What is the recommended dose of Cefixime (Cephalosporin antibiotic) for a patient with recurrent Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) sensitive to Cefixime?

Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: June 10, 2025View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

From the FDA Drug Label

2.1 Adults The recommended dose of cefixime is 400 mg daily. 1.1 Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections Cefixime for oral suspension and cefixime capsule is indicated in the treatment of adults and pediatric patients six months of age or older with uncomplicated urinary tract infections caused by susceptible isolates of Escherichia coli and Proteus mirabilis.

The recommended dose of Cefixime for a patient with recurrent Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) sensitive to Cefixime is 400 mg daily 1.

From the Research

For recurrent urinary tract infections sensitive to Cefixime, the recommended dose for adults is typically 400 mg once daily for 3-7 days, as supported by the study published in 1998 2. This dose can be adjusted based on the severity of the infection and the patient's response to treatment. For more severe infections, the treatment may be extended to 7-14 days. It's also important to note that for children, the dosage is weight-based at 8 mg/kg/day, given either as a single daily dose or divided into two equal doses every 12 hours, as mentioned in the example answer.

Some key points to consider when prescribing Cefixime for recurrent UTIs include:

  • The importance of completing the full course of antibiotics, even if symptoms improve before completion, to ensure that the infection is fully cleared.
  • The need for patients to stay well-hydrated during treatment to help prevent complications.
  • The potential for gastrointestinal side effects, such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and nausea, and the importance of monitoring for these side effects.
  • The possibility of prescribing a lower prophylactic dose of 200 mg daily for prevention of recurrent UTIs, although this approach should be discussed with a healthcare provider due to the potential risk of contributing to antibiotic resistance.

In terms of the evidence, the study published in 1998 2 provides strong support for the use of Cefixime in the treatment of recurrent UTIs, with a high rate of clinical cure or improvement in patients treated with the antibiotic. Additionally, the study published in 1992 3 suggests that a once-daily dosing regimen of 200 mg may be as effective as a twice-daily dosing regimen in the treatment of acute uncomplicated cystitis, although the recommended dose for recurrent UTIs is typically higher. Overall, the evidence suggests that Cefixime is a effective and well-tolerated treatment option for recurrent UTIs, and that the recommended dose for adults is typically 400 mg once daily for 3-7 days.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.