From the Guidelines
Cefpodoxime is an antibiotic medication used to treat various bacterial infections, including respiratory tract infections, skin and soft tissue infections, and urinary tract infections, with a typical adult dosage ranging from 100-400 mg taken twice daily for 7-14 days, as recommended by the most recent guidelines 1.
Key Points
- Cefpodoxime belongs to the cephalosporin class of antibiotics and is effective against many common infections, including those caused by gram-positive and some gram-negative bacteria.
- The medication works by interfering with bacterial cell wall synthesis, ultimately killing the bacteria.
- It is essential to complete the full course of treatment, even if symptoms improve before finishing the prescription.
- Patients with penicillin allergies should use caution, as there may be cross-reactivity, although the risk is lower with second- and third-generation cephalosporins like cefpodoxime 1.
Usage and Dosage
- The typical adult dosage ranges from 100-400 mg taken twice daily for 7-14 days, depending on the type and severity of infection.
- For children, the dose is usually calculated based on body weight.
- Cefpodoxime should be taken with food to enhance absorption.
Side Effects and Precautions
- Common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, and headache.
- Patients with a history of penicillin allergy should be cautious, although the risk of cross-reactivity with cefpodoxime is considered low 1.
Evidence-Based Recommendations
- The most recent guidelines recommend cefpodoxime as a treatment option for various bacterial infections, including acute otitis media and acute bacterial rhinosinusitis 1.
- Cefpodoxime is not effective against viral infections like colds or flu, and its use should be guided by evidence-based recommendations and clinical judgment 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Cefpodoxime proxetil is indicated for the treatment of patients with mild to moderate infections caused by susceptible strains of the designated microorganisms in the conditions listed below.
Acute otitis media caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae (excluding penicillin-resistant strains), Streptococcus pyogenes, Haemophilus influenzae (including beta-lactamase-producing strains), or Moraxella (Branhamella) catarrhalis (including beta-lactamase-producing strains). Pharyngitis and/or tonsillitis caused by Streptococcus pyogenes Community-acquired pneumonia caused by S. pneumoniae or H.influenzae (including beta-lactamase-producing strains). Acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis caused by S.pneumoniae, H.influenzae (non-beta-lactamase-producing strains only), or M.catarrhalis. Acute, uncomplicated urethral and cervical gonorrhea caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae (including penicillinase-producing strains). Acute, uncomplicated ano-rectal infections in women due to Neisseria gonorrhoeae (including penicillinase-producing strains). Uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus (including penicillinase-producing strains) or Streptococcus pyogenes. Acute maxillary sinusitis caused by Haemophilus influenzae (including beta-lactamase-producing strains), Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Moraxella catarrhalis Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (cystitis) caused by Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, or Staphylococcus saprophyticus
Cefpodoxime is used for the treatment of various bacterial infections, including:
- Acute otitis media
- Pharyngitis and/or tonsillitis
- Community-acquired pneumonia
- Acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis
- Uncomplicated gonorrhea
- Uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections
- Acute maxillary sinusitis
- Uncomplicated urinary tract infections 2 2
From the Research
Cefpodoxime Uses
- Cefpodoxime is used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections, including:
- Respiratory tract infections, such as bronchitis, pneumonia, and sinusitis 3, 4, 5, 6
- Skin and soft tissue infections, such as furunculosis, pyoderma, and impetigo 3, 4, 6
- Urinary tract infections, such as pyelonephritis, cystitis, and urethritis 3, 4, 6
- Genito-urinary tract infections, such as gonorrhoea, acute uncomplicated gonococcal urethritis, and cervicitis 4
- Cefpodoxime is also used as a step-down therapy from parenteral cephalosporins in the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia 4
- The drug is effective against a broad spectrum of bacteria, including Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, such as Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Staphylococcus aureus 3, 5, 6
Dosage and Administration
- The recommended dose of cefpodoxime is 8-10 mg/kg/d in a single or two doses 6
- Different schedules have been given for different infections, such as twice daily administration for 5 to 10 days in the treatment of lower respiratory tract infections 5
- Cefpodoxime is available as an orally administered prodrug, cefpodoxime proxetil, which is absorbed and de-esterified by the intestinal mucosa to release the active drug 3