Cefixime 200 Dosage, Duration & Uses: Complete Indian Guide

CCefixime is a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic — broad-spectrum, kills Gram-negative and some Gram-positive bacteria. Indian brands: Taxim-O 200 (Alkem, ₹125/strip of 10), Zifi 200 (FDC, ₹135), Mahacef 200 (Mankind, ₹85), Cefolac 200, Omnix 200. First-line for: Typhoid (salmonella), uncomplicated UTI, bacterial diarrhea, otitis media (ear infection), bronchitis, pharyngitis, uncomplicated gonorrhea (400mg single dose). NOT for: Cold, flu, viral diarrhea, tuberculosis, MRSA, pseudomonas. Prescription-only — don't self-buy.

Standard: 200mg twice daily (every 12 hours) × 7-14 days. Typhoid: 200mg BD × 14 days. UTI: 200mg BD × 5-7 days. Uncomplicated gonorrhea: 400mg single dose. Severe infections: 400mg BD. Take with or without food (food may reduce nausea). Complete the full course even if you feel better by day 3. Evenly spaced doses (8 AM + 8 PM) maintain blood levels. Missed dose: take as soon as remembered; don't double up.

Kids use Taxim-O syrup (50mg/5ml or 100mg/5ml). Dose: 8 mg/kg/day divided every 12 hours. Quick chart (100mg/5ml syrup): 5 kg → 2ml BD. 10 kg → 4ml BD. 15 kg → 6ml BD. 20 kg → 8ml BD. 25 kg → 10ml BD. Measure with dropper/cup from bottle. Shake well. Refrigerate after reconstitution; use within 14 days. Don't use adult tablets for kids — dose is weight-specific. For typhoid in kids: 20 mg/kg/day × 14 days (doctor decides).

Common: Diarrhea (15-20%) — antibiotic disrupts gut flora. Nausea (8%). Stomach pain (6%). Headache (5%). Rash (4%) — monitor for worsening allergy. Vaginal candidiasis in women (yeast infection). Less common: Taste changes, drug fever, dizziness. Rare: Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis — breathing difficulty, facial swelling — ER), severe diarrhea with fever (C. difficile — see doctor), elevated liver enzymes, blood cell changes. Manage diarrhea with: Probiotic (Darolac, Econorm) 2 hours apart from cefixime, curd/Yakult, ORS hydration.

Warfarin: Can increase INR — bleeding risk; monitor. Probenecid: Increases cefixime levels. Antacids (Gelusil): Reduce absorption; space 2 hours. Oral contraceptives: Mildly reduce effectiveness — use backup contraception during course and 7 days after. Alcohol: No direct interaction but slows recovery. Live vaccines (typhoid oral vaccine, BCG): Avoid during course and 14 days after. Other antibiotics: Don't stack without doctor. Probiotics: Space 2 hours — good to take.

Penicillin allergy: 5-10% cross-reactivity with cephalosporins. If mild (rash) previously: can use cautiously. Severe (anaphylaxis): avoid — try azithromycin or levofloxacin instead. Kidney disease (eGFR < 60): Dose reduction needed. Severe liver disease: Monitor. Elderly: Dose adjustment for kidneys. Pregnancy: Category B — safe when needed (UTI, typhoid in pregnancy). Breastfeeding: Small amount in milk; watch baby for diarrhea; short course acceptable. Neonates/premature: Specialist decides.