Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Suprax.
Allergy: Before starting treatment with cefixime, make sure you tell your doctor about any adverse reactions you have had to medications, especially cefixime, cephalosporins, and penicillins. Some people who are allergic to penicillin may also be allergic to cephalosporins such as cefixime. If you have an allergic reaction, contact your doctor.
Antibiotic-associated colitis: Suprax, like other antibiotics, may cause a potentially dangerous condition called antibiotic-associated colitis (or pseudomembranous colitis). Symptoms include severe, watery diarrhea that may be bloody. If you notice these symptoms, stop taking cefixime and contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Hemolytic anemia: Rarely, cefixime causes a condition where red blood cells are destroyed before the end of the cells' normal lifespan. This condition is called hemolytic anemia, which can cause severe health complications. People who have had hemolytic anemia before may be more likely to experience hemolytic anemia caused by cefixime. If you notice symptoms of hemolytic anemia such as unusual fatigue, yellowing of the eyes or skin, dark urine, or pale skin, contact your doctor immediately.
Kidney function: Kidney Disease or reduced kidney function may cause Suprax to build up in the body, causing side effects. Cefixime may also cause decreased kidney function and, in rare instances, kidney failure. If you have reduced kidney function or kidney disease, discuss with your doctor how Suprax may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Suprax, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Overgrowth of organisms: Prolonged or repeated use of cefixime may result in an overgrowth of bacteria or fungi and organisms that are not killed by the medication. This can cause other infections, such as yeast infections, to develop.
Seizures: Suprax, like other cephalosporins, may contribute to seizures. This appears to be more likely when kidney function is reduced, causing increased amounts of cefixime to build up in the body. If you have a history of seizure disorders or decreased kidney function, discuss with your doctor how Suprax may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Suprax, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Pregnancy: It is not known if cefixime is safe for use during pregnancy. Suprax should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Suprax, contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if cefixime passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Suprax, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Suprax have not been established for children less than 6 months old.
