CEFIXIME powder, for suspension

Cefixime by

Drug Labeling and Warnings

Cefixime by is a Prescription medication manufactured, distributed, or labeled by Belcher Pharmaceuticals,LLC. Drug facts, warnings, and ingredients follow.

Drug Details [pdf]

  • 1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE

    To reduce the development of drug resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of Cefixime for oral suspension and other antibacterial drugs, Cefixime for oral suspension should be used only to treat infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria. When culture and susceptibility information are available, they should be considered in selecting or modifying antimicrobial therapy. In the absence of such data,local epidemiology and susceptibility patterns may contribute to the empiric selection of therapy.
    Cefixime for oral suspension is a cephalosporin antibacterial drug indicated in the treatment of adults and pediatric patients six months of age or older with the following infections when caused by susceptible isolates of the designated bacteria:

    1.1 Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections

    Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections caused by Escherichia coli and Proteus mirabilis

    1.2 Otitis Media

    Otitis media caused by Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, and Streptococcus pyogenes. (Efficacy for Streptococcus pyogenes in this organ system was studied in fewer than 10 infections.)
    Note: For patients with otitis media caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, overall response was approximately 10% lower for cefixime than for the comparator [ See CLINICAL STUDIES ( 14) ].

    1.3 Pharyngitis and Tonsillitis

    Pharyngitis and Tonsillitis caused by Streptococcus pyogenes. (Note: Penicillin is the usual drug of choice in the treatment of Streptococcus pyogenes infections. Cefixime for oral suspension is generally effective in the eradication of Streptococcus pyogenes from the nasopharynx; however, data establishing the efficacy of Cefixime for oral suspension in the subsequent prevention of rheumatic fever is not available.)

    1.4 Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Bronchitis

    Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Bronchitis caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae.

    1.5 Uncomplicated Gonorrhea (cervical/urethral)

    Uncomplicated Gonorrhea (cervical/urethral) caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae (penicillinase–and non-penicillinase-producing isolates).

  • 2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

    2.1 Adults

    The recommended dose of cefixime is 400 mg daily. This may be given as a 400 mg tablet or capsule daily or the 400 mg tablet may be split and given as one half tablet every 12 hours. For the treatment of uncomplicated cervical/urethral gonococcal infections, a single oral dose 400 mg is recommended. The capsule and tablet may be administered without regard to food.

    In the treatment of infections due to Streptococcus pyogenes, a therapeutic dosage of cefixime should be administered for at least 10 days.

    2.2 Pediatric Patients (6 months or older)

    The recommended dose is 8 mg/kg/day of the suspension. This may be administered as a single daily dose or may be given in two divided doses, as 4 mg/kg every 12 hours.

    Note: A suggested dose has been determined for each pediatric weight range. Refer to Table 1. Ensure all orders that specify a dose in milliliters include a concentration, because Cefixime for oral suspension is available in one concentration (500 mg/5 mL).

    Table 1. Suggested doses for pediatric patients

    PEDIATRIC DOSAGE CHART Doses are suggested for each weight range and rounded for ease of administration
     Cefixime for Oral Suspension 500 mg/5 mL Cefixime Chewable Tablet
     Patient Weight (kg) Dose/Day (mg) Dose/Day (mL) Dose
     5 to 7.5*50 -- --
     7.6 to 10* 80 -- --
     10.1 to 12.5 100 1 1 tablet of 100 mg
     12.6 to 20.5 150 1.5 1 tablet of 150 mg
     20.6 to 28 200 2 1 tablet of 200 mg
     28.1 to 33 250 2.5 1 tablet of 100 mg and  ​1 tablet of 150 mg
     33.1 to 40 300 3 2 tablets of 150 mg
     40.1 to 45 350 3.5 1 tablet of 150 mg and 1 tablet of 200 mg
     45.1 or greater 400 4 2 tablets of 200 mg



    Children weighing more than 45 kg or older than 12 years should be treated with the recommended adult dose. Cefixime Chewable Tablets must be chewed or crushed before swallowing.

    Otitis media should be treated with the chewable tablets or suspension. Clinical trials of otitis media were conducted with the chewable tablets or suspension, and the chewable tablets or suspension results in higher peak blood levels than the tablet when administered at the same dose.

    Therefore, the tablet or capsule should not be substituted for the chewable tablets or suspension in the treatment of otitis media. [ See CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY (12.3)]

    In the treatment of infections due to Streptococcus pyogenes, a therapeutic dosage of cefixime should be administered for at least 10 days.

    2.3 Renal Impairment

    Cefixime for oral suspension may be administered in the presence of impaired renal function. Normal dose and schedule may be employed in patients with creatinine clearances of 60 mL/min or greater. Refer to Table 2 for dose adjustments for adults with renal impairment. Neither hemodialysis nor peritoneal dialysis removes significant amounts of drug from the body.

    Table 2. Doses for Adults with Renal Impairment

     Renal Dysfunction  Cefixime for Oral Suspension Tablet Chewable Tablet
     Creatinine Clearance (mL/min) 500 mg/5 mL 400 mg 200 mg
     Dose/Day (mL) Dose/Day Dose/Day
     60 or greater Normal dose Normal dose Normal dose
     21 to 59* OR renal hemodialysis* 2.6 Not Appropriate Not Appropriate
     20 or less OR continuous peritoneal dialysis 1.8 0.5 tablet 1 tablet

    * The preferred concentration of oral suspension to use is 500 mg/5 mL for patients with this renal dysfunction

    2.4 Reconstitution Directions for Oral Suspension

     Strength  Bottle Size   Reconstitution Directions
     500 mg/5 mL 20 mL

    To reconstitute,suspend with 12 mL water.

    Method: Tap the bottle several times to loosen powder contents prior to reconstitution.

    Add approximately half the total amount of water for reconstitution and shake well.

    Add the remainder of water and shake well.
     500 mg/5 mL 10 mL

    To reconstitute,suspend with 6 mL water.

    Method: Tap the bottle several times to loosen powder contents prior to reconstitution.

    Add approximately half the total amount of water for reconstitution and shake well.

    Add the remainder of water and shake well.

    After reconstitution, the suspension may be kept for 14 days either at room temperature, or under refrigeration, without significant loss of potency. Keep tightly closed. Shake well before using. Discard unused portion after 14 days.

  • 3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS

    Cefixime for oral suspension,USP is available for oral administration in the following dosage forms and strengths:

    • Powder for oral suspension, when reconstituted, provides either 500 mg/5 mL of cefixime as trihydrate. For 500 mg/5 mL, the powder has an off white to cream color and is strawberry flavored.
  • 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS

    Cefixime for oral suspension is contraindicated in patients with known allergy to cefixime or other cephalosporins.

  • 5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

    5.1 Hypersensitivity Reactions

    Anaphylactic/anaphylactoid reactions (including shock and fatalities) have been reported with the use of cefixime.

    Before therapy with Cefixime for oral suspension is instituted, careful inquiry should be made to determine whether the patient has had previous hypersensitivity reactions to cephalosporins, penicillins, or other drugs. If this product is to be given to penicillin-sensitive patients, caution should be exercised because cross hypersensitivity among beta-lactam antibiotics has been clearly documented and may occur in up to 10% of patients with a history of penicillin allergy. If an allergic reaction to Cefixime for oral suspension occurs, discontinue the drug.

    5.2 Clostridium difficile-Associated Diarrhea

    Clostridium difficile associated diarrhea (CDAD) has been reported with use of nearly all antibacterial agents, including Cefixime for oral suspension, and may range in severity from mild diarrhea to fatal colitis. Treatment with antibacterial agents alters the normal flora of the colon leading to overgrowth of C.difficile.

    C.difficile produces toxins A and B which contribute to the development of CDAD. Hypertoxin producing isolates of C.difficile cause increased morbidity and mortality, as these infections can be refractory to antimicrobial therapy and may require colectomy. CDAD must be considered in all patients who present with diarrhea following antibiotic use. Careful medical history is necessary since CDAD has been reported to occur over two months after the administration of antibacterial agents.

    If CDAD is suspected or confirmed, ongoing antibiotic use not directed against C.difficile may need to be discontinued. Appropriate fluid and electrolyte management, protein supplementation, antibiotic treatment of C.difficile, and surgical evaluation should be instituted as clinically indicated.

    5.3 Dose Adjustment in Renal Impairment

    The dose of Cefixime for oral suspension should be adjusted in patients with renal impairment as well as those undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) and hemodialysis (HD). Patients on dialysis should be monitored carefully [ See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION ( 2) ].

    5.4 Coagulation Effects

    Cephalosporins, including Cefixime for oral suspension, may be associated with a fall in prothrombin activity. Those at risk include patients with renal or hepatic impairment, or poor nutritional state, as well as patients receiving a protracted course of antimicrobial therapy, and patients previously stabilized on anticoagulant therapy. Prothrombin time should be monitored in patients at risk and exogenous vitamin K administered as indicated.

    5.5 Development of Drug-Resistant Bacteria

    Prescribing Cefixime for oral suspension in the absence of a proven or strongly suspected bacterial infection is unlikely to provide benefit to the patient and increases the risk of the development of drug-resistant bacteria.

  • 6 ADVERSE REACTIONS

    6.1 Clinical Trials Experience

    Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.

    The most commonly seen adverse reactions in U.S. trials of the tablet formulation were gastrointestinal events, which were reported in 30% of adult patients on either the twice daily or the once daily regimen. Five percent (5%) of patients in the U.S. clinical trials discontinued therapy because of drug-related adverse reactions. Individual adverse reactions included diarrhea 16%, loose or frequent stools 6%, abdominal pain 3%, nausea 7%, dyspepsia 3%, and flatulence 4%. The incidence of gastrointestinal adverse reactions, including diarrhea and loose stools, in pediatric patients receiving the suspension was comparable to the incidence seen in adult patients receiving tablets.

    6.2 Post-marketing Experience

    The following adverse reactions have been reported following the use of cefixime. Incidence rates were less than 1 in 50 (less than 2%).

    Gastrointestinal

    Several cases of documented pseudomembranous colitis were identified in clinical trials. The onset of pseudomembranous colitis symptoms may occur during or after therapy.

    Hypersensitivity Reactions

    Anaphylactic/anaphylactoid reactions (including shock and fatalities), skin rashes, urticaria, drug fever, pruritus, angioedema, and facial edema. Erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and serum sickness-like reactions have been reported.

    Hepatic

    Transient elevations in SGPT, SGOT, alkaline phosphatase, hepatitis, jaundice.

    Renal

    Transient elevations in BUN or creatinine, acute renal failure.

    Central Nervous System

    Headaches, dizziness, seizures.

    Hemic and Lymphatic System

    Transient thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, neutropenia, prolongation in prothrombin time, elevated LDH, pancytopenia, agranulocytosis, and eosinophilia.

    Abnormal Laboratory Tests

    Hyperbilirubinemia.

    Other Adverse Reactions

    Genital pruritus, vaginitis, candidiasis, toxic epidermal necrolysis.

    Adverse Reactions Reported for Cephalosporin-class Drugs

    Allergic reactions, superinfection, renal dysfunction, toxic nephropathy, hepatic dysfunction including cholestasis, aplastic anemia, hemolytic anemia, hemorrhage, and colitis.

    Several cephalosporins have been implicated in triggering seizures, particularly in patients with renal impairment when the dosage was not reduced. [ See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION (2) and OVERDOSAGE (10)]. If seizures associated with drug therapy occur, the drug should be discontinued. Anticonvulsant therapy can be given if clinically indicated.

  • 7 DRUG INTERACTIONS

    7.1 Carbamazepine

    Elevated carbamazepine levels have been reported in postmarketing experience when cefixime is administered concomitantly. Drug monitoring may be of assistance in detecting alterations in carbamazepine plasma concentrations.

    7.2 Warfarin and Anticoagulants

    Increased prothrombin time, with or without clinical bleeding, has been reported when cefixime is administered concomitantly.

    7.3 Drug/Laboratory Test Interactions

    A false-positive reaction for ketones in the urine may occur with tests using nitroprusside but not with those using nitroferricyanide.

