Cefpodoxime

DAE Class; Rx

Common Brand Names; Vantin

• Cephalosporins, 3rd Generation

Oral extended-spectrum, semi-synthetic, third-generation cephalosporin used for upper and lower respiratory tract infections, UTIs, STDs, and skin and skin structure infections.

Indicated for the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). 

For the treatment of uncomplicated gonorrhea, including rectal infections in females, cervicitis, and urethritis.

For the treatment of acute otitis media.

For the treatment of uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA), or Streptococcus pyogenes (group A beta-hemolytic streptococci).

For the treatment of pharyngitis and tonsillitis.

For the treatment of acute maxillary sinusitis.

For the treatment of acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis. 

Documented hypersensitivity

>10%

Diarrhea in infants and toddlers (15.4%)

Diaper rash (12.1%)

1-10%

Diarrhea (7.4%)

Nausea (3.8%)

Vaginal infection (3.1%)

Vomiting (1.1-2.1%)

Abdominal pain (1.6%)

Rash (1.4%)

Headache (1.1%)

Reduce dosage by 50% if CrCl is 10-30 mL/min and by 75% if CrCl is <10 mL/min (high dosages may cause CNS toxicity)

Bacterial or fungal overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms may occur with prolonged or repeated therapy

Use with caution in patients with history of penicillin allergy

Use caution in patients with history of beta-lactam allergy, especially IGE mediated reactions, including angioedema, anaphylaxis, urticaria)

Some dosage forms may contain the metabolite of benzyl alcohol benzoic acid; large amounts of benzyl alcohol associated with potentially fatal toxicity (gasping syndrome) in neonates; avoid or use dosage forms containing benzyl alcohol derivative with caution in neonates

Pregnancy category: B

Lactation: Drug excreted in breast milk in low concentrations; not recommended

Adults

800 mg/day PO.

Elderly

800 mg/day PO.

Adolescents

800 mg/day PO.

Children

>= 12 years: 800 mg/day PO.
< 12 years: 10 mg/kg/day PO, not to exceed 400 mg/day PO for otitis media or sinusitis; 200 mg/day PO for pharyngitis or tonsillitis.

Infants

>= 2 months: 10 mg/kg/day PO.
< 2 months: Safe and effective use has not been established.

Cefpodoxime