The Safety Of Cefixime During Pregnancy: A Comprehensive Review

is cefixime 200 mg safe in pregnancy

Cefixime is an antibiotic medication used to treat bacterial infections of the lungs, urinary tract, ears, throat, and gonorrhea. It is available in tablet, chewable tablet, capsule, and oral suspension forms and is typically taken once or twice daily. While it is generally safe for use in adults, the safety profile for pregnant women is less clear. Animal studies have not shown evidence of fetal harm, but there is a lack of controlled data in human pregnancy. As a result, it is recommended only if clearly needed and the benefit outweighs the risk.

Characteristics Values
Type of medication Antibiotic
Brand name Suprax
Drug class Third-generation cephalosporins
Treats Bacterial infections of the lungs, urinary tract, ears, throat, and infections that cause gonorrhea
FDA pregnancy category B
FDA approval year 1989
Side effects Rash, diarrhea, nausea, loose stools, upset stomach, hypersensitivity, superinfection, bleeding abnormalities, kidney problems, severe skin reaction, etc.
Interactions Carbamazepime, anticoagulants, probenecid, methotrexate, birth control pills, etc.
Precautions Do not take if allergic to cefixime or similar antibiotics (penicillins, cephalosporins). Monitor for bleeding abnormalities, especially with kidney dysfunction.
Dosage forms Oral capsule, oral powder for reconstitution, oral tablet, oral chewable tablet
Dosage for adults 400 mg once a day or 200 mg twice a day

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Cefixime is an antibiotic that treats bacterial infections

Cefixime is typically taken orally, and can come in the form of a tablet, chewable tablet, capsule, or suspension (liquid). It is usually taken once or twice a day, and should be taken for the full prescribed length of time, even if symptoms disappear. Skipping doses or stopping the medication too early may result in a return of the infection or increase the risk of antibiotic resistance.

While cefixime is generally safe, it may cause side effects such as stomach upset, diarrhea, nausea, gas, headache, or dizziness. More serious side effects include severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody, jaundice, pale or yellowed skin, dark-colored urine, confusion or weakness, seizures, and kidney problems. It is important to note that cefixime may also cause a severe intestinal condition due to the bacteria C. difficile.

Regarding pregnancy, cefixime is recommended for use only if clearly needed and the benefit outweighs the risk. Animal studies have not shown evidence of fetal harm, but there was an increased incidence of abortion at levels reaching maternal toxicity. There are no controlled data in human pregnancy. It is also unknown if cefixime passes into breast milk, so it is important to consult a doctor before taking cefixime while pregnant or breastfeeding.

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Cefixime is FDA-approved and falls under category B

Cefixime is a prescription medication used to treat bacterial infections of the lungs, urinary tract, ears, throat, and infections that cause gonorrhea. It is part of a group of drugs called cephalosporin antibiotics, which work to stop the growth of bacteria in the body. It is available in tablet, chewable tablet, capsule, and oral (by mouth) suspension forms and is taken once or twice daily, with or without food.

While cefixime is generally considered safe during pregnancy, it is important to note that it should be used only if clearly needed and when the benefits outweigh the risks. There are no controlled data in human pregnancy, and it is always recommended to consult with a doctor or healthcare provider before taking any medication during pregnancy.

Additionally, it is important to be aware of the side effects associated with cefixime. Common side effects include rash, diarrhea, nausea, loose stools, and upset stomach. However, more serious side effects have been reported, including hypersensitivity (severe allergic reaction), superinfection, and bleeding abnormalities. Therefore, it is crucial to follow the directions on the prescription label carefully and inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have any concerns or experience any adverse reactions.

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Cefixime is available in tablet, chewable tablet, capsule, and oral suspension forms

Cefixime is an antibiotic medication that comes in tablet, chewable tablet, capsule, and oral suspension (liquid) forms. It is typically taken by mouth with or without food, and can be taken every 12 or 24 hours. It is important to carefully follow the directions on the prescription label and to consult a doctor or pharmacist for any clarification.