    The administration of cefixime may result in a false-positive reaction for glucose in the urine using Clinitest®**, Benedict's solution, or Fehling's solution. It is recommended that glucose tests based on enzymatic glucose oxidase reactions (such as Clinistix®** or TesTape®**) be used. A false-positive direct Coombs test has been reported during treatment with other cephalosporins; therefore, it should be recognized that a positive Coombs test may be due to the drug.

    **Clinitest® and Clinistix® are registered trademarks of Ames Division, Miles Laboratories, Inc. Tes-Tape® is a registered trademark of Eli Lilly and Company.

  • 8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS

    8.1 Pregnancy

    Pregnancy Category B. Reproduction studies have been performed in mice and rats at doses up to 40 times the human dose and have revealed no evidence of harm to the fetus due to cefixime. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.

    8.2 Labor And Delivery

    Cefixime has not been studied for use during labor and delivery. Treatment should only be given if clearly needed.

    8.3 Nursing Mothers

    It is not known whether cefixime is excreted in human milk. Consideration should be given to discontinuing nursing temporarily during treatment with this drug.

    8.4 Pediatric Use

    Safety and effectiveness of cefixime in children aged less than six months old have not been established. The incidence of gastrointestinal adverse reactions, including diarrhea and loose stools, in the pediatric patients receiving the suspension, was comparable to the incidence seen in adult patients receiving tablets.

    8.5 Geriatric Use

    Clinical studies did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and older to determine whether they respond differently than younger subjects. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients. A pharmacokinetic study in the elderly detected differences in pharmacokinetic parameters [ See CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY (12.3)]. These differences were small and do not indicate a need for dosage adjustment of the drug in the elderly.

    8.6 Renal Impairment

    The dose of cefixime should be adjusted in patients with renal impairment as well as those undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) and hemodialysis (HD). Patients on dialysis should be monitored carefully [ See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION (2.3)].

  • 10 OVERDOSAGE

    Gastric lavage may be indicated; otherwise, no specific antidote exists. Cefixime is not removed in significant quantities from the circulation by hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis. Adverse reactions in small numbers of healthy adult volunteers receiving single doses up to 2 g of cefixime did not differ from the profile seen in patients treated at the recommended doses.

  • 11 DESCRIPTION

    Cefixime is a semisynthetic, cephalosporin antibacterial for oral administration. Chemically, it is ( 6R,7R)-7-[2-(2-Amino-4-thiazolyl)glyoxylamido]-8-oxo-3-vinyl-5-thia-1-azabicyclo [4.2.0] oct-2-ene-2-carboxylic acid, 7 2-( Z)-[O-(carboxy methyl) oxime] trihydrate.

    Molecular weight = 507.50 as the trihydrate. Chemical Formula is C 16H 15N 5O 7S 2.3H 2O
    The structural formula for cefixime is:

    struct

    Inactive ingredients contained in cefixime powder for oral suspension, USP are: colloidal silicon dioxide, sodium benzoate, strawberry flavor, sucralose, sucrose, and xanthan gum.

  • 12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY

    12.1 Mechanism of Action

    Cefixime is a semisynthetic cephalosporin antibacterial drug [see Microbiology( 12.4)].

    12.3 Pharmacokinetics

    Cefixime chewable tablets are bioequivalent to oral suspension.

    Cefixime tablets and suspension, given orally, are about 40% to 50% absorbed whether administered with or without food; however, time to maximal absorption is increased approximately 0.8 hours when administered with food. A single 200 mg tablet of cefixime produces an average peak serum concentration of approximately 2 mcg/mL (range 1 to 4 mcg/mL); a single 400 mg tablet produces an average peak concentration of approximately 3.7 mcg/mL (range 1.3 to 7.7 mcg/mL). The oral suspension produces average peak concentrations approximately 25% to 50% higher than the tablets, when tested in normal adult volunteers. Two hundred and 400 mg doses of oral suspension produce average peak concentrations of 3 mcg/mL (range 1 to 4.5 mcg/mL) and 4.6 mcg/mL (range 1.9 to 7.7 mcg/mL), respectively, when tested in normal adult volunteers. The area under the time versus concentration curve (AUC) is greater by approximately 10% to 25% with the oral suspension than with the tablet after doses of 100 to 400 mg, when tested in normal adult volunteers. This increased absorption should be taken into consideration if the oral suspension is to be substituted for the tablet. Because of the lack of bioequivalence, tablets should not be substituted for oral suspension in the treatment of otitis media [ See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION ( 2) ]. Cross-over studies of tablet versus suspension have not been performed in children.

