Cefixime
Tablet or syrup
Quick Summary
Cefixime kills bacteria by damaging their cell walls.
Medical Uses
How it's taken
Take it as prescribed, usually once or twice a day.
Take it for the full course, even if you feel better, unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Don't share antibiotics or keep leftovers.
Your doctor decides the right dose for you and how long to take it.
Your doctor decides the right dose for you. Follow their instructions and the label.
Common Side Effects
Diarrhoea
Common.
Tummy pain
Or nausea.
Rash
Sometimes.
Interactions
Blood thinners
May need monitoring.
Critical Warnings
Penicillin or cephalosporin allergy
Black Box Warning: Tell your doctor.
Severe or bloody diarrhoea
Can be a sign of a serious bowel infection. Contact a doctor.
Severe allergic reaction
Black Box Warning: Swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing or a widespread rash: get emergency help.
Antibiotic resistance
Using antibiotics when they aren't needed makes them less effective for everyone.
Sources and further reading
Last updated 21 October 2026. For more detail, see these trusted health organisations.
- Cefixime: drug information(opens in a new tab) · MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine