Suprax or cefixime (generic) is an antibiotic medication that belongs to the class of antibiotics called cephalosporins. It is available by prescription in both pill and liquid form, and it may be used in injectable form. The drug has many uses. It’s principally considered for treatment of conditions like gonorrhea, but it also is commonly used to treat ear infections, urinary tract infections, and throat, sinus or bronchial conditions arising from bacteria. Like many medications, it has advantages and possible complications, warnings and side effects.
Dosage of cefixime tends to vary and might be partly determined by age and condition. People might take one or two pills a day, depending on directions, and will usually take this medicine for about 10-14 days. It’s important to fully finish the medication even if symptoms that caused its need have resolved. Without finishing the full prescription, people are subject to re-infections, which may be stronger and more difficult to fight. Sometimes a medication appears not to be working. In these cases, patients should contact doctors but shouldn’t discontinue the medication unless advised.
One of the most important warnings issued about Suprax is that it may cause allergies in those people who are also allergic to penicillin. Penicillin allergy should always be discussed before receiving an antibiotic because occasionally allergy to it can mean greater chance of allergy to other drugs. Since anaphylactic shock is a life-threatening reaction, decision to use Suprax should be treated with care. Any signs of allergic reaction from taking the drug, such as difficulty breathing, asthma, swollen mouth, face, lips, or tongue, hives, or seizures need immediate medical attention.
Most people are screened for penicillin allergy prior to being prescribed cefixime, and allergy to the drug doesn’t occur in most individuals. A few other side effects are more typically expected. These often affect the stomach and include nausea, gas, mild to moderate diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain, or loose stools. Severe diarrhea should be mentioned to doctors and people should avoid taking anti-diarrheal medications before getting medical advice, as these may worsen the problem. Antibiotics can also cause vaginal or oral yeast infections, and people should talk to a doctor if these develop.
Some people find alleviation from certain stomach side effects by taking the medication with food. Others recommend Suprax be combined with daily consumption of yogurt. Though not unanimously agreed upon by the medical community, many physicians do support this recommendation for reducing stomach troubles and possible yeast infection risk while using antibiotics.
Use of Suprax during pregnancy isn’t always advised, and doctors should understand all present medical conditions to determine if this antibiotic is appropriate. Cefixime can also interact with certain drugs aside from antidiarrheal medications. Interactions between the medication and carbamazepine (Tegretol®) an anti-seizure medicine frequently used to treat bipolar disorder, or blood thinners like warfarin have been noted. Giving doctors a full list of medications, herbs, and supplements used can help avoid drug interactions.