    The 400 mg capsule is bioequivalent to the 400 mg tablet under fasting conditions. However, food reduces the absorption following administration of the capsule by approximately 15% based on AUC and 25% based on C max.

    Peak serum concentrations occur between 2 and 6 hours following oral administration of a single 200 mg tablet, a single 400 mg tablet or 400 mg of cefixime suspension. Peak serum concentrations occur between 2 and 5 hours following a single administration of 200 mg of suspension. Peak serum concentrations occur between 3 and 8 hours following oral administration of a single 400 mg capsule.

    Distribution

    Serum protein binding is concentration independent with a bound fraction of approximately 65%. In a multiple dose study conducted with a research formulation which is less bioavailable than the tablet or suspension, there was little accumulation of drug in serum or urine after dosing for 14 days. Adequate data on CSF levels of cefixime are not available.

    Metabolism and Excretion

    There is no evidence of metabolism of cefixime in vivo. Approximately 50% of the absorbed dose is excreted unchanged in the urine in 24 hours. In animal studies, it was noted that cefixime is also excreted in the bile in excess of 10% of the administered dose. The serum half-life of cefixime in healthy subjects is independent of dosage form and averages 3 to 4 hours but may range up to 9 hours in some normal volunteers.

    Special Populations

    Geriatrics: Average AUCs at steady state in elderly patients are approximately 40% higher than average AUCs in other healthy adults. Differences in the pharmacokinetic parameters between 12 young and 12 elderly subjects who received 400 mg of cefixime once daily for 5 days are summarized as follows:

    Pharmacokinetic Parameters (mean ± SD) for Cefixime in Both Young & Elderly Subjects 
     Pharmacokinetic parameter Young Elderly
    C max (mg/L)  4.74 ± 1.435.68 ± 1.83
     T max (h)*  3.9 ± 0.34.3 ± 0.6
     AUC (mg.h/L)* 34.9 ± 12.249.5 ± 19.1
     T 1/2 (h)*  3.5 ± 0.64.2 ± 0.4 
     C ave (mg/L)*  1.42 ± 0.501.99 ± 0.75 

     *Difference between age groups was significant. (p<0.05)

    However, these increases were not clinically significant [ See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION( 2) ].

    Renal Impairment: In subjects with moderate impairment of renal function (20 to 40 mL/min creatinine clearance), the average serum half-life of cefixime is prolonged to 6.4 hours. In severe renal impairment (5 to 20 mL/min creatinine clearance), the half-life increased to an average of 11.5 hours. The drug is not cleared significantly from the blood by hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis. However, a study indicated that with doses of 400 mg, patients undergoing hemodialysis have similar blood profiles as subjects with creatinine clearances of 21 to 60 mL/min.

    12.4 Microbiology

    Mechanism of Action

    As with other cephalosporins, the bactericidal action of cefixime results from inhibition of cell wall synthesis. Cefixime is stable in the presence of certain beta-lactamase enzymes. As a result, certain organisms resistant to penicillins and some cephalosporins due to the presence of beta-lactamases may be susceptible to cefixime.

    Resistance

    Resistance to cefixime in isolates of Haemophilus influenzae and Neisseria gonorrhoeae is most often associated with alterations in penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs). Cefixime may have limited activity against Enterobacteriaceae producing extended spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs). Pseudomonas species, Enterococcus species, strains of Group D streptococci, Listeria monocytogenes, most strains of staphylococci (including methicillin-resistant strains), most strains of Enterobacter species, most strains of Bacteroides fragilis, and most strains of Clostridium species are resistant to cefixime.

    Antimicrobial Activity

    Cefixime has been shown to be active against most isolates of the following microorganisms, both in vitro and in clinical infections [ see INDICATIONS AND USAGE ( 1) ].

