Cefpodoxime

Key facts

• Cefpodoxime (sold as Cefpodoxime and under various brand names) is a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic taken as an inactive prodrug that your body converts to its active form.
• It is usually taken twice a day with food, which significantly improves how much of the dose your body absorbs.
• Do not take cefpodoxime if you have had a severe allergic reaction, such as anaphylaxis or hives, to a penicillin or cephalosporin antibiotic.
• Seek urgent care for facial or throat swelling, severe watery or bloody diarrhea, or a widespread rash.

What cefpodoxime treats

Cefpodoxime treats respiratory-tract infections including bronchitis and pneumonia, ear infections, throat infections, uncomplicated skin infections, and urinary tract infections caused by susceptible bacteria. It does not treat colds, flu, or other viral illnesses.

How cefpodoxime works

After absorption, cefpodoxime is converted to its active form, which blocks the proteins bacteria need to build their outer cell wall. Without an intact wall the bacteria cannot withstand internal pressure, so they break apart and die.

Before you take it

• Avoid cefpodoxime if you have a history of severe penicillin or cephalosporin allergy.
• Tell your prescriber about kidney disease, since the dose may need adjusting.
• Antacids and acid-reducing medicines (H2 blockers, proton pump inhibitors) lower stomach acid and can significantly reduce cefpodoxime absorption; take doses with food and separate timing where possible.
• Cefpodoxime can reduce the reliability of hormonal birth control; use a backup method during treatment.

Side effects

Common effects include diarrhea, nausea, headache, and mild rash.

Stop and seek urgent medical care for any of these:

• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, or hives with difficulty breathing.
• Severe or bloody diarrhea, which can signal a serious gut infection (C. difficile colitis).
• A widespread blistering rash, or fever with a spreading rash.

Safety essentials

• Never take cefpodoxime if you have had a severe reaction to any penicillin or cephalosporin; this cross-reaction risk is an absolute contraindication.
• Take each dose with food. Absorption drops substantially on an empty stomach or alongside acid-reducing medicines, which can make treatment less effective.
• Watery or bloody diarrhea can develop during treatment or for weeks afterward and needs prompt medical review rather than an over-the-counter remedy.

This page is educational and does not replace advice from a doctor or pharmacist who knows your health history.