD: If you are being treated for an STD, avoid having sex until you have finished the full course of medication.
Side effects of the medicine
Like any medicine, Cefixime can cause side effects. Some are serious, while others are common. Let's look at these in a table.
| Side Effect | Description and what to do |
|---|---|
| Side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
| Skin allergies | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue. |
| Difficulty breathing | Shortness of breath, feeling of tightness in the chest. |
| Severe diarrhea | Severe diarrhea with blood or water. |
| Urinary problems | Pain when urinating, change in urine volume. |
| Skin blistering/itching | Redness of the skin, blistering, and peeling of the skin, including inside the mouth. |
| Abnormal bleeding | Bleeding that does not stop even from a small wound, bruising of the skin. |
| Yellowing of the eyes or skin | It may be a symptom of a liver problem. |
| Other | Fever, dizziness, seizures, feeling unusually tired. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Normal diarrhea | A slight, watery discharge. |
| Stomach ache | Stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, bloating. |
| Other | Headache, loss of appetite, itching in the genitals or anus. |
How should you store your medicine?
To maintain the quality of medicines, they must be stored properly.
- Store at normal room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius).
- Keep it safely out of the reach of children and pets .
- Discard expired medication without using it.
Take-Home Message
- Cefixime is an antibiotic that must be prescribed by a doctor. Never use someone else's medicine.
- If this is a chewable tablet, chew it whole or crush it and swallow it.
- Even if you feel better, finish the entire course of medication prescribed by the doctor.
- If you experience any serious side effects such as severe skin rashes, blisters, difficulty breathing, or severe diarrhea, seek medical advice immediately.
- Inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking, medical conditions, and allergies you have.
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