Cefixime prescription — quick, practical facts

If your doctor mentioned cefixime, you probably want straight answers: what it treats, how much to take, and whether you can buy it online. Cefixime is an oral third‑generation cephalosporin antibiotic used for common infections like ear infections, bronchitis, sinusitis, uncomplicated urinary tract infections, and some throat infections. It’s effective against many bacteria, but it’s not right for every infection.

How cefixime is usually prescribed

For adults the common dose is 400 mg once a day or 200 mg every 12 hours. For children the typical dose is about 8 mg per kg of body weight per day (up to 400 mg daily), either given once daily or split into two doses. Your doctor will pick the dose based on the type of infection, how severe it is, and your kidney function. If you have kidney disease, the dose often needs reducing.

Take cefixime with a glass of water. You can take it with or without food, but taking it with food sometimes reduces stomach upset. Finish the full course even if you feel better—stopping early can let the infection come back and breed resistance.

Safety, side effects, and buying tips

Common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, stomach pain, and rash. If you get severe diarrhea, a high fever, or blood in the stool, stop the drug and call your doctor right away—these can be signs of C. difficile colitis. Allergic reactions (hives, swelling, trouble breathing) are rare but urgent; seek emergency care if they happen.

Interactions to watch for: antacids containing magnesium or aluminum can reduce how much cefixime your body absorbs, so avoid taking them at the same time. Tell your prescriber if you’re on blood thinners, as antibiotics can sometimes affect INR. Also mention any history of severe penicillin allergy—many people tolerate cephalosporins, but you and your doctor should weigh the risks.

Can you buy cefixime online? Many legitimate pharmacies will ship it with a valid prescription. Beware of sites that sell antibiotics without asking for a prescription, offer extremely low prices, or refuse to provide pharmacy contact details. Look for clear pharmacy credentials, a licensed pharmacist you can contact, and secure payment options. If unsure, ask your doctor or use a well‑known pharmacy with verified reviews.

When to call your doctor: no improvement after 48–72 hours, worsening symptoms, high fever, or signs of an allergic reaction. If you need an alternative, your clinician may choose amoxicillin, cefuroxime, doxycycline, or azithromycin depending on the infection and local resistance patterns.

Bottom line: cefixime is a useful oral antibiotic when chosen for the right infection and used correctly. Follow your prescriber’s directions, watch for side effects, and only get it from trusted sources that require a prescription.