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Third-generation oral cephalosporin

Cefixime

Brand names: Suprax

Cefixime is a third-generation oral cephalosporin antibacterial used for susceptible Gram-negative infections, including uncomplicated urinary tract infections and, where indicated, gonorrhoea.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Clinical monograph

How it works

It is a beta-lactam that binds penicillin-binding proteins, inhibiting bacterial cell-wall peptidoglycan synthesis and producing a bactericidal effect.

Prescribing in practice

  • Avoid in patients with a history of immediate (anaphylactic) hypersensitivity to penicillins or other beta-lactams owing to the risk of cross-reactivity.
  • Activity is predominantly against Gram-negative organisms; it has poor activity against staphylococci, so it is unsuitable for suspected staphylococcal infection.
  • Dose adjustment is required in significant renal impairment, in line with the SPC.

Monitoring

Routine laboratory monitoring is not generally required for short courses, but renal function should inform dosing and clinical response should be reviewed.

Counselling the patient

  • Complete the full prescribed course even if you feel better.
  • Report any rash, facial swelling or breathing difficulty, or severe or persistent diarrhoea.

Evidence & guidelines

Use is supported by NICE and UK antimicrobial guidance for specific susceptible infections rather than as a first-line broad-spectrum agent.

Reference: BASHH gonorrhoea; UKHSA; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

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