the GI tract (oral bioavailability). Absorption may be slowed but not decreased when taken with food. Average peak concentration after administration of oral suspension is approximately 25–50% greater than the peak concentration following oral tablet or capsules administration. Distribution It has high concentrations in bile and urine. It can cross the placenta and its protein binding capacity is 65%. It is always better to perform appropriate cultures and susceptibility studies to determine the causative organism and its sensitivity to cefixime. Contraindications Cefixime is contraindicated in patients with known sensitivity or allergies to cephalosporin class of antibiotics. As Cefixime is a third generation cephalosporin, it is not contraindicated for patients with a true penicillin allergy. Adverse effects Adverse drug reactions include diarrhea, dyspepsia, nausea and vomiting. Hypersensitivity reactions like skin rashes, urticaria and Stevens–Johnson syndrome have been reported. Though thrombocytopenia has been reported for many cephalosporins, it has not been reported for cefixime. There is no specific antidote for Cefixime overdosage. Gastric lavage may be performed. Dialysis will not remove Cefixime in significant quantities. Drug interactions Alcohol – No major interaction has been observed between cefixime and alcohol. History It was sold under the trade name Suprax 125 in the United States until 2003, when it was taken off the market by drug manufacturer Wyeth after its patent expired. Lupin started selling Suprax in the United States in 2007, and it is available in different formulations and strengths. Marketing Cefixime is marketed under many trade names worldwide; examples include Pancef, Caricef, Taxim o, Texit,Ofex, Cef-3, Denvar, 3-C, Cefim, Magnett, Oroken, Ofiken, Fix-A, and Zifi. In India it is marketed as Zifi 200 and is commonly counterfeited. References External links Cephalosporin antibiotics Dermatoxins Thiazoles Vinyl compounds World Health Organization essential medicines Wikipedia medicine articles ready to translate