Label: CEFIXIME capsule

  • Category: HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG LABEL
  • DEA Schedule: None
  • Marketing Status: New Drug Application Authorized Generic

Drug Label Information

Updated September 26, 2024

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  • HIGHLIGHTS OF PRESCRIBING INFORMATION
    These highlights do not include all the information needed to use CEFIXIME safely and effectively. See full prescribing information for CEFIXIME.

    CEFIXIME for oral suspension, 100 mg/5 mL
    CEFIXIME for oral suspension, 200 mg/5 mL
    CEFIXIME capsules, 400 mg
    For oral administration

    Initial U.S. Approval: 1986

    INDICATIONS AND USAGE

    Cefixime is a cephalosporin antibacterial drug indicated in the treatment of adults and pediatric patients six months and older with the following infections:

    • Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections ( 1.1)
    • Otitis Media ( 1.2)
    • Pharyngitis and Tonsillitis ( 1.3)
    • Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Bronchitis ( 1.4)
    • Uncomplicated Gonorrhea (cervical/urethral) ( 1.5)

    To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of cefixime and other antibacterial drugs, cefixime for oral suspension and cefixime capsules should be used only to treat infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by bacteria. ( 1.6)

    DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

    • Adults: 400 mg daily ( 2.1)
    • Pediatric patients (6 months and older): 8 mg/kg/day ( 2.2)

    DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS

    • Oral Suspension: 100 mg/5 mL and 200 mg/5 mL ( 3)
    • Capsules: 400mg ( 3)

    CONTRAINDICATIONS

    • Contraindicated in patients with known allergy to cefixime or other cephalosporins. ( 4)

    WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

    • Hypersensitivity reactions including shock and fatalities have been reported with cefixime. Discontinue use if a reaction occurs. ( 5.1)
    • Clostridium difficileassociated diarrhea: Evaluate if diarrhea occurs. ( 5.2)

    ADVERSE REACTIONS

    Most common adverse reactions are gastrointestinal such as diarrhea (16%), nausea (7%), loose stools (6%), abdominal pain (3%), dyspepsia (3%), and vomiting. ( 6)

    To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Lupin Pharmaceuticals, Inc. at 1-800-399-2561 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

    DRUG INTERACTIONS

    • Elevated carbamazepine levels have been reported in postmarketing experience when cefixime is administered concomitantly. ( 7.1)
    • Increased prothrombin time, with or without clinical bleeding, has been reported when cefixime is administered concomitantly with warfarin and anticoagulants. ( 7.2)

    USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS

    • Pregnancy: Cefixime should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. ( 8.1)
    • Nursing Mothers: Consideration should be given to discontinuing nursing temporarily during treatment with cefixime. ( 8.3)
    • Children: Efficacy and safety in infants aged less than six months have not been established. ( 8.4)
    • Geriatric Use: Clinical studies did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and older to determine whether they respond differently than younger subjects. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients. ( 8.5)
    • Renal Impairment: Cefixime may be administered in the presence of impaired renal function. Dose adjustment is required in patients whose creatinine clearance is less than 60 mL/min. ( 8.6)

    See 17 for PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION.

    Revised: 9/2023

  • Table of Contents
  • 1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE

    1.1 Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections

    Cefixime for oral suspension and cefixime capsule is indicated in the treatment of adults and pediatric patients six months of age or older with uncomplicated urinary tract infections caused by susceptible isolates of Escherichia coliand Proteus mirabilis.

    1.2 Otitis Media

    Cefixime for oral suspension and cefixime capsule is indicated in the treatment of adults and pediatric patients six months of age or older with otitis media caused by susceptible isolates of Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, and Streptococcus pyogenes. (Efficacy for Streptococcus pyogenesin this organ system was studied in fewer than 10 infections.)

    Note: For patients with otitis media caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, overall response was approximately 10% lower for cefixime than for the comparator [see Clinical Studies ( 14)] .

    1.3 Pharyngitis and Tonsillitis

    Cefixime for oral suspension and cefixime capsule is indicated in the treatment of adults and pediatric patients six months of age or older with pharyngitis and tonsillitis caused by susceptible isolates of Streptococcus pyogenes. (Note: Penicillin is the usual drug of choice in the treatment of Streptococcus pyogenes infections. Cefixime for oral suspension and cefixime capsule is generally effective in the eradication of Streptococcus pyogenes from the nasopharynx; however, data establishing the efficacy of cefixime for oral suspension and cefixime capsule in the subsequent prevention of rheumatic fever is not available.)

