How the dose is calculated
Cefpodoxime is dosed in mg/kg/day divided every 12 hours for standard infections. Uncomplicated gonorrhoea uses a separate fixed 200 mg single adult dose rather than weight-based dosing.
Typical dosing by indication
| Indication | Dose | Frequency | Max |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 10 mg/kg/day | every 12h (2×/day) | 400 mg/day |
| Uncomplicated gonorrhoea (adult) | 200 mg | single dose | 200 mg |
Uncomplicated gonorrhoea is treated with a single fixed 200 mg dose, not weight-based like the standard regimen above — this calculator does not compute that dose (there's no weight-scaling involved), so give 200 mg directly.
Clinical use
- Cefpodoxime is a third-generation oral cephalosporin with broader Gram-negative activity than first-generation agents, making it a useful oral option for otitis media, sinusitis, and uncomplicated UTI.
- Absorption is improved when taken with food — worth noting for patients reporting reduced effect on an empty stomach.
- Not reliably active against Pseudomonas or MRSA — narrower coverage than injectable third-generation agents like ceftriaxone or cefotaxime.
- For uncomplicated gonorrhoea, a single 200 mg dose is used — check current local/CDC guidance, since gonorrhoea treatment recommendations are updated periodically as resistance patterns change.
- Requires dose-interval adjustment in significant renal impairment.
Frequently asked questions
What is cefpodoxime proxetil?
Cefpodoxime proxetil is the oral prodrug form of cefpodoxime — proxetil esterification improves oral absorption, and it's converted to active cefpodoxime in the body after absorption. It's simply the form used in oral tablets and suspensions.
What generation cephalosporin is cefpodoxime?
Cefpodoxime is a third-generation cephalosporin, giving it broader Gram-negative coverage than first- and second-generation oral cephalosporins.
What is cefpodoxime used for?
Cefpodoxime is an oral third-generation cephalosporin commonly used for otitis media, sinusitis, uncomplicated urinary tract infections, some skin infections, and (as a single 200 mg dose) uncomplicated gonorrhoea.
What is cefpodoxime used for in a UTI?
It's used to treat uncomplicated urinary tract infections caused by susceptible Gram-negative organisms, dosed by weight in children (10 mg/kg/day, BD) or by the standard adult regimen — confirm local resistance patterns support its use for the specific UTI.
How long does it take for cefpodoxime to work, and how many days should it be taken?
Symptom improvement is often noticeable within 2–3 days, but the full prescribed course (commonly 5–10 days depending on the infection) should be completed even if symptoms resolve earlier, to reduce the risk of relapse or resistance.
Should cefpodoxime be taken with food?
Yes — taking it with food improves absorption, so it's generally recommended to give doses with a meal.
What are the side effects of cefpodoxime?
The most common are gastrointestinal — diarrhoea, nausea, and abdominal pain. Less common effects include rash and hypersensitivity reactions; as with any cephalosporin, cross-reactivity is possible in patients with a severe penicillin allergy.
Is cefpodoxime effective against MRSA or Pseudomonas?
No — cefpodoxime does not reliably cover methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) or Pseudomonas aeruginosa; a different agent is needed if either is suspected.
How does cefpodoxime compare to amoxicillin?
Cefpodoxime has broader Gram-negative coverage than amoxicillin and can be an alternative when a beta-lactamase-producing organism is suspected, though amoxicillin (or amoxicillin-clavulanate) remains first-line for most routine infections.
References
- American Academy of Pediatrics. Clinical Practice Guideline: Acute Otitis Media. Pediatrics. 2013.
- British National Formulary for Children (BNFc) — Cefpodoxime.
- American Academy of Pediatrics Red Book — Cephalosporins.