Suprax

Description

Suprax is a brand name for cefixime, a cephalosporin antibiotic that treats bacterial infections in the ear, throat, sinuses, chest and lungs.

 

Drug Information

 

Suprax is a widely used brand name for the third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic cefixime. Cefixime is commonly prescribed to treat bacterial infections such as pneumonia, bronchitis, Otitis, tonsillitis, pharyngitis, sinusitis, gonorrhea and urinary tract infections.

 

Cefixime’s mechanism of action is based on its ability to prevent the infected bacteria from synthesizing mucopeptides to build cell walls. Bacteria cannot survive without a cell wall, and therefore those that cannot grow cell walls eventually die. As a third generation cephalosporin, Cefixime is highly effective against bacteria that produce beta-lactamase enzymes. This type of bacteria is usually resistant to penicillin and similar antibiotics.

 

Suprax is highly effective against the following strains of bacteria: Escherichia coli, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Haemophilus influenzae, Proteus mirabilis, S. pyogenes, Moraxella catarrhalis, and Streptococcus pneumonia.

 

Suprax is available as tablets, capsules and oral suspension powder.

 

Inactive ingredients in Suprax may include lactose monohydrate, triacetin, microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, hypromellose, pregelatinized starch, titanium dioxide, polyethylene glycol, colloidal silicon dioxide, low substituted hydroxy propyl cellulose, mannitol, crospovidone, potassium hydroxide, sodium lauryl sulfate, shellac, aspartame, colloidal silicon dioxide, sodium benzoate, sucralose, xanthan gum and sucrose.

 

Dosage

 

When taking Suprax, it’s very important to follow dosage directions exactly as prescribed by the doctor. Do not take Suprax without a physician’s prescription.

 

Dosage for Suprax varies from person to person depending on weight and the bacterial strain causing the infection.

 

The usual recommended dosage for Suprax is 400 mg administered once daily, or once every 12 hours.

 

If taking Suprax in the oral suspension form, use a precise measuring spoon or a device to measure doses accurately.

 

Do not use common household items and speculate the dose.

 

Suprax can be taken with or without meals. However, it’s recommended to take Suprax with or after a meal, or with a glass of milk if the medication causes stomach upset or irritation.

 

Chew Suprax only if the tablets are chewable. Do not crush, chew or break Suprax tablets that should be swallowed whole.

 

Side Effects

 

Suprax may cause one or more of the following side effects:

 

 Upset stomach
 Abdominal pain
 Diarrhea
 Nausea
 Hypersensitivity reactions such as hives, Stevens-Johnson syndrome and skin rashes
 Gas
 Headache
 Dizziness
 Vaginitis (inflammation of the vagina) or vaginal yeast infections

 

Immediately inform a doctor if side effects worsen or last for more than a week. Especially seek emergency medical care if diarrhea or abdominal pain gets worse.

 

Side effects other than the listed above may occur.

 

Precautions

 

 Suprax should not be taken if allergic to cefixime, other cephalosporin antibiotics or drugs similar to penicillin.

 

 Suprax should only be taken if there is a bacterial infection. Taking antibiotics when there’s no need for them may result in drug resistant bacterial infections in the future.

 

 Antibiotics like Suprax are not effective against illnesses caused by viruses or fungi.

 

 Suprax may pose medical risks for patients with histories of liver or kidney disease.

 

 Use Suprax when pregnant only if needed.