    1.4 Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Bronchitis

    Cefixime for oral suspension and cefixime capsule is indicated in the treatment of adults and pediatric patients six months of age or older with acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis caused by susceptible isolates of Streptococcus pneumoniaeand Haemophilus influenzae.

    1.5 Uncomplicated Gonorrhea (cervical/urethral)

    Cefixime for oral suspension and cefixime capsule is indicated in the treatment of adults and pediatric patients six months of age or older with uncomplicated gonorrhea (cervical/urethral) caused by susceptible isolates of Neisseria gonorrhoeae(penicillinase-and non-penicillinase-producing isolates).

    1.6 Usage

    To reduce the development of drug resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of cefixime and other antibacterial drugs, cefixime for oral suspension and cefixime capsule should be used only to treat infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria. When culture and susceptibility information are available, they should be considered in selecting or modifying antimicrobial therapy. In the absence of such data, local epidemiology and susceptibility patterns may contribute to the empiric selection of therapy.

  • 2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

    2.1 Adults

    The recommended dose of cefixime is 400 mg daily. This may be given as a 400 mg capsule daily. For the treatment of uncomplicated cervical/urethral gonococcal infections, a single oral dose of 400 mg is recommended.

    The capsule may be administered without regard to food.

    In the treatment of infections due to Streptococcus pyogenes, a therapeutic dosage of cefixime should be administered for at least 10 days.

    2.2 Pediatric Patients (6 months or older)

    The recommended dose is 8 mg/kg/day of the suspension. This may be administered as a single daily dose or may be given in two divided doses, as 4 mg/kg every 12 hours.

    Note: A suggested dose has been determined for each pediatric weight range. Refer to Table 1. Ensure all orders that specify a dose in milliliters include a concentration, because cefixime for oral suspension is available in two different concentrations (100 mg/5 mL and 200 mg/5 mL).

    Table 1. Suggested Doses for Pediatric Patients
    PEDIATRIC DOSAGE CHART
    Doses are suggested for each weight range and rounded for ease of administration

    Cefixime for Oral Suspension

    100 mg/mL
    200 mg/mL
    Patient Weight
    (kg)
    Dose/Day 
    (mg)
    Dose/Day 
    (mL)
    Dose/Day 
    (mL)
    5 to 7.5
    50
    2.5
    --
    7.6 to 10
    80
    4
    2
    10.1 to 12.5
    100
    5
    2.5
    12.6 to 20.5
    150
    7.5
    4
    20.6 to 28
    200
    10
    5
    28.1 to 33
    250
    12.5
    6
    33.1 to 40
    300
    15
    7.5
    40.1 to 45
    350
    17.5
    9
    45.1 or greater
    400
    20
    10

    Children weighing more than 45 kg or older than 12 years should be treated with the recommended adult dose.

    Otitis media should be treated with the suspension. Clinical trials of otitis media were conducted with the suspension, and the suspension results in higher peak blood levels than the tablet when administered at the same dose.

    Therefore, the tablet or capsule should not be substituted for the suspension in the treatment of otitis media [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3)].

    In the treatment of infections due to Streptococcus pyogenes, a therapeutic dosage of cefixime should be administered for at least 10 days.

    2.3 Renal Impairment

    Cefixime may be administered in the presence of impaired renal function. Normal dose and schedule may be employed in patients with creatinine clearances of 60 mL/min or greater. Refer to Table 2 for dose adjustments for adults with renal impairment. Neither hemodialysis nor peritoneal dialysis removes significant amounts of drug from the body.

    Table 2. Doses for Adults with Renal Impairment
    *
    The preferred concentration of oral suspension to use is 200 mg/5 mL for patients with this renal dysfunction
    Renal Dysfunction 
    Cefixime for Oral Suspension
    Creatinine Clearance (mL/min)
    100 mg/mL
    200 mg/mL

    Dose/Day (mL)
    Dose/Day (mL)
    60 or greater
    Normal dose
    Normal dose
    21 to 59 *OR renal hemodialysis *13
    6.5
    20 or less 
    OR continuous peritoneal dialysis 
    8.6
    4.4

    2.4 Reconstitution Directions for Oral Suspension

    Strength
    Bottle Size
    Reconstitution Directions
    200 mg/5 mL
    75 mL
    To reconstitute, suspend with  51 mL water. Method: Tap the bottle several times to loosen powder contents prior to reconstitution. Add approximately half the total amount of 
    water for reconstitution and shake well. Add the remainder of water and shake well.
    100 mg/5 mL and 
    200 mg/5 mL
    50 mL
    To reconstitute, suspend with  34 mL water. Method: Tap the bottle several times to loosen powder contents prior to reconstitution. Add approximately half the total amount of 
    water for reconstitution and shake well. Add the remainder of water and shake well.

    After reconstitution, the suspension may be kept for 14 days either at room temperature, or under refrigeration, without significant loss of potency. Keep tightly closed. Shake well before using. Discard unused portion after 14 days.

  • 3. DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS

    Cefixime capsule is available for oral administration as capsules which provide 400 mg of cefixime as trihydrate. These are size "0" capsules with pink opaque cap and pink opaque body, imprinted with "LU" on the cap and "U43" on the body in black ink. Capsules contain white to yellowish white granular powder.

  • 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS

    Cefixime is contraindicated in patients with known allergy to cefixime or other cephalosporins.

  • 5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

    5.1 Hypersensitivity Reactions

    Anaphylactic/anaphylactoid reactions (including shock and fatalities) have been reported with the use of cefixime.

    Before therapy with cefixime is instituted, careful inquiry should be made to determine whether the patient has had previous hypersensitivity reactions to cephalosporins, penicillins, or other drugs. If this product is to be given to penicillin-sensitive patients, caution should be exercised because cross hypersensitivity among beta-lactam antibacterial drugs has been clearly documented and may occur in up to 10% of patients with a history of penicillin allergy. If an allergic reaction to cefixime occurs, discontinue the drug.

    5.2 Clostridium difficile-Associated Diarrhea

    Clostridium difficileassociated diarrhea (CDAD) has been reported with use of nearly all antibacterial agents, including cefixime, and may range in severity from mild diarrhea to fatal colitis. Treatment with antibacterial agents alters the normal flora of the colon leading to overgrowth of C. difficile.

    C. difficileproduces toxins A and B which contribute to the development of CDAD. Hypertoxin producing isolates of C.  difficilecause increased morbidity and mortality, as these infections can be refractory to antimicrobial therapy and may require colectomy. CDAD must be considered in all patients who present with diarrhea following antibacterial drug use. Careful medical history is necessary since CDAD has been reported to occur over two months after the administration of antibacterial agents.

    If CDAD is suspected or confirmed, ongoing antibacterial drug use not directed against C. difficilemay need to be discontinued. Appropriate fluid and electrolyte management, protein supplementation, antibacterial drug treatment of C. difficile,and surgical evaluation should be instituted as clinically indicated.

    5.3 Dose Adjustment in Renal Impairment

    The dose of cefixime should be adjusted in patients with renal impairment as well as those undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) and hemodialysis (HD). Patients on dialysis should be monitored carefully [see Dosage and Administration ( 2)] .

    5.4 Coagulation Effects

    Cephalosporins, including cefixime, may be associated with a fall in prothrombin activity. Those at risk include patients with renal or hepatic impairment, or poor nutritional state, as well as patients receiving a protracted course of antimicrobial therapy, and patients previously stabilized on anticoagulant therapy. Prothrombin time should be monitored in patients at risk and exogenous vitamin K administered as indicated.

    5.5 Development of Drug-Resistant Bacteria

    Prescribing cefixime in the absence of a proven or strongly suspected bacterial infection is unlikely to provide benefit to the patient and increases the risk of the development of drug-resistant bacteria.

  • 6 ADVERSE REACTIONS

    6.1 Clinical Trials Experience

    Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.

    The most commonly seen adverse reactions in U.S. trials of the tablet formulation were gastrointestinal events, which were reported in 30% of adult patients on either the twice daily or the once daily regimen. Five percent (5%) of patients in the U.S. clinical trials discontinued therapy because of drug-related adverse reactions. Individual adverse reactions included diarrhea 16%, loose or frequent stools 6%, abdominal pain 3%, nausea 7%, dyspepsia 3%, and flatulence 4%. The incidence of gastrointestinal adverse reactions, including diarrhea and loose stools, in pediatric patients receiving the suspension was comparable to the incidence seen in adult patients receiving tablets.

    6.2 Post-marketing Experience

    The following adverse reactions have been reported following the post-approval use of cefixime. Incidence rates were less than 1 in 50 (less than 2%).

    Gastrointestinal

    Several cases of documented pseudomembranous colitis were identified in clinical trials. The onset of pseudomembranous colitis symptoms may occur during or after therapy.

    Hypersensitivity Reactions

    Anaphylactic/anaphylactoid reactions (including shock and fatalities), skin rashes, urticaria, drug fever, pruritus, angioedema, and facial edema. Erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and serum sickness-like reactions have been reported.

    Hepatic

    Transient elevations in SGPT, SGOT, alkaline phosphatase, hepatitis, jaundice.

    Renal

    Transient elevations in BUN or creatinine, acute renal failure.

    Central Nervous System

    Headaches, dizziness, seizures.

    Hemic and Lymphatic System

    Transient thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, neutropenia, prolongation in prothrombin time, elevated LDH, pancytopenia, agranulocytosis, and eosinophilia.

    Abnormal Laboratory Tests

    Hyperbilirubinemia.

    Other Adverse Reactions

    Genital pruritus, vaginitis, candidiasis, toxic epidermal necrolysis.

    Adverse Reactions Reported for Cephalosporin-class Drugs

    Allergic reactions, superinfection, renal dysfunction, toxic nephropathy, hepatic dysfunction including cholestasis, aplastic anemia, hemolytic anemia, hemorrhage, and colitis.

    Several cephalosporins have been implicated in triggering seizures, particularly in patients with renal impairment when the dosage was not reduced [see Dosage And Administration ( 2) and Overdosage ( 10)] . If seizures associated with drug therapy occur, the drug should be discontinued. Anticonvulsant therapy can be given if clinically indicated.

  • 7 DRUG INTERACTIONS

    7.1 Carbamazepine

    Elevated carbamazepine levels have been reported in postmarketing experience when cefixime is administered concomitantly. Drug monitoring may be of assistance in detecting alterations in carbamazepine plasma concentrations.

    7.2 Warfarin and Anticoagulants

    Increased prothrombin time, with or without clinical bleeding, has been reported when cefixime is administered concomitantly.

    7.3 Drug/Laboratory Test Interactions

    A false-positive reaction for ketones in the urine may occur with tests using nitroprusside but not with those using nitroferricyanide.

    The administration of cefixime may result in a false-positive reaction for glucose in the urine using Clinitest ®**, Benedict's solution, or Fehling's solution. It is recommended that glucose tests based on enzymatic glucose oxidase reactions (such as Clinistix ®**or TesTape ®**) be used. A false-positive direct Coombs test has been reported during treatment with other cephalosporins; therefore, it should be recognized that a positive Coombs test may be due to the drug.

    **  Clinitest ®and Clinistix ®are registered trademarks of Ames Division, Miles Laboratories, Inc. Tes-Tape ®is a registered trademark of Eli Lilly and Company.

  • 8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS

    8.1 Pregnancy

    Pregnancy Category B.

    Reproduction studies have been performed in mice and rats at doses up to 40 times the human dose and have revealed no evidence of harm to the fetus due to cefixime. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.

    8.2 Labor and Delivery

    Cefixime has not been studied for use during labor and delivery. Treatment should only be given if clearly needed.

    8.3 Nursing Mothers

    It is not known whether cefixime is excreted in human milk. Consideration should be given to discontinuing nursing temporarily during treatment with this drug.

    8.4 Pediatric Use

    Safety and effectiveness of cefixime in children aged less than six months old have not been established. The incidence of gastrointestinal adverse reactions, including diarrhea and loose stools, in the pediatric patients receiving the suspension, was comparable to the incidence seen in adult patients receiving tablets.

    8.5 Geriatric Use

    Clinical studies did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and older to determine whether they respond differently than younger subjects. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients. A pharmacokinetic study in the elderly detected differences in pharmacokinetic parameters [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3)] . These differences were small and do not indicate a need for dosage adjustment of the drug in the elderly.

    8.6 Renal Impairment

    The dose of cefixime should be adjusted in patients with renal impairment as well as those undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) and hemodialysis (HD). Patients on dialysis should be monitored carefully [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.3)] .

