Cefixime Dosage: What You Need to Know

If your doctor prescribed cefixime, you probably wonder how much to take and when. Cefixime is an oral antibiotic used for infections like strep throat, ear infections, and some urinary problems. Getting the dose right is important – too little may not clear the bug, and too much can cause unwanted side effects.

Standard Dosage for Common Infections

For most adults, the usual strength is 400 mg once a day or 200 mg twice a day. Your doctor will choose the schedule based on how severe the infection is. For a mild throat infection, 200 mg twice daily for five days often works. More serious infections, such as pneumonia, may need 400 mg once daily for ten days.

Kids get a lower dose that depends on their weight. The common rule is 8 mg per kilogram of body weight per day, split into two doses. For example, a child who weighs 30 kg would take about 240 mg total each day, usually given as 120 mg every 12 hours.

Always follow the exact number of days your doctor tells you. Stopping early because you feel better can let the bacteria survive and cause a repeat infection.

Tips for Safe Use

Take cefixime with a full glass of water. This helps the tablet dissolve and reduces stomach upset. You can take it with food or on an empty stomach – the choice won’t change how well it works.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s almost time for the next dose. In that case, skip the missed one and stay on your regular schedule. Don’t double up – too much antibiotic can irritate your gut.

Common side effects include mild diarrhea, nausea, and a slight headache. If you get a severe rash, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, call your doctor right away – those could be signs of an allergic reaction.

Alcohol doesn’t interact directly with cefixime, but drinking heavily can worsen stomach upset. If you’re on other medicines, especially blood thinners or anti‑seizure drugs, let your doctor know. Cefixime can change how some of those drugs work.

Store the tablets at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep them out of reach of children.

In short, the right cefixime dose depends on your age, weight, and the infection you’re treating. Follow your doctor’s instructions, finish the full course, and watch for any side effects. If you have questions about timing or dose adjustments, a quick call to your pharmacist can save you a lot of guesswork.

Remember, antibiotics work best when you take them exactly as prescribed. Proper dosing helps you get better faster and reduces the chance of antibiotic resistance developing.