Suprax

The active ingredient in Suprax is cefixime. Cefixime belongs to a class of antibiotics known as cephalosporins. In terms of their mechanism of action, these antibiotics work by stopping bacteria from building their outer protective layer, or their cell wall. Without this cell wall, the bacteria cannot survive and will ultimately die out.

Suprax is effective against the following bacteria:

• Streptococcus pneumoniae
• Streptococcus pyogenes
• Escherichia coli
• Haemophilus influenzae
• Moraxella catarrhalis
• Neisseria gonorrhoeae
• Proteus mirabilis

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide, before using Suprax. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Suprax:

• Suprax should be used exactly as prescribed.
• For adults, the recommended dose is 400 mg daily. For children, we use weight-based dosing for antibiotics. Their typical dose is about 8 mg/kg/day. If you have renal impairment or problems with your kidneys, you may require a lower dose of Suprax. If that is the case, your prescriber will adjust as appropriate.
• If using the oral suspension, ensure to shake well so that the medication is distributed evenly throughout the mixture and you receive your full dose.
• Do not stop taking Suprax if you start to feel better. It is important you finish the full course to prevent the infection from becoming resistant to treatment.
• Because Suprax is an antibiotic, it only works for bacterial infections. Do not use for viral, fungal, or protozoal infections.
• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

The most common side effects of Suprax seen in clinical trials as compared to placebo include the following gastrointestinal adverse reactions:

• Diarrhea
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Dyspepsia or indigestion

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Suprax. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Signs of an allergic reaction such as facial or eye swelling, difficulty breathing, skin rash, blisters, and hives.
• Signs of a severe skin reaction such as an extensive skin rash, blistering or peeling of the skin, and pain. These could be signs of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) or Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), both of which can be life-threatening if left untreated.
• Signs of pseudomembranous colitis or inflammation of the colon as watery and bloody stools with or without fever and stomach pain. This kind of bacterial infection is due to C. difficile and requires prompt medical attention.
• Signs of renal failure such as low urine output, unusual fatigue, muscle cramps, swelling of the legs, ankles, and feet, and poor appetite.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Suprax. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Suprax, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including whether you have:

• A past hypersensitivity to penicillins
• Antibiotic use in the last 3 months
• Renal impairment or kidney problems
• Phenylketonuria

Do not use Suprax if you have:

• An allergy to cefixime or any other cephalosporin

Suprax begins to work against the infection right after the first dose. However, it may take a few doses before you start to see the effects of cefixime.

When Suprax is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Carbamazepine
• Warfarin and other anticoagulants

Suprax is available in various dosage forms and strengths:

• Suprax tablets are available as 400 mg tablets
• Suprax capsules are available as 400 mg capsules
• Suprax chewable tablets are available as 100, 150, and 200 mg tablets
• Suprax oral suspension is available in strengths of 100 mg/5 mL, 200 mg/5 mL, 500 mg/5 mL

Tablets and capsules of Suprax should be stored at room temperature, away from light and moisture, and out of reach of children. The oral suspension can be kept at room temperature or in the fridge after reconstitution.

Suprax is manufactured by the pharmaceutical company Lupin Limited.

Yes, there are generics available for the brand-name Suprax.

Even if you start to feel better, you must finish the full course of Suprax you have been prescribed. Stopping Suprax early could cause the bacteria behind your infection to become resistant to treatment, making it harder to treat. Consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing medications while taking Suprax.

Clinical studies looking at the safety of Suprax in pregnancy are lacking. Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

It is unknown whether Suprax passes into the breast milk. Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.