    Gram-positive Bacteria
    Streptococcus pneumoniae
    Streptococcus pyogenes

    Gram-negative Bacteria
    Escherichia coli
    Haemophilus influenzae
    Moraxella catarrhalis
    Neisseria gonorrhoeae
    Proteus mirabilis

    The following in vitro data are available, but their clinical significance is unknown. At least 90 percent of the following bacteria exhibit an in vitro minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) less than or equal to the susceptible breakpoint for cefixime against isolates of similar genus or organism group. However, the efficacy of cefixime in treating clinical infections due to these bacteria has not been established in adequate and well-controlled clinical trials.

    Gram-positive Bacteria
    Streptococcus agalactiae

    Gram-negative Bacteria
    Citrobacter amalonaticus
    Citrobacter diversus
    Haemophilus parainfluenzae
    Klebsiella oxytoca
    Klebsiella pneumoniae
    Pasteurella multocida
    Proteus vulgaris
    Providencia species
    Salmonella species
    Serratia marcescens
    Shigella species

    Susceptibility Test Methods

    When available, the clinical microbiology laboratory should provide cumulative reports of in vitro susceptibility test results for antimicrobial drugs used in local hospitals and practice areas to the physician as periodic reports that describe the susceptibility profile of nosocomial and community-acquired pathogens. These reports should aid the physician in selecting an antibacterial drug for treatment.

    Dilution techniques:

    Quantitative methods are used to determine antimicrobial minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs). These MICs provide estimates of the susceptibility of bacteria to antimicrobial compounds. The MICs should be determined using a standardized test method 1,2 (broth and/or agar). The MIC values should be interpreted according to criteria provided in Table 3.

    Diffusion techniques:

    Quantitative methods that require measurement of zone diameters can also provide reproducible estimates of the susceptibility of bacteria to antimicrobial compounds. The zone size should be determined using a standardized test method. 2,3 This procedure uses paper disks impregnated with 5 mcg cefixime to test the susceptibility of bacteria to cefixime. The disc diffusion breakpoints are provided in Table 3.

     Table 3: Susceptibility Interpretive Criteria for Cefixime
    PathogenMinimum Inhibitory
    Concentrations (mcg/mL)    		 Disk Diffusion Zone Diameter
    (mm)
     S I R S I R
    Enterobacteriaceae1  1 2  4  19 16 to 18  15
    Haemophilus influenzae 2,3  1 NA NA  21 NA NA
    Neisseria gonorrhoeae3,4  0.25 NA NA  31 NA NA

    1 Do not test Morganella species by disk diffusion
    2 Test Haemophilus influenzae using Haemophilus Test Medium (HTM)
    3 The current absence of resistant isolates precludes defining any results other than "susceptible" Isolates
    yielding results other than susceptible should be subjected to additional testing.
    4 Test Neisseria gonorrhoeae using GC agar base and 1% defined growth supplement. Minimum
    inhibitory concentrations are determined using the agar dilution method.

    A report of Susceptible (S) indicates that the antimicrobial drug is likely to inhibit growth of the pathogen if the antimicrobial drug reaches the concentration usually achievable at the site of infection. A report of Intermediate (I) indicates that the result should be considered equivocal, and, if the microorganism is not fully susceptible to alternative, clinically feasible drugs, the test should be repeated. This category implies possible clinical applicability in body sites where the drug is physiologically concentrated or in situations where a high dosage of the drug can be used. This category also provides a buffer zone that prevents small uncontrolled technical factors from causing major discrepancies in interpretation. A report of Resistant (R) indicates that the antimicrobial drug is not likely to inhibit growth of the pathogen if the antimicrobial drug reaches the concentration usually achievable at the infection site; other therapy should be selected.

    Quality Control:

    Standardized susceptibility test procedures require the use of laboratory controls to monitor and ensure the accuracy and precision of supplies and reagents used in the assay, and the techniques of the individuals performing the test. 1,2,3 Standard cefixime powder should provide the following range of MIC values noted in Table 4. For the diffusion technique using the 5 mcg disk, the criteria in Table 4 should be achieved.

