Icef 400mg Capsules – 5 Capsules

Manufacturer: ICI Pakistan Ltd.
Generic Name: Cefixime 400mg
Drug Class: Cephalosporin Antibiotic
Dosage Form: Capsule

Description

Icef (Cefixime 400mg) is a broad-spectrum cephalosporin antibiotic. It works by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis, weakening the bacterial structure and leading to bacterial cell death. Cefixime is effective against a variety of respiratory, urinary, skin, bone, and joint infections.

Primary Uses / Indications

Cefixime 400mg is prescribed for:

• Respiratory infections: pneumonia, bronchitis.

• Urinary tract infections (UTIs).

• Skin and soft tissue infections.

• Bone and joint infections.

• Surgical prophylaxis to prevent infection.

• Severe bacterial infections requiring high-dose antibiotics.

Dosage Guidelines

Adults:

• 400–800 mg per day, once or divided doses.

• Maximum: 1600 mg/day.

Children:

• 10 mg/kg body weight once daily.

• Maximum: 400 mg/day.

Important: Follow your doctor’s prescription. Do not self-adjust doses.

How to Take

• Swallow the capsule whole with a full glass of water.

• Can be taken with or without food.

• Take at the same time every day to maintain consistent blood levels.

• Complete the full prescribed course, even if symptoms improve early.

Missed Dose

• Take as soon as you remember.

• If the next dose is near, skip the missed dose.

• Do not double the dose.

• Consult your doctor if multiple doses are missed.

Overdose

Symptoms may include: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain.
Action: Seek immediate medical advice. Supportive care may be required.

Side Effects

Common and mild side effects:

• Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting.

• Abdominal pain.

• Headache, dizziness, fatigue.

• Rash, itching.

• Vaginal yeast infections.

Seek medical help if: severe allergic reactions, persistent diarrhea, or unusual bleeding occurs.

Precautions & Warnings

• Allergies: Avoid if allergic to cefixime or other cephalosporins.

• Kidney Disease: Dose adjustment may be needed; monitor renal function.

• Gastrointestinal History: May worsen conditions like colitis.

• Birth Control: Can reduce effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives. Use alternative protection.

• Pregnancy & Lactation: Only if benefits outweigh risks; consult your doctor.

• Elderly Patients: Monitor for side effects closely.

• Alcohol: Avoid, as it may increase side effect risks.

Drug Interactions

• Probenecid: Increases cefixime levels in the blood.

• Nephrotoxic drugs: Higher risk of kidney damage.

• Antacids / Iron / Dairy: May reduce absorption. Take 2 hours apart.

• Oral contraceptives: Use backup contraception.

• Anticoagulants & liver-metabolized drugs: May increase bleeding risk or alter drug levels.

• Other antibiotics: Concurrent use may increase kidney or hearing toxicity risk.

Food Interactions

• Take separate from dairy products by 2 hours.

• Avoid alcohol, grapefruit juice, iron supplements, and high-fat meals around the dosing time.

• Probiotics and fermented foods may interfere with effectiveness.

Storage & Disposal

• Store in a cool, dry place at room temperature (18–25°C).

• Protect from sunlight and moisture.

• Keep in original packaging.

• Dispose responsibly; do not flush or pour down drains.

Laboratory Screening

• Monitor kidney function: serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN).

• Check complete blood count (CBC) if risk of bleeding or long-term use.

• Monitoring ensures safety and effective dosing.

Quick Tips

• Swallow capsules whole, do not crush or chew.

• Take at the same time daily.

• Complete entire prescribed course.

• Inform your doctor of allergies, medications, and pre-existing conditions.

Doctor’s Review

Dr. Ahmed Farooq, MD – Infectious Diseases:
“Cefixime 400mg (Icef) is a reliable oral antibiotic for mild to moderate bacterial infections. It is generally well-tolerated, with low rates of serious side effects. Renal function should be monitored in patients with kidney disease. Compliance with the full course is essential to prevent resistance. Cefixime should be avoided in patients with severe cephalosporin allergies.”

Disclaimer

Information provided is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Consult your doctor for personalized guidance on dosing, interactions, or side effects.