Suprax (Cefixime)

You should not take this medicine if you are allergic to SUPRAX, or to similar antibiotics, such as Ceftin, Cefzil, Keflex, Omnicef, and others. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to penicillins.

You should not take this medicine if you are allergic to SUPRAX or to other cephalosporin antibiotics, such as:

• cefaclor (Raniclor);
• cefadroxil (Duricef);
• cefazolin (Ancef);
• cefdinir (Omnicef);
• cefditoren (Spectracef);
• cefpodoxime (Vantin);
• cefprozil (Cefzil);
• ceftibuten (Cedax);
• cefuroxime (Ceftin);
• cephalexin (Keflex);
• cephradine (Velosef); and others.

To make sure SUPRAX is safe for you, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, especially penicillins.

SUPRAX is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether SUPRAX passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

The SUPRAX suspension (liquid) contains sucrose. Talk to your doctor before using this form of SUPRAX if you have diabetes.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• swelling, rapid weight gain, little or no urinating;
• seizure (convulsions);
• fever, swollen gums, painful mouth sores, easy bruising, unusual bleeding;
• pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, confusion or weakness; or
• severe skin reaction -- fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.

Common side effects may include:

• stomach pain, nausea, upset stomach, gas;
• mild itching or rash;
• headache; or
• vaginal itching or discharge.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

Avoid using antacids within 1 hour before or after taking SUPRAX. Antacids can make it harder for your body to absorb SUPRAX.

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, stop taking SUPRAX and call your doctor. Do not use anti-diarrhea medicine unless your doctor tells you to.

Other drugs may interact with SUPRAX, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Take this medicine with a full glass of water.

SUPRAX works best if you take it with a meal or within 30 minutes of a meal.

The SUPRAX chewable tablet must be chewed before you swallow it.

Do not crush, chew, or break an extended-release tablet. Swallow it whole.

Shake the oral suspension (liquid) well just before you measure a dose. Measure the liquid with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

This medication can cause unusual results with certain lab tests for glucose (sugar) in the urine. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using SUPRAX.

Use this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics. SUPRAX will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

Store the tablets and capsules at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

Store the oral liquid in the refrigerator. Throw away any unused medication after 14 days.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.