  • 10 OVERDOSAGE

    Gastric lavage may be indicated; otherwise, no specific antidote exists. Cefixime is not removed in significant quantities from the circulation by hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis. Adverse reactions in small numbers of healthy adult volunteers receiving single doses up to 2 g of cefixime did not differ from the profile seen in patients treated at the recommended doses.

  • 11 DESCRIPTION

    Cefixime is a semisynthetic, cephalosporin antibacterial for oral administration. Chemically, it is ( 6R, 7R)-7-[2-(2-Amino-4-thiazolyl)glyoxylamido]-8-oxo-3-vinyl-5-thia-1-azabicyclo [4.2.0] oct-2-ene-2-carboxylic acid, 7 2-( Z)-[ O-(carboxy methyl) oxime] trihydrate.

    Molecular weight = 507.50 as the trihydrate. Chemical Formula is C 16H 15N 5O 7S 2.3H 2O

    The structural formula for cefixime is:

    Cefixime USP

    Inactive ingredients contained in the cefixime powder for oral suspension USP are colloidal silicon dioxide, sodium benzoate, strawberry flavor, sucrose, and xanthan gum.

    Inactive ingredients contained in the cefixime capsules 400 mg are colloidal silicon dioxide, croscarmellose sodium, low substituted hydroxy propyl cellulose, magnesium stearate, and mannitol. The capsule shell contains the following inactive ingredients: ferric oxide black, ferric oxide red, gelatin, potassium hydroxide, propylene glycol, shellac, sodium lauryl sulfate, and titanium dioxide.

  • 12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY

    12.1 Mechanism of Action

    Cefixime is a semisynthetic cephalosporin antibacterial drug [see Microbiology ( 12.4)] .

    12.3 Pharmacokinetics

    Cefixime tablets and suspension, given orally, are about 40% to 50% absorbed whether administered with or without food; however, time to maximal absorption is increased approximately 0.8 hours when administered with food. A single 200 mg tablet of cefixime produces an average peak serum concentration of approximately 2 mcg/mL (range 1 to 4 mcg/mL); a single 400 mg tablet produces an average peak concentration of approximately 3.7 mcg/mL (range 1.3 to 7.7 mcg/mL). The oral suspension produces average peak concentrations approximately 25% to 50% higher than the tablets, when tested in normal adultvolunteers. Two hundred and 400 mg doses of oral suspension produce average peak concentrations of 3 mcg/mL (range 1 to 4.5 mcg/mL) and 4.6 mcg/mL (range 1.9 to 7.7 mcg/mL), respectively, when tested in normal adultvolunteers. The area under the time versus concentration curve (AUC) is greater by approximately 10% to 25% with the oral suspension than with the tablet after doses of 100 to 400 mg, when tested in normal adultvolunteers. This increased absorption should be taken into consideration if the oral suspension is to be substituted for the tablet. Because of the lack of bioequivalence, tablets should not be substituted for oral suspension in the treatment of otitis media [see Dosage and Administration ( 2)] . Cross-over studies of tablet versus suspension have not been performed in children.

    The 400 mg capsule is bioequivalent to the 400 mg tablet under fasting conditions. However, food reduces the absorption following administration of the capsule by approximately 15% based on AUC and 25% based on C max.

    Peak serum concentrations occur between 2 and 6 hours following oral administration of a single 200 mg tablet, a single 400 mg tablet or 400 mg of cefixime suspension. Peak serum concentrations occur between 2 and 5 hours following a single administration of 200 mg of suspension. Peak serum concentrations occur between 3 and 8 hours following oral administration of a single 400 mg capsule.

    Distribution

    Serum protein binding is concentration independent with a bound fraction of approximately 65%. In a multiple dose study conducted with a research formulation which is less bioavailable than the tablet or suspension, there was little accumulation of drug in serum or urine after dosing for 14 days. Adequate data on CSF levels of cefixime are not available.

    Metabolism and Excretion

    There is no evidence of metabolism of cefixime in vivo.Approximately 50% of the absorbed dose is excreted unchanged in the urine in 24 hours. In animal studies, it was noted that cefixime is also excreted in the bile in excess of 10% of the administered dose. The serum half-life of cefixime in healthy subjects is independent of dosage form and averages 3 to 4 hours but may range up to 9 hours in some normal volunteers.

