Cefpodoxime


Cefpodoxime is an oral, third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic available in various generic preparations. It is active against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms with notable exceptions including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococcus, and Bacteroides fragilis. It is typically used to treat acute otitis media, pharyngitis, sinusitis, and gonorrhea. It also finds use as oral continuation therapy when intravenous cephalosporins are no longer necessary for continued treatment.
Cefpodoxime inhibits peptidoglycan synthesis in bacterial cell walls. It has an oral bioavailability of approximately 50%, which is increased when taken with food. It has an elimination half-life of 2-3 hours in adults, which is prolonged in renal failure. Approved indications include community acquired pneumonia, uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections, and uncomplicated urinary tract infections.
It was patented in 1980 and approved for medical use in 1989.

Spectrum of bacterial susceptibility and resistance

Cefpodoxime has been used to treat gonorrhoea, tonsillitis, pneumonia, and bronchitis. The following minimum inhibitory concentrations have been reported:Haemophilus influenzae: ≤0.03 – 1 μg/mlNeisseria gonorrhoeae: 0.004 – 0.06 μg/mlStreptococcus pyogenes: ≤0.004 – 2 μg/ml

Brand names

markets cefpodoxime proxetil under the trade name Simplicef for veterinary use, and Finecure in India markets the drug as Cefpo.