Abstract

Cefixime is a broad spectrum cephalosporin active against many gram +ve and gram −ve organisms (but not staphylococci, pseudomonas, enterococci or anaerobes). As Suprax, it is available as 200mg tablets or paediatric suspension 100mg/5ml from Lederle. It is intended for the treatment of otitis media, lower respiratory infection and uncomplicated urinary infection. In upper respiratory infection it is licensed for use only when the causative organism is suspected to be resistant to other commonly used antibiotics, or where treatment failure carries significant risk. Some advertisements for Suprax do not make this clear.