    Table 4: Acceptable Quality Control Ranges for Cefixime 
    Quality Control OrganismsMinimum Inhibitory Concentrations (mcg/mL) Disk Diffusion (zone diameters in mm) 
    E. coli ATCC 25922 0.25 to 123 to 27
    H. influenzae ATCC 49247 0.12 to 1 25 to 33
    N. gonorrhoeae ATCC 49226 0.004 to 0.0337 to 45
    S. pneumoniae ATCC 49619 NA16 to 23 
    S. aureus ATCC 29213 8 to 32NA 

    ATCC = American Type Culture Collection

  • 13 NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY

    13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

    Lifetime studies in animals to evaluate carcinogenic potential have not been conducted. Cefixime did not cause point mutations in bacteria or mammalian cells, DNA damage, or chromosome damage in vitro and did not exhibit clastogenic potential in vivo in the mouse micronucleus test. In rats, fertility and reproductive performance were not affected by cefixime at doses up to 25 times the adult therapeutic dose.

  • 14 CLINICAL STUDIES

    Comparative clinical trials of otitis media were conducted in nearly 400 children between the ages of 6 months to 10 years. Streptococcus pneumoniae was isolated from 47% of the patients, Haemophilus influenzae from 34%, Moraxella catarrhalis from 15% and S. pyogenes from 4%.

    The overall response rate of Streptococcus pneumoniae to cefixime was approximately 10% lower and that of Haemophilus influenzae or Moraxella catarrhalis approximately 7% higher (12% when beta-lactamase positive isolates of H. influenzae are included) than the response rates of these organisms to the active control drugs.

    In these studies, patients were randomized and treated with either cefixime at dose regimens of 4 mg/kg twice a day or 8 mg/kg once a day, or with a comparator. Sixty-nine to 70% of the patients in each group had resolution of signs and symptoms of otitis media when evaluated 2 to 4 weeks post-treatment, but persistent effusion was found in 15% of the patients. When evaluated at the completion of therapy, 17% of patients receiving cefixime and 14% of patients receiving effective comparative drugs (18% including those patients who had Haemophilus influenzae resistant to the control drug and who received the control antibiotic) were considered to be treatment failures. By the 2 to 4 week follow-up, a total of 30%-31% of patients had evidence of either treatment failure or recurrent disease.

    Bacteriological Outcome of Otitis Media at Two to Four Weeks Post-Therapy Based on Repeat Middle Ear Fluid Culture or Extrapolation from Clinical Outcome 
    Organism Cefixime(a)
    4 mg/kg BID    		Cefixime(a)
    8 mg/kg QD    		Control(a)
    drugs 
    Streptococcus pneumoniae48/70 (69%)18/22 (82%)82/100 (82%)
    Haemophilus influenzae beta-lactamase negative  24/34 (71%)13/17 (76%)23/34 (68%)
    Haemophilus influenzae beta-lactamase positive  17/22 (77%)9/12 (75%)1/1 (b)
    Moraxella catarrhalis 26/31 (84%)5/518/24 (75%)
    S.pyogenes5/53/36/7
     All Isolates 120/162 (74%) 48/59 (81%)130/166 (78%) 

    (a)Number eradicated/number isolated.
    (b)An additional 20 beta-lactamase positive isolates of Haemophilus influenzae were isolated, but were excluded from this analysis because they were resistant to the control antibiotic. In nineteen of these, the clinical course could be assessed and a favorable outcome occurred in 10. When these cases are included in the overall bacteriological evaluation of therapy with the control drugs, 140/185 (76%) of pathogens were considered to be eradicated.

  • 15 REFERENCES

    1. Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). Methods for Dilution Antimicrobial Susceptibility Tests for Bacteria that Grow Aerobically; Approved Standard - Tenth Edition. CLSI document M07-A10, Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute, 950 West Valley Road, Suite 2500, Wayne, Pennsylvania 19087, USA, 2015.
    2. Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). Performance Standards for Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing; Twenty-fifth Informational Supplement, CLSI document M100-S25, Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute, 950 West Valley Road, Suite 2500, Wayne, Pennsylvania 19087, USA, 2015.
    3. Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). Performance Standards for Antimicrobial Disk Diffusion Susceptibility Tests; Approved Standard - Twelfth Edition. CLSI document M02-A12, Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute, 950 West Valley Road, Suite 2500, Wayne, Pennsylvania 19087, USA, 2015.