    Special Populations

    Geriatrics:Average AUCs at steady state in elderly patients are approximately 40% higher than average AUCs in other healthy adults. Differences in the pharmacokinetic parameters between 12 young and 12 elderly subjects who received 400 mg of cefixime once daily for 5 days are summarized as follows:

    *
    Difference between age groups was significant. (p<0.05)
    Pharmacokinetic Parameters (mean ± SDfor Cefixime in Both Young Elderly Subjects
    Pharmacokinetic parameter
    Young
    Elderly
    C max (mg/L)
    4.74 ± 1.43
    5.68 ± 1.83
    T max (h)  *
    3.9 ± 0.3
    4.3 ± 0.6
    AUC (mg.h/L)  *
    34.9 ± 12.2
    49.5 ± 19.1
    T ½ (h)  *
    3.5 ± 0.6
    4.2 ± 0.4
    C ave (mg/L) *1.42 ±0.50
    1.99 ± 0.75

    However, these increases were not clinically significant [see Dosage and Administration ( 2)]

    Renal Impairment:In subjects with moderate impairment of renal function (20 to 40 mL/min creatinine clearance), the average serum half-life of cefixime is prolonged to 6.4 hours. In severe renal impairment (5 to 20 mL/min creatinine clearance), the half-life increased to an average of 11.5 hours. The drug is not cleared significantly from the blood by hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis. However, a study indicated that with doses of 400 mg, patients undergoing hemodialysis have similar blood profiles as subjects with creatinine clearances of 21 to 60 mL/min.

    12.4 Microbiology

    Mechanism of Action

    As with other cephalosporins, the bactericidal action of cefixime results from inhibition of cell wall synthesis. Cefixime is stable in the presence of certain beta-lactamase enzymes. As a result, certain organisms resistant to penicillins and some cephalosporins due to the presence of beta-lactamases may be susceptible to cefixime.

    Resistance

    Resistance to cefixime in isolates of Haemophilus influenzaeand Neisseria gonorrhoeaeis most often associated with alterations in penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs). Cefixime may have limited activity against Enterobacteriaceae producing extended spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs). Pseudomonasspecies, Enterococcusspecies, strains of Group D streptococci, Listeria monocytogenes,most strains of staphylococci (including methicillin-resistant strains), most strains of Enterobacterspecies, most strains of Bacteroides fragilis,and most strains of Clostridiumspecies are resistant to cefixime.

    Antimicrobial Activity

    Cefixime has been shown to be active against most isolates of the following microorganisms, both in vitroand in clinical infections [see Indications and Usage ( 1)].

    Gram-positive Bacteria

    Streptococcus pneumoniae

    Streptococcus pyogenes

    Gram-negative Bacteria

    Escherichia coli

    Haemophilus influenzae

    Moraxella catarrhalis

    Neisseria gonorrhoeae

    Proteus mirabilis

    The following in vitrodata are available, but their clinical significance is unknown. At least 90 percent of the following bacteria exhibit an in vitrominimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) less than or equal to the susceptible breakpoint for cefixime against isolates of similar genus or organism group. However, the efficacy of cefixime in treating clinical infections caused by these bacteria has not been established in adequate and well-controlled clinical trials.

    Gram-positive Bacteria

    Streptococcus agalactiae

    Gram-negative Bacteria

    Citrobacter amalonaticus

    Citrobacter diversus

    Haemophilus parainfluenzae

    Klebsiella oxytoca

    Klebsiella pneumoniae

    Pasteurella multocida

    Proteus vulgaris

    Providenciaspecies

    Salmonellaspecies

    Serratia marcescens

    Shigellaspecies

    Susceptibility Testing

    For specific information regarding susceptibility test interpretive criteria and associated test methods and quality control standards recognized by FDA for this drug, please see: https://www.fda.gov/STIC.

  • 13 NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY

    13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

    Lifetime studies in animals to evaluate carcinogenic potential have not been conducted. Cefixime did not cause point mutations in bacteria or mammalian cells, DNA damage, or chromosome damage in  vitroand did not exhibit clastogenic potential in  vivoin the mouse micronucleus test. In rats, fertility and reproductive performance were not affected by cefixime at doses up to 25 times the adult therapeutic dose.

  • 14 CLINICAL STUDIES

    Comparative clinical trials of otitis media were conducted in nearly 400 children between the ages of 6 months to 10 years. Streptococcus pneumoniaewas isolated from 47% of the patients, Haemophilus influenzaefrom 34%, Moraxella catarrhalisfrom 15% and S. pyogenesfrom 4%.

