Cefpodoxime Proxetil

Cefpodoxime Proxetil Cefpodoxime is a cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat many different kinds of bacterial infections, including pneumonia, gonorrhea, urinary tract infections (UTIs) and infections of the skin, ear, sinuses, throat or tonsils. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria. Read more about sinus infection.
Start Consultation*Prescription treatment requires a virtual medical consultation with a medical provider to determine if a prescription is appropriate.
How to use this information
This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your medical provider. If you have any questions, go to your patient dashboard and request a callback for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.
Medication name

CEFPODOXIME PROXETIL - ORAL

(seff-poh-DOX-eem PROX-eh-til)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Vantin

What you should know about Cefpodoxime Proxetil
  • This medication is used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections. This medication is known as a cephalosporin antibiotic. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria.
  • This antibiotic treats only bacterial infections. It will not work for viral infections (such as common cold or flu). Using any antibiotic when it is not needed can cause it to not work for future infections.
How to take Cefpodoxime Proxetil
  • Take this medication by mouth as directed by your medical provider, usually every 12 hours.
  • If you are using the tablet form of this medication, take it with food to help increase the absorption of the drug.
  • If you are using the suspension form of this medication, take it with or without food. Shake the bottle well before each dose.
  • The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. In children, the dose is also based on weight.
  • Medications that reduce or block stomach acid (such as proton pump inhibitors/PPIs, H2 blockers or antacids) may reduce the absorption of Cefpodoxime, making it work less well. Ask your medical provider or pharmacist how to use PPIs and H2 blockers safely with Cefpodoxime. If you take antacids, take the antacids at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after this medication.
  • For the best effect, take this antibiotic at evenly spaced times. To help you remember, take this medication at the same time(s) every day.
  • Continue to take this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may result in a return of the infection.
  • Tell your medical provider if your condition lasts or gets worse.
Potential side effects
  • Diarrhea, nausea/vomiting or headache may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, request a callback from your medical provider or talk to your pharmacist promptly.
  • Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your medical provider has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
  • Tell your medical provider right away if you have any serious side effects, including:

    • Nausea or vomiting that doesn't stop
    • Swelling of the ankles or feet
    • Tiredness
    • Fast/pounding heartbeat
    • Trouble breathing
    • New signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go away or fever)
    • Dark urine
    • Yellowing eyes/skin
    • Easy bruising/bleeding
    • Signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine)
  • Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including:

    • Vision changes
    • Trouble speaking
    • Mental/mood changes (such as confusion)
  • This medication may rarely cause a severe intestinal condition due to a bacteria called C. difficile. This condition may occur during treatment or weeks to months after treatment has stopped. Tell your medical provider right away if you develop: diarrhea that doesn't stop, abdominal or stomach pain/cramping, blood/mucus in your stool. If you have these symptoms, do not use anti-diarrhea or opioid products because they may make symptoms worse.
  • Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in oral thrush or a new vaginal yeast infection. Contact your medical provider if you notice white patches in your mouth, a change in vaginal discharge or other new symptoms.
  • A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:

    • Rash
    • Itching or swelling (especially of the face, tongue or throat)
    • Severe dizziness
    • Trouble breathing
  • This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, request a callback for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Precautions to be aware of
  • Before taking Cefpodoxime Proxetil, tell your medical provider or pharmacist if you are allergic to it, or to penicillins or other cephalosporin antibiotics (such as Cephalexin), or if you have any other allergies.
  • This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
  • Before using this medication, tell your medical provider or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease or stomach/intestinal disease (such as colitis).
  • This medication may cause live bacterial vaccines (such as typhoid vaccine) to not work well. Tell your medical provider that you are using this medication before having any immunizations/vaccinations.
  • Older adults may be at greater risk for side effects while using this drug.
  • During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your OB/GYN.
  • This drug passes into breast milk and could have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your medical provider or child’s pediatrician before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions
  • See also “How to take Cefpodoxime Proxetil” section.
  • Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. Two medications that can interfere with how this medication works are Warfarin and Furosemide (Lasix). This document does not contain all possible drug interactions.
  • Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your medical provider and pharmacist.
  • Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medicines without your medical provider's approval.
  • This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests (including Coombs' test and certain urine glucose tests), possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your medical providers know you use this drug.
What to do in the event of an overdose
  • If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms, such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. If symptoms from taking this medication are less severe, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 right away.
Additional notes
  • Do not share this medication with others.
  • This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another infection unless your medical provider tells you to.
What to do if you miss a dose
  • If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.
How to store this medication
  • Store the tablets at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom.
  • Store the suspension in the refrigerator away from light and heat. Do not freeze. Keep the container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medication after 14 days.
  • Keep all medications away from children and pets.
  • Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
Treatment for
Generic Name
Cefpodoxime Proxetil
Brand
Cefpodoxime Proxetil
Drug Class
Cephalosporin antibiotic

What is Dr. B?

At Dr. B, you can get convenient medical care—including prescription treatments—right from home. We believe everyone deserves affordable access to healthcare. That's why an online consultation with a licensed provider is only $15. Need more financial support? Dr. B also offers a No-Cost Care* option for those who qualify.

* Financial hardship assistance available for those who qualify

Send your prescription anywhere

Walgreens logo Amazon logo Walmart logo CVS logo

Send your prescription to thousands of pharmacies for pickup or online delivery. Your choice.

Young woman sick in bed, sitting up, under heavy covers, holding a glass of water in one hand, and her phone in the other, looking at the phone

How Dr. B treats sinus infection

1
Health assessment

Tell us about your condition with a $15 online consultation—no video call necessary.

2
Provider review

A medical provider will review your information and prescribe treatment, if appropriate.

3
Get your medication

Pick up and pay for the medication at the pharmacy of your choice. Or, get it delivered.

More sinus infection Options

“The process could not have been easier. My chart was reviewed by a licensed professional and I was able to pick up my prescription at my preferred local pharmacy within a few hours.”

Meghan E. from Florida

Verified Patient

“Dr. B made it easy and affordable to get my medication. I was able to get a prescription without having to go through the hassle of having to make a doctor’s appointment, take time off work, etc., all while knowing that there is a trusted medical professional taking care of me.”

Marsha D. from Florida

Verified Patient

“The process for the Dr. B birth control was very easy and efficient. The website made getting prescription birth control easily accessible, especially for someone like me who does not have an established primary doctor in the area yet.”

Jennifer F. from Florida

Verified Patient

Featured On

The New York Times logo
Axios logo
TIME logo
Bloomberg logo
Fast Company logo
ABC logo