Cefpodoxime (Orelox) is a beta-lactam antibiotic. It is indicated in adults and children in the treatment of bacterial infections such as certain tonsillitis or sinusitis.
Cefpodoxime is an antibiotic from the beta-lactam family, used to treat various bacterial infections including ENT and pulmonary. It is available generically in the form of a film-coated tablet (box of 10) for adults and in the form of an oral suspension for children aged 15 days and over. Explanations from Raoul Santucci, pharmacist.
Indications: when to take cepfodoxime?
It is indicated in several bacterial diseases:
- Angina documented with beta-hemolytic Streptococcus A
- Acute sinusitis
- Acute bronchial suppurations in subjects at risk (in particular alcoholics, smokers, subjects over 65 years old, etc.)
- Exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, particularly during iterative attacks or in subjects at risk
- Bacterial pneumonia particularly in subjects at risk
It is important to note that the prescription of antibiotics, including cefpodoxime, should be based on a thorough medical assessment, taking into account the specific nature of the infection and the sensitivity of the bacteria involved. In addition, it is essential to follow the doctor’s instructions and complete the treatment even if the symptoms disappear before the end of the prescription, in order to ensure complete eradication of the infection.
Trade names of medicines containing it
There are two medicines that contain cepfodoxime: the original (Orelox®) and the generic (Cepfodoxime)
Is it suitable for the child?
Cepfodoxime may be suitable for the child in the form of oral suspension 40 mg/5 mL, continues the health professional. It is then presented in a 100 ml bottle with a measuring syringe graduated from 5 to 25 kg. “The patient must be over 15 days old. The oral solution can be used until the child masters the swallowing reflex (around 6 years old). From there, he can take the version in tablets“.
--What are the risks and side effects?
Like all medicines, cepfodoxime can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Among the very common side effects (i.e. which may affect more than 1 in 10 patients):
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Among the common side effects (i.e. which may affect up to 1 in 10 patients):
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Nausea, vomiting
- Increased liver enzymes (transaminases and alkaline phosphatases)
- Feelings of dizziness
- Skin manifestations: rash, pruritus, urticaria
“Taking cefpodoxime may exceptionally present a risk of encephalopathy which may include seizures, confusion, altered consciousness or abnormal movements) and, particularly, in cases of overdose or impaired renal function“, he explains.
What are the precautions for use and contraindications?
The occurrence of any allergic manifestation requires treatment to be stopped. “In patients allergic to other beta-lactams, the possibility of cross-allergy should be considered. The prescription of cephalosporins requires prior questioning, allergy to penicillins being crossed with that to cephalosporins in 5 to 10% of cases“, emphasizes Raoul Santucci. Likewise, in cases of severe renal insufficiency, it may be necessary to adapt the daily dose of cefpodoxime depending on creatinine clearance. “As with other broad-spectrum antibiotics, prolonged use of cefpodoxime may result in selection of nonsusceptible organisms, which may require treatment interruption.“, he explains. Furthermore, this medicine should never be used in case of hypersensitivity to the active substance or to one of the excipients mentioned in the List of excipients section and in case of known allergy to antibiotics from the cephalosporin group.
Taking cefpodoxime may also cause interactions with laboratory tests: a positive Coombs test has been described during treatment with cephalosporins. A false positive reaction may occur when testing urine for glucose with reducing substances, but not when using glucose oxidase methods.
Finally, due to the presence ofaspartame, This medication is contraindicated in cases of phenylketonuria (hereditary disease linked to an abnormality in the metabolism of phenylalanine, one of the essential amino acids).
Thanks to Raoul Santucci, pharmacist at the Clinique de l’Orangerie (Elsan) in Strasbourg.
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