— Product
CAREFIX 50MG DRY SYP
CEFIXIME 50MG
CAREFIX 50MG DRY SYP is a dry syrup of cefixime 50 mg, a third-generation oral cephalosporin, reconstituted before use. It is a paediatric preparation for otitis media, pharyngitis and tonsillitis, sinusitis, bronchitis and urinary tract infection caused by susceptible organisms, dosed by body weight.
01
Benefits
- Good activity against the Gram-negative organisms of childhood ear, sinus and urinary infection, including beta-lactamase producers.
- Once- or twice-daily dosing is far simpler for a child than the four-times-daily schedules of older agents.
- The liquid form allows accurate weight-based dosing.
- Absorption is not significantly affected by food, so it can be given with a meal to reduce stomach upset.
- A useful oral option where a Gram-negative organism is suspected and amoxicillin would be inadequate.
02
Side effects
Not everyone gets these. Most are mild and settle as the course finishes.
Common
- Diarrhoea or loose stools
- Nausea or vomiting
- Abdominal discomfort
- Skin rash
Less common
- Oral or nappy-area thrush after the course
- Raised liver enzymes on testing
- Headache or irritability
- Flatulence
Stop and get medical help if any of these occur
- Swelling of the face, lips or tongue, difficulty breathing, or collapse
- Severe, watery or bloody diarrhoea during or in the weeks after the course
- Widespread rash with blistering or peeling skin
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes
- Persistent vomiting, or signs of dehydration
03
Precautions
- Contraindicated in known cephalosporin allergy, and to be used with caution where there is a history of penicillin allergy because of possible cross-reactivity. Avoid entirely after penicillin anaphylaxis.
- Reconstitute exactly to the mark with the water indicated, shake well before every dose, and use the measure supplied.
- Once reconstituted, store as directed and discard after the stated period.
- Dose strictly by body weight on the prescriber's instruction.
- Dose reduction is required in significant renal impairment.
- Complete the full prescribed course; never keep a part-used bottle for a future illness.
- Ineffective against viral infections — most childhood colds and sore throats do not need it.
- Diarrhoea is common with cefixime; maintain fluid intake and report severe or bloody diarrhoea.