    The overall response rate of Streptococcus pneumoniaeto cefixime was approximately 10% lower and that of Haemophilus influenzaeor Moraxella  catarrhalisapproximately 7% higher (12% when beta-lactamase positive isolates of H. influenzaeare included) than the response rates of these organisms to the active control drugs.

    In these studies, patients were randomized and treated with either cefixime at dose regimens of 4 mg/kg twice a day or 8 mg/kg once a day, or with a comparator. Sixty-nine to 70% of the patients in each group had resolution of signs and symptoms of otitis media when evaluated 2 to 4 weeks post-treatment, but persistent effusion was found in 15% of the patients. When evaluated at the completion of therapy, 17% of patients receiving cefixime and 14% of patients receiving effective comparative drugs (18% including those patients who had Haemophilus influenzaeresistant to the control drug and who received the control antibacterial drug) were considered to be treatment failures. By the 2 to 4 week follow-up, a total of 30%-31% of patients had evidence of either treatment failure or recurrent disease.

    (a)Number eradicated/number isolated.

    (b)An additional 20 beta-lactamase positive isolates of Haemophilusinfluenzaewere isolated, but were excluded from this analysis because they were resistant to the control antibacterial drug. In nineteen of these, the clinical course could be assessed and a favorable outcome occurred in 10. When these cases are included in the overall bacteriological evaluation of therapy with the control drugs, 140/185 (76%) of pathogens were considered to be eradicated.

    Bacteriological Outcome of Otitis Media at Two to Four Weeks Post-Therapy Based on Repeat Middle Ear Fluid Culture or Extrapolation from Clinical Outcome
    Organism
    Cefixime(a)
    mg/kg BID
    Cefixime(a)
    mg/kg QD
    Control(a)
    drugs
    Streptococcus pneumoniae
    48/70 (69%)
    18/22 (82%)
    82/100 (82%)
    Haemophilus influenzae beta-lactamase negative
    24/34 (71%)
    13/17 (76%)
    23/34 (68%)
    Haemophilus influenzae beta-lactamase positive
    17/22 (77%)
    9/12 (75%)
    1/1 (b)
    Moraxella catarrhalis
    26/31 (84%)
    5/5
    18/24 (75%)
    Spyogenes
    5/5
    3/3
    6/7
    All Isolates
    120/162 (74%)
    48/59 (81%)
    130/166 (78%)
  • 16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING

    Cefixime capsules, 400 mg is size "0" capsule with pink opaque cap and pink opaque body, imprinted with "LU" on cap and "U43" on body in black ink, containing white to yellowish white granular powder containing 400 mg of cefixime as the trihydrate and is supplied as follows:

    NDC: 70518-3221-00

    NDC: 70518-3221-01

    NDC: 70518-3221-02

    NDC: 70518-3221-03

    NDC: 70518-3221-04

    NDC: 70518-3221-05

    PACKAGING: 2 in 1 BOX

    PACKAGING: 1 in 1 POUCH

    PACKAGING: 2 in 1 BOX

    PACKAGING: 1 in 1 POUCH

    PACKAGING: 2 in 1 BOTTLE PLASTIC

    PACKAGING: 2 in 1 BOTTLE PLASTIC

    Store at 20 to 25°C (68 to 77°F) [See USP Controlled Temperature].

    Repackaged and Distributed By:

    Remedy Repack, Inc.

    625 Kolter Dr. Suite #4 Indiana, PA 1-724-465-8762

  • 17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION

    17.1 Information for Patients

    Counsel patients that antibacterial drugs, including cefixime, should only be used to treat bacterial infections. They do not treat viral infections (e.g., the common cold). When cefixime is prescribed to treat a bacterial infection, patients should be told that although it is common to feel better early in the course of therapy, the medication should be taken exactly as directed. Skipping doses or not completing the full course of therapy may: (1) decrease the effectiveness of the immediate treatment and (2) increase the likelihood that bacteria will develop resistance and will not be treatable by cefixime for oral suspension or other antibacterial drugs in the future.

    Advise patients that diarrhea is a common problem caused by antibacterial drugs which usually ends when the antibacterial drug is discontinued. Sometimes after starting treatment with antibacterial drugs, patients can develop watery and bloody stools (with or without stomach cramps and fever) even as late as two or more months after having taken the last dose of the antibacterial drug. If this occurs, patients should contact their physician as soon as possible.

