Cefixime and cefpodoxime proxetil are oral third-generation cephalosporins. As suspensions they are used in children for infections such as acute otitis media, pharyngitis and tonsillitis and urinary tract infections. The World Health Organization classifies both in its Watch group of antibiotics — medicines with higher resistance potential that should be reserved for the right indications. Correct dosing, preparation and a completed course protect both the child and the medicine’s future effectiveness.
Dosing on the labels
| Cefixime | Cefpodoxime proxetil | |
|---|---|---|
| Children’s dose | 8 mg/kg/day, once daily or 4 mg/kg every 12 hours | 5 mg/kg every 12 hours (10 mg/kg/day), age 2 months to under 12 years |
| Maximum | Children over 45 kg or older than 12 years take the adult dose (400 mg/day) | Per dose: 200 mg (otitis media, sinusitis); 100 mg (pharyngitis/tonsillitis) |
| With food? | Tablets: with or without food | Suspension: without regard to food |
| Deeva Light products | Alanfix-100 Suspension Alanfix-200 Suspension | Alandox-50 Suspension Alandox-100 Suspension |
The cefixime label notes that otitis media should be treated with the suspension (or chewable tablets) rather than tablets, because the suspension gives higher peak blood levels. Always check the strength on the bottle: a 200 mg/5 mL suspension contains twice as much drug per spoon as 100 mg/5 mL.
Reconstituting the powder
Both labels use the same technique:
- Tap the closed bottle to loosen the powder.
- Add the stated volume of water in two portions, shaking well after each.
- Check the final volume matches the mark on the bottle.
The exact water volume depends on the bottle size and manufacturer — follow the directions printed on the pack. The cefpodoxime label specifies distilled water.
Storage after mixing
- Cefixime: keep for 14 days at room temperature or in a refrigerator, then discard.
- Cefpodoxime: store in a refrigerator (2–8 °C) and discard unused suspension after 14 days.
Write the date of mixing and the discard date on the bottle label before handing it over.
What to tell parents
- Shake the bottle well before every dose and measure with an oral syringe or the supplied spoon — not a household teaspoon.
- Give the full course prescribed, even if the child feels better after a few days.
- Do not keep leftover suspension for another illness or another child.
- Seek medical advice if a rash, severe diarrhoea or signs of allergy appear.
See the full anti-infective range, and read why appropriate antibiotic use matters in our article on antimicrobial resistance.
Sources
This article is for healthcare professionals and trade customers and does not replace the product insert or a prescriber’s judgement. Always follow the prescribing information supplied with the product.