Suprax

Suprax

Generic name: Cefixime
Brand names: Suprax

Why Suprax is prescribed

Suprax, a cephalosporin antibiotic, is prescribed for bacterial infections of the chest, ears, urinary tract, and throat and for uncomplicated gonorrhea.

The most important facts about Suprax

If you are allergic to either penicillin or cephalosporin antibiotics in any form, consult your doctor before taking Suprax. An allergy to either type of medication may signal an allergy to Suprax, and if a reaction occurs, it could be extremely severe. If you take the drug and feel signs of a reaction, seek medical attention immediately.

How you should take Suprax

Suprax can be taken with or without food. If the medication causes stomach upset, take it with meals. Food, however, will slow down the rate at which medication is absorbed into your bloodstream.

If you are taking a liquid form of Suprax, use the specially marked measuring spoon to measure each dose accurately. Shake well before using.

It is important that you finish taking all of Suprax even if you are feeling better, in order to obtain the medicine's maximum benefit.

If you miss a dose

If you are taking Suprax once a day and you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Wait at least 10 to 12 hours before taking your next dose. Then return to your regular schedule.

If you are taking Suprax 2 times a day and you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember and take your next dose 5 to 6 hours later. Then go back to your regular schedule.

If you are taking Suprax 3 times a day and you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember and take your next dose 2 to 4 hours later. Then return to your regular schedule.

Storage instructions

Suprax liquid may be kept for 14 days, either at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Keep the bottle tightly closed. Do not store in damp places. Keep out of reach of children and away from direct light and heat. Discard any unused portion after 14 days.

Side effects may be caused by Suprax

A drug cannot anticipate producing side effects. If any develop or change in intensity, let your doctor know as soon as possible. Your doctor only can determine whether it is safe for you to continue taking Suprax.

• More common possible effects include:
  Abdominal pain, gas, indigestion, loose stools, mild diarrhea, nausea, vomiting

When Suprax should not be prescribed

If you are either sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to Suprax, other cephalosporin antibiotics, or any form of penicillin, you should not take Suprax. Make sure that your doctor is aware of any drug reactions that you have experienced.

Special warnings about Suprax

Notify your doctor if you have had allergic reactions to penicillins or other cephalosporin antibiotics.

If you have a history of stomach or intestinal disease such as colitis, check with your doctor before taking Suprax.

If your symptoms of infection do not improve within a few days, or if they get worse, notify your doctor immediately.

If you suffer nausea, vomiting, or severe diarrhea while taking Suprax, check with your doctor before taking a diarrhea medication. Some of these medications, such as Lomotil and Paregoric, may make your diarrhea worse or cause it to last longer.

If you are a diabetic, it is important to note that Suprax may cause false urine-sugar test results. Notify your doctor that you are taking Suprax before being tested for sugar in the urine. Do not change diet or dosage of diabetes medication without first consulting with your doctor.

When prescribing Suprax, your doctor may perform laboratory tests to make certain it is effective against the bacteria causing the infection. Some bacteria do not respond to Suprax, so do not give it to other people or use it for other infections.

If you have a kidney disorder, check with your doctor before taking Suprax. You may need a reduced dose of Suprax because of your medical condition.

Repeated use of Suprax may result in an overgrowth of bacteria that do not respond to the medication and can cause a secondary infection. Therefore, do not save Suprax for use at another time. Take Suprax only when directed to do so by your doctor.

Food and drugs that may interact with Suprax

When Suprax and the seizure medication Tegretol are used together, the amount of Tegretol in the bloodstream may show an increase. Suprax may also increase the effect of anticlotting drugs such as Coumadin.

Special precautions if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

The effects of Suprax during pregnancy have not been studied sufficiently. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, let your doctor know immediately. Suprax may appear in breast milk and could affect a nursing infant. If Suprax is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding your baby until your treatment with Suprax is finished.

Recommended dosage of Suprax

ADULTS

Infections Other Than Gonorrhea

The usual adult dose is 400 milligrams daily. This may be taken as a single 400-milligram tablet once a day or as a 200-milligram tablet every 12 hours. If you have kidney disease, the dose may be lower.

Uncomplicated Gonorrhea

A single 400-milligram oral dose is usually prescribed.

CHILDREN

The safety and effectiveness of Suprax in children less than 6 months old have not been established. The usual child's dose is 8 milligrams of liquid per 2.2 pounds of body weight per day. This may be given as a single dose or in 2 half doses every 12 hours. Children weighing more than 110 pounds or older than 12 years of age should be treated with an adult dose.

If your child has a middle ear infection (otitis media), your doctor will probably prescribe Suprax suspension. The tablet form is less effective against this type of infection.

OLDER ADULTS

Your doctor may start you on a low dosage because Suprax is eliminated from your body by the kidneys and kidney function tends to decrease with age.

Overdosage

Any medication taken in excess can cause symptoms of overdose. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention urgently.

• Some symptoms of Suprax overdose are listed below:
  Blood in the urine, diarrhea, nausea, upper abdominal pain, vomiting

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