The tablet form of cefixime comes with a line down the middle, allowing for easy halving if directed by a doctor. The chewable tablets should be chewed completely before swallowing, or crushed if necessary. The suspension form should be shaken well before each use to ensure the medication is evenly mixed.

Cefixime is a cephalosporin antibiotic that works by stopping the growth of bacteria and killing them. It is used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections, including bronchitis, gonorrhoea, ear infections, throat infections, tonsillitis, and urinary tract infections. It is important to note that cefixime is not effective for viral infections such as the common cold or flu, and should not be used unnecessarily as it can decrease the drug's effectiveness for future infections.

While cefixime is generally safe, it is important to consult a doctor before taking it, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Animal studies have not shown evidence of fetal harm, but there is limited data available for human pregnancies. Therefore, it is recommended to use cefixime during pregnancy only if clearly needed and when the benefits outweigh the risks.

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Cefixime may cause allergic reactions and other side effects

Cefixime is a cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. It is not recommended for use during pregnancy unless the benefit outweighs the risk. While animal studies have not shown evidence of fetal harm, there is a lack of controlled data in human pregnancy.

Other possible side effects include:

  • Increased night-time urination
  • Vaginal itching or discharge
  • Severe stomach or abdominal pain
  • Persistent nausea or vomiting
  • Yellowing eyes or skin
  • Dark urine
  • Unusual tiredness
  • New signs of infection (e.g. persistent sore throat, fever)
  • Easy bruising or bleeding
  • Signs of kidney problems (such as a change in the amount of urine)
  • Mental/mood changes (such as confusion)
  • Diarrhea that doesn't stop
  • Abdominal or stomach pain/cramping
  • Blood/mucus in the stool
  • Oral thrush or a new vaginal yeast infection

If any of these side effects occur, it is important to consult a doctor or pharmacist.

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Consult a doctor before taking any medication during pregnancy

It is important to consult a doctor before taking any medication during pregnancy. This includes over-the-counter medications, herbal remedies, supplements, and prescription drugs.

Medications can affect a developing fetus in several ways. They may have no impact, or they could cause direct or indirect harm. Direct harm could be caused by the medication acting on the fetus, leading to abnormal development or even death. Indirect harm could be caused by the medication altering the function of the placenta, reducing the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the fetus, or by causing the muscles of the uterus to contract, reducing the fetus's blood supply or triggering preterm labour.

In the case of cefixime, animal studies have not revealed evidence of fetal harm or impaired fertility at doses much higher than the recommended human dose. However, there was an increased incidence of abortion at levels reaching maternal toxicity. There are no controlled data in human pregnancy. Therefore, it is recommended that cefixime is only used during pregnancy if the benefit outweighs the risk.

A doctor will be able to advise on the risks and benefits of taking a particular medication during pregnancy and whether there are any suitable alternatives. They will take into account the stage of fetal development, the strength and dose of the medication, the permeability of the placenta, and the health of the pregnant woman.

It is also important to note that some medications are essential for the health of the mother and baby. For example, a woman with an artificial heart valve may need to take blood thinners to prevent clotting. While some blood thinners can cause birth defects, stopping the medication could lead to a life-threatening condition for the mother.

In summary, it is always best to consult a doctor before taking any medication during pregnancy to weigh the risks and benefits and ensure the health and safety of both the mother and the developing fetus.

Frequently asked questions

Cefixime is categorised as US FDA pregnancy category B. Animal studies have not shown any harm to the foetus even at doses 400 times the recommended human dose. However, there is a lack of well-done studies in humans. Therefore, it is recommended to be used only if clearly needed and the benefit outweighs the risk.

There are no known side effects of cefixime specific to pregnant women. The common side effects of cefixime include rash, diarrhoea, nausea, loose stools, and upset stomach.

Before taking cefixime, pregnant women should inform their doctor and disclose their medical history, including any allergies. They should also inform the doctor about all the medicines they are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

It is not known if cefixime passes into breast milk. Due to the possibility of adverse reactions in nursing infants, a decision should be made to discontinue breastfeeding or the drug.

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