Cefiderm

Description

Cefixime is a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic available for oral administration. It works by fighting bacterial infections in the body. The oral suspension is absorbed more rapidly and completely than tablets, with about 40-50% gastrointestinal absorption. The drug has an elimination half-life of approximately 3 hours, and 25-50% of the dose is excreted in urine within 24 hours.

Formula

Available as oral suspension and tablets. Recommended pediatric dosage: 8 mg/kg/day orally, either once daily or in two divided doses.

Antimicrobial Activity

Effective against:

• Group A and B streptococci
• Streptococcus pneumoniae
• Neisseria gonorrhoeae
• Moraxella catarrhalis
• Haemophilus influenzae (including beta-lactamase producing strains)
• Gram-negative bacteria: E. coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis
• Salmonella and Shigella species

Not effective against:

• Staphylococcus aureus
• Enterococci
• Listeria monocytogenes
• Pseudomonas and Serratia species
• Anaerobes

What It’s Used For in Children

Pakistani doctors may use this for:

• Acute otitis media (ear infections)
• Streptococcal pharyngitis (throat infections)
• Urinary tract infections
• Salmonella typhi infection
• Multiresistant Shigella gastroenteritis
• Uncomplicated gonorrhea (in teenagers)
• Certain cases of sinusitis and pneumonia

Clinical Effectiveness

Otitis Media: Comparable with amoxicillin and cefaclor. Very effective (75-100%) against H. influenzae and M. catarrhalis. Slightly lower effectiveness against S. pneumoniae compared to amoxicillin.

Streptococcal Pharyngitis: Studies show it can be effective at eradicating and preventing recurrences of group A streptococcus.

Urinary Tract Infections: Success rate comparable to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole.

Gastroenteritis: Effective for Salmonella and Shigella species resistant to traditional antibiotics.

Guidelines for Use in Children

Pakistani medical practitioners consider the following:

• Otitis Media: Less expensive alternatives like amoxicillin are usually preferred since S. pneumoniae is the most common pathogen.
• Streptococcal Pharyngitis: Penicillin V remains first choice. Cefixime can be used as an alternative but isn’t necessarily superior to less expensive first and second-generation cephalosporins.
• Urinary Tract Infections: Use when pathogens are resistant to cheaper options like amoxicillin or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole but susceptible to cefixime.
• Gonorrhea: Single-dose effective for uncomplicated cases; longer duration needed for pelvic inflammatory disease.
• Gastroenteritis: Useful for young children (where quinolones are contraindicated) with Salmonella/Shigella resistant to traditional antibiotics.

How to Use

• Oral suspension absorbs better than tablets.
• Can be given once daily or in two divided doses.
• Follow your doctor’s prescribed dosage based on child’s weight and condition.
• Duration varies by infection type.

Adverse Effects

Generally mild and transient:

• Diarrhea (about 15% of children) – usually mild, develops within 4 days, resolves upon discontinuation
• Severe diarrhea or pseudomembranous colitis (fewer than 2% of patients)
• Drug hypersensitivity reactions (rare)

Precautions

• Use only when prescribed by a qualified pediatrician.
• Complete the full course as directed.
• Monitor for diarrhea or allergic reactions.
• Inform doctor about any other medications the child is taking.

Storage

• Store as directed on the package
• Keep away from children’s reach
• Protect from light and moisture

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not a medical prescription. Always consult your doctor before giving this medicine to children, and discuss any queries related to dosage, duration, possible precautions, side effects, contraindications, or drug interactions. The information provided may not cover all possible scenarios. This medication should only be prescribed by a registered medical practitioner.