Cefpet (Cefpodoxime Proxetil)
Compared with: Blackmores Conceive Well Gold 28 Tablets + 28 Capsules

Cefpet (Cefpodoxime Proxetil) is an oral third‑generation cephalosporin antibiotic. Available as 100 mg/5 mL suspension and 200 mg, 400 mg tablets, it treats respiratory, skin, urinary, and genital infections by inhibiting bacterial cell‑wall synthesis. Its proxetil prodrug formulation ensures optimal absorption when taken with food

Cefpodoxime Proxetil – a prodrug converted to active cefpodoxime; typical strengths:

Oral Suspension: 100 mg/5 mL, 200 mg/5 mL
MedlinePlus

Tablets: 200 mg, 400 mg
Mayo Clinic
Cefpodoxime

Third‑Generation Cephalosporin

Vantin® (alternate brand)

Simplicef® (veterinary formulation)
Cefpodoxime binds to bacterial penicillin‑binding proteins (PBPs), blocking the final transpeptidation step of peptidoglycan synthesis. This weakens the cell wall, leading to osmotic lysis and bacterial death. It exhibits broad‑spectrum activity, including many β‑lactamase–producing strains
Upper Respiratory Tract Infections: Pharyngitis, sinusitis, tonsillitis

Lower Respiratory Tract Infections: Acute bronchitis exacerbations, community‑acquired pneumonia

Otitis Media: Acute middle‑ear infections in children

Skin & Soft Tissue Infections: Cellulitis, impetigo, wound infections

Urinary Tract Infections: Uncomplicated cystitis in women

Uncomplicated Gonorrhea: Single‑dose regimen
Indication Adults Children Frequency Notes
Pharyngitis / Tonsillitis 200 mg every 12 h for 5–10 days 5 mg/kg (max 100 mg) every 12 h for 5–10 days Twice daily Take with food to enhance absorption
MPR
Otitis Media 200 mg every 12 h for 10 days 5 mg/kg (max 200 mg) every 12 h for 10 days Twice daily
Bronchitis / Sinusitis 200 mg every 12 h for 10 days 5 mg/kg (max 200 mg) every 12 h for 10 days Twice daily
Pneumonia 200 mg every 12 h for 14 days ≥13 years: same as adult Twice daily
Skin & Soft Tissue Infections 400 mg every 12 h for 7–14 days 5 mg/kg (max 200 mg) every 12 h Twice daily
Urinary Tract Infection 200 mg every 12 h for 7 days 5 mg/kg (max 200 mg) every 12 h Twice daily
Uncomplicated Gonorrhea 400 mg single dose Not recommended Single dose Co‑treat with 1 g azithromycin

Administration: Swallow tablets whole; shake suspension well.

Missed Dose: Take as soon as remembered; if near next dose, skip—do not double.
Formulation: Film‑coated tablets; oral suspension powder for reconstitution

Route: Oral

Legal Status: Prescription Only
Pregnancy: Category B – No teratogenicity in animal studies; use only if benefit outweighs risk.

Breastfeeding: Excreted in breast milk; minimal risk but monitor infant for gastrointestinal disturbance.

Pediatric Use: Approved ≥6 months; weight‑based dosing essential.

Renal Impairment: Reduce dose or extend interval if CrCl < 30 mL/min
Common:

Diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain
WebMD

Rash, urticaria

Headache

Serious (rare):

Clostridioides difficile‑associated diarrhea

Stevens–Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis

Anaphylaxis in β‑lactam–allergic patients

Elevated liver enzymes, acute interstitial nephritis

β‑Lactam Allergy: Contraindicated in patients with a history of anaphylactic reactions to cephalosporins or penicillins.

C. difficile Infection: Evaluate if severe, persistent diarrhea occurs.

Blood Dyscrasias: Monitor CBC during prolonged therapy.

Seizure Risk: High doses in severe renal impairment may lower seizure threshold.
Therapeutic Class: Antibiotic

Pharmacologic Class: Third‑Generation Cephalosporin

Legal Category: Prescription Only
Probenecid: Inhibits renal excretion of cefpodoxime, increasing serum levels.

Aminoglycosides: Additive nephrotoxicity—monitor renal function.

Oral Contraceptives: Diarrhea may reduce efficacy—use backup contraception.

Anticoagulants: Altered gut flora may affect vitamin K synthesis—monitor INR.
DrugBank: Cefpodoxime proxetil demonstrates >90 % clinical cure rates in acute otitis media and sinusitis with standard dosing

Empirical Trials: Single‑dose cefpodoxime 400 mg cures uncomplicated gonorrhea in >95 % of cases

FAQs – Cefpet (Cefpodoxime Proxetil)
Q1. How soon will my symptoms improve?
A: Many patients notice relief within 48–72 hours; complete the full course to prevent resistance.

Q2. Can I take Cefpet with food?
A: Yes. Food enhances absorption of the proxetil prodrug.

Q3. What if I miss a dose?
A: Take when remembered unless it’s within 4 hours of the next dose; do not double.

Q4. Is Cefpet safe for children?
A: Yes, from 6 months old using weight‑based suspension dosing.

Q5. Can Cefpet cause yeast infections?
A: Antibiotics can predispose to candidiasis; maintain hygiene and report persistent symptoms.

Q6. Does Cefpet interact with alcohol?
A: No direct interaction, but avoid alcohol when experiencing antibiotic‑induced GI upset.

Q7. How should I store the suspension?
A: Refrigerate and use within 10 days of reconstitution; discard any unused.

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