    Repackaged and Distributed By:

    Remedy Repack, Inc.

    625 Kolter Dr. Suite #4 Indiana, PA 1-724-465-8762

  • PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL

    DRUG: CEFIXIME

    GENERIC: CEFIXIME

    DOSAGE: CAPSULE

    ADMINSTRATION: ORAL

    NDC: 70518-3221-0

    NDC: 70518-3221-1

    NDC: 70518-3221-2

    NDC: 70518-3221-3

    NDC: 70518-3221-4

    NDC: 70518-3221-5

    COLOR: pink

    SHAPE: CAPSULE

    SCORE: No score

    SIZE: 22 mm

    IMPRINT: LU;U43

    PACKAGING: 2 in 1 BOX

    OUTER PACKAGING: 1 in 1 POUCH

    PACKAGING: 2 in 1 BOX

    PACKAGING: 1 in 1 POUCH

    PACKAGING: 2 in 1 BOTTLE PLASTIC

    PACKAGING: 2 in 1 BOTTLE PLASTIC

    ACTIVE INGREDIENT(S):

    • CEFIXIME 400mg in 1

    INACTIVE INGREDIENT(S):

    • CROSCARMELLOSE SODIUM
    • FERRIC OXIDE RED
    • FERROSOFERRIC OXIDE
    • GELATIN
    • HYDROXYPROPYL CELLULOSE, LOW SUBSTITUTED
    • MAGNESIUM STEARATE
    • MANNITOL
    • POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE
    • PROPYLENE GLYCOL
    • SHELLAC
    • SILICON DIOXIDE
    • SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE
    • TITANIUM DIOXIDE

    MM3

    MM4

    MM5

  • INGREDIENTS AND APPEARANCE
    CEFIXIME 
    cefixime capsule
    Product Information
    Product TypeHUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUGItem Code (Source)NDC:70518-3221(NDC:68180-423)
    Route of AdministrationORAL
    Active Ingredient/Active Moiety
    Ingredient NameBasis of StrengthStrength
    CEFIXIME (UNII: 97I1C92E55) (CEFIXIME ANHYDROUS - UNII:XZ7BG04GJX) CEFIXIME ANHYDROUS400 mg
    Inactive Ingredients
    Ingredient NameStrength
    CROSCARMELLOSE SODIUM (UNII: M28OL1HH48)  
    FERRIC OXIDE RED (UNII: 1K09F3G675)  
    FERROSOFERRIC OXIDE (UNII: XM0M87F357)  
    GELATIN (UNII: 2G86QN327L)  
    HYDROXYPROPYL CELLULOSE, LOW SUBSTITUTED (UNII: 2165RE0K14)  
    MAGNESIUM STEARATE (UNII: 70097M6I30)  
    MANNITOL (UNII: 3OWL53L36A)  
    POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE (UNII: WZH3C48M4T)  
    PROPYLENE GLYCOL (UNII: 6DC9Q167V3)  
    SHELLAC (UNII: 46N107B71O)  
    SILICON DIOXIDE (UNII: ETJ7Z6XBU4)  
    SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE (UNII: 368GB5141J)  
    TITANIUM DIOXIDE (UNII: 15FIX9V2JP)  
    Product Characteristics
    Colorpink (Pink Opaque Cap) , pink (Pink Opaque Body) Scoreno score
    ShapeCAPSULESize22mm
    FlavorImprint Code LU;U43
    Contains    
    Packaging
    #Item CodePackage DescriptionMarketing Start DateMarketing End Date
    1NDC:70518-3221-02 in 1 BOX09/14/202107/20/2023
    1NDC:70518-3221-11 in 1 POUCH; Type 0: Not a Combination Product
    2NDC:70518-3221-22 in 1 BOX11/04/2021
    2NDC:70518-3221-31 in 1 POUCH; Type 0: Not a Combination Product
    3NDC:70518-3221-42 in 1 BOTTLE, PLASTIC; Type 0: Not a Combination Product03/02/2022
    4NDC:70518-3221-52 in 1 BOTTLE, PLASTIC; Type 0: Not a Combination Product06/06/202206/07/2023
    Marketing Information
    Marketing CategoryApplication Number or Monograph CitationMarketing Start DateMarketing End Date
    NDA authorized genericNDA20319509/14/2021
    Labeler - REMEDYREPACK INC. (829572556)