Marcfix Powder for Oral Suspension

Cefixime for oral suspension is a cephalosporin antibacterial drug indicated in the treatment of adults and pediatric patients six months and older with the following infections: Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections (1.1) Otitis Media (1.2) Pharyngitis and Tonsillitis (1.3) Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Bronchitis (1.4) Uncomplicated Gonorrhea (cervical/urethral) (1.5) To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of cefixime for oral suspension and other antibacterial drugs, cefixime for oral suspension should be used only to treat infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by bacteria. …

• Adults: 400 mg daily
• Pediatric patients (6 months and older): 8 mg/kg/day
• Adults The recommended dose of cefixime is 400 mg daily
• This may be given as a 400 mg tablet or capsule daily or the 400 mg tablet may be split and given as one half tablet every 12 hours
• For the treatment of uncomplicated cervical/urethral gonococcal infections, a single oral dose of 400 mg is recommended
• The capsule and tablet may be administered without regard to food
• In the treatment of infections due to Streptococcus pyogenes , a therapeutic dosage of cefixime should be administered for at least 10 days
• Pediatric Patients (6 months or older) The recommended dose is 8 mg/kg/day of the suspension
• This may be administered as a single daily dose or may be given in two divided doses, as 4 mg/kg every 12 hours
• Note: A suggested dose has been determined for each pediatric weight range
• Refer to Table 1
• Ensure all orders that specify a dose in milliliters include a concentration, because cefixime for oral suspension is available in three different concentrations (100 mg/5 mL, 200 mg/5 mL, and 500 mg/5 mL)
• Table 1
• Suggested doses for

Cefixime is available for oral administration in the following strengths: Powder for oral suspension, when reconstituted, provides either 100 mg/5 mL or 200 mg/5 mL of cefixime as trihydrate. The powder has an off-white to pale yellow color and is strawberry flavored. Oral Suspension: 100 mg/5 mL and 200 mg/5 mL (3)

• Safety and effectiveness of cefixime
• Pediatric patients younger than 6 months of age have not been established
• The incidence of gastrointestinal adverse reactions, including diarrhea and loose stools, in the
• Pediatric patients receiving the suspension, was comparable to the incidence seen in adult patients receiving tablets

Clinical studies did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and older to determine whether they respond differently than younger subjects. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients. A pharmacokinetic study in the elderly detected differences in pharmacokinetic parameters [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . …

• Drug Resistance Patients should be counseled that antibacterial drugs, including cefixime, should only be used to treat bacterial infections
• They do not treat viral infections (e.g., the common cold)
• When cefixime is prescribed to treat a bacterial infection, patients should be told that although it is common to feel better early in the course of therapy, the medication should be taken exactly as directed. …

• Cefixime for oral suspension is contraindicated in patients with known allergy to cefixime or other cephalosporins
• Contraindicated in patients with known allergy to cefixime or other cephalosporins

Elevated carbamazepine levels have been reported in postmarketing experience when cefixime is administered concomitantly. (7.1) Increased prothrombin time, with or without clinical bleeding, has been reported when cefixime is administered concomitantly with warfarin and anticoagulants. (7.2) 7.1 Carbamazepine Elevated carbamazepine levels have been reported in postmarketing experience when cefixime is administered concomitantly. Drug monitoring may be of assistance in detecting alterations in carbamazepine plasma concentrations. 7.2 Warfarin and Anticoagulants Increased prothrombin time, with or without clinical bleeding, has been reported when cefixime is administered concomitantly. …

Hypersensitivity reactions including shock and fatalities have been reported with cefixime. Discontinue use if a reaction occurs. (5.1) Clostridium difficile associated diarrhea: Evaluate if diarrhea occurs. (5.2) 5.1 Hypersensitivity Reactions Anaphylactic/anaphylactoid reactions (including shock and fatalities) have been reported with the use of cefixime. Before therapy with cefixime is instituted, careful inquiry should be made to determine whether the patient has had previous hypersensitivity reactions to cephalosporins, penicillins, or other drugs. …

Most common adverse reactions are gastrointestinal such as diarrhea (16%), nausea (7%), loose stools (6%), abdominal pain (3%), dyspepsia (3%), and vomiting. (6) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Aurobindo Pharma USA, Inc. at 1-866-850-2876 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/m edwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. The most commonly seen adverse reactions in U.S. …

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Available data from published observational studies, case series, and case reports over several decades with cephalosporin use, including cefixime, in pregnant women have not established drug-associated risks of major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes (see Data) . …

Gastric lavage may be indicated; otherwise, no specific antidote exists. Cefixime is not removed in significant quantities from the circulation by hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis. Adverse reactions in small numbers of healthy adult volunteers receiving single doses up to 2 g of cefixime did not differ from the profile seen in patients treated at the recommended doses.

Take it when you remember, unless it is nearly time for the next dose. Then skip the missed one. Never take two doses at once to make up for it. Check your leaflet, as some medicines are different.