  • 16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING

    Cefixime for oral suspension, USP is available for oral administration in following dosage forms, strengths and packages listed in the table below:

     Dosage Form Strength DescriptionPackage Size NDC Code Storage
    Cefixime for Oral Suspension,USP500 mg/5 mL Off white to cream colored powder forming off-white to pale yellow suspension with characteristic fruity odor on constitution. After reconstituted as directed, each mL of reconstituted suspension contains 100 mg of cefixime as the trihydrate

     Bottle of 10 mL

    Bottle of 20 mL

     62250-668-24

    62250-668-25

    		Prior to reconstitution:
    Store drug powder at 20 to 25 °C
    (68 to 77°F)
    [See USP Controlled Room Temperature]

    After reconstitution:
    Store at room temperature or under refrigeration. Keep tightly closed

  • 17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION

    17.1 Information for Patients

    Patients should be counseled that antibacterial drugs, including cefixime, should only be used to treat bacterial infections. They do not treat viral infections (e.g., the common cold). When cefixime is prescribed to treat a bacterial infection, patients should be told that although it is common to feel better early in the course of therapy, the medication should be taken exactly as directed. Skipping doses or not completing the full course of therapy may: (1) decrease the effectiveness of the immediate treatment and (2) increase the likelihood that bacteria will develop resistance and will not be treatable by cefixime for oral suspension or cefixime chewable tablets or other antibacterial drugs in the future.

    Diarrhea is a common problem caused by antibiotics which usually ends when the antibiotic is discontinued. Sometimes after starting treatment with antibiotics, patients can develop watery and bloody stools (with or without stomach cramps and fever) even as late as two or more months after having taken the last dose of the antibiotic. If this occurs, patients should contact their physician as soon as possible.

     Products Manufactured by:

     Cefixime for Oral Suspension USP, 500 mg/5mL Belcher Pharmaceuticals,LLC
    12393 Belcher Road
    Suite # 420
    Largo
    FL-33773 

    Revised: September 2016                                                            L52I                                                                              D-1609

  • PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL

    CEFIXIME FOR ORAL SUSPENSION, USP
    500 mg/5 mL
    Rx only
    NDC: 62250-668-24: Bottle of 10 mL

    cef500

    CEFIXIME FOR ORAL SUSPENSION, USP
    500 mg/5 mL
    Rx only
    NDC: 62250-668-25: Bottle of 20 mL

    cef500b

  • INGREDIENTS AND APPEARANCE
    CEFIXIME 
    cefixime powder, for suspension
    Product Information
    Product TypeHUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUGItem Code (Source)NDC: 62250-668
    Route of AdministrationORAL
    Active Ingredient/Active Moiety
    Ingredient NameBasis of StrengthStrength
    CEFIXIME (UNII: 97I1C92E55) (CEFIXIME ANHYDROUS - UNII:XZ7BG04GJX) CEFIXIME ANHYDROUS500 mg  in 5 mL
    Inactive Ingredients
    Ingredient NameStrength
    SODIUM BENZOATE (UNII: OJ245FE5EU)  
    STRAWBERRY (UNII: 4J2TY8Y81V)  
    SUCROSE (UNII: C151H8M554)  
    SUCRALOSE (UNII: 96K6UQ3ZD4)  
    XANTHAN GUM (UNII: TTV12P4NEE)  
    SILICON DIOXIDE (UNII: ETJ7Z6XBU4)  
    Product Characteristics
    Colorwhite (Off White to Cream Powder) Score    
    ShapeSize
    FlavorImprint Code
    Contains    
    Packaging
    #Item CodePackage DescriptionMarketing Start DateMarketing End Date
    1NDC: 62250-668-2410 mL in 1 BOTTLE; Type 1: Convenience Kit of Co-Package03/15/2017
    2NDC: 62250-668-2520 mL in 1 BOTTLE; Type 1: Convenience Kit of Co-Package03/15/2017
    Marketing Information
    Marketing CategoryApplication Number or Monograph CitationMarketing Start DateMarketing End Date
    ANDAANDA20693903/15/2017
    Labeler - Belcher Pharmaceuticals,LLC (965082543)
    Establishment
    NameAddressID/FEIBusiness Operations
    Belcher Pharmaceuticals,LLC965082543manufacture(62250-668) , analysis(62250-668)
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