What is Cefixime?
Cefixime is a third-generation oral cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat a range of bacterial infections, with a particular role in sexual health for the management of gonorrhoea caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It is listed on the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines and has been included in European STI treatment guidelines.
Cefixime offers broad-spectrum bactericidal activity against gram-negative organisms and is valued for its oral bioavailability, making it accessible without requiring an injection. However, increasing antibiotic resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae has led guidelines to shift emphasis toward injectable ceftriaxone as the preferred first-line option.
How does Cefixime work?
Cefixime is a beta-lactam antibiotic that kills bacteria by inhibiting cell wall synthesis. It binds to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) on the bacterial surface, blocking the final stage of peptidoglycan cross-linking that gives bacterial cell walls their structural rigidity. Without an intact cell wall, bacteria lyse and die.
Compared to first- and second-generation cephalosporins, cefixime has enhanced stability against many beta-lactamase enzymes produced by gram-negative bacteria, giving it broader gram-negative coverage. Key properties include:
- Oral administration: Unlike many third-generation cephalosporins, cefixime is well absorbed orally (40–50% bioavailability)
- Gram-negative coverage: Strong activity against Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Haemophilus influenzae, and E. coli
- Renal excretion: Primarily eliminated unchanged by the kidneys
- Long half-life: Allows once-daily dosing in many indications
Who is Cefixime for?
Cefixime is indicated for the treatment of infections caused by susceptible bacteria. In a sexual health context, it is relevant for:
- Uncomplicated gonorrhoea: Urethral, cervical, and rectal gonorrhoea in adults when ceftriaxone is not available or appropriate, and local susceptibility data support use
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs): Caused by susceptible gram-negative organisms
- Upper respiratory tract infections: Though less relevant in sexual health contexts
Current gonorrhoea treatment guidance: European STI guidelines and the WHO recommend confirming antibiotic susceptibility before using oral agents for gonorrhoea, as multi-drug resistant strains are increasingly prevalent. Always follow the current guidance provided by the treating doctor.
Cefixime is not effective against:
- Viral infections (herpes, HPV, HIV)
- Fungal infections
- Chlamydia trachomatis (requires different antibiotic classes such as azithromycin or doxycycline)
Dosage
| Indication | Dose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Uncomplicated gonorrhoea | 400 mg single dose | Once |
| Uncomplicated UTI | 200 mg twice daily or 400 mg once daily | 7 days |
| Complicated UTI | 400 mg once daily | Up to 14 days |
Cefixime is available as tablets (200 mg, 400 mg) and oral suspension. It can be taken with or without food. If nausea is an issue, taking it with food may help.
Note for gonorrhoea treatment: Current European guidelines recommend that gonorrhoea treatment should ideally be confirmed with culture and sensitivity testing. Cefixime should only be used for gonorrhoea when local resistance patterns and test results support its use, and when followed by a test of cure.
Side effects
Common side effects (affecting 1 to 10 in 100 people)
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Loose stools
Less common side effects
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Flatulence
- Dyspepsia (indigestion)
Serious side effects (rare)
- Hypersensitivity reactions: From mild urticaria (hives) to anaphylaxis — seek emergency help immediately if this occurs
- Clostridioides difficile colitis: Severe, persistent diarrhoea possibly with blood — discontinue and seek medical attention
- Stevens-Johnson syndrome / toxic epidermal necrolysis: Rare serious skin reactions
- Haematological effects: Including neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and haemolytic anaemia with prolonged use
Cefixime vs other gonorrhoea treatments
| Treatment | Route | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ceftriaxone | IM injection | Preferred first-line per EU/WHO guidelines; high efficacy |
| Cefixime | Oral tablet | Second-line oral option; resistance increasing |
| Azithromycin (Zithromax) | Oral tablet | Formerly combined with cefixime; limited monotherapy role now |
| Spectinomycin | IM injection | Used when other agents are contraindicated |
Clinical context: The WHO and European STI guidelines currently recommend injectable ceftriaxone (500 mg or 1 g IM) as the preferred treatment for gonorrhoea due to the global spread of reduced susceptibility to cefixime. The use of oral cefixime for gonorrhoea should be guided by sensitivity testing and prescribed by a doctor with awareness of current local resistance patterns.
How to access Cefixime online in Europe
Cefixime is a prescription-only medicine (POM) in all EU member states. It cannot legally be dispensed without a valid prescription from a licensed medical professional.
Prescrivia operates as a technology intermediary: we do not prescribe medicines, employ doctors, or sell medicines. Our platform connects patients with independent EU-registered doctors who can conduct confidential online health assessments.
The process:
- Complete a health assessment: Provide details of your symptoms, sexual history, any prior STI testing, and medications or allergies.
- Doctor review: An independent EU-registered doctor reviews your assessment. If cefixime is clinically appropriate based on your circumstances, they may issue a prescription.
- Pharmacy fulfilment: The prescription is sent to a licensed EU pharmacy partner for dispensing and direct delivery.
Important: Prescrivia does not guarantee that a prescription will be issued. For gonorrhoea, testing and culture are strongly recommended. All prescribing decisions are made independently by qualified medical professionals.
Important safety information
Tell your doctor before taking Cefixime if you:
- Have a known allergy to cephalosporins or penicillins
- Have kidney disease (dose reduction may be required)
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have a history of gastrointestinal disease, especially colitis
- Are taking any other medicines, including anticoagulants (cefixime may interact with warfarin)
Test of cure: After treatment for gonorrhoea, a test of cure (repeat testing 1–2 weeks after treatment) is strongly recommended to confirm successful eradication of the infection, as per European STI guidelines.
Partner notification: If diagnosed with gonorrhoea or another STI, sexual partners should be informed and offered testing and treatment. This is an important step in preventing reinfection and reducing transmission.
Sources
Medical information on this page is based on the following sources:
- World Health Organization (WHO). WHO Guidelines for the Treatment of Neisseria gonorrhoeae. 2016. who.int
- European STI Guidelines Editorial Board. 2021 European guideline on the diagnosis and treatment of gonorrhoea in adults. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology.
- World Health Organization (WHO). WHO Model List of Essential Medicines. 22nd edition, 2021.
- European Medicines Agency (EMA). Cefixime — Summary of Product Characteristics. Available at: ema.europa.eu
This content is reviewed periodically to reflect updated clinical guidance. It is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for advice relevant to your individual health circumstances.
Frequently asked questions
- What is Cefixime used for in sexual health?
- Cefixime is a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic primarily used in sexual health for the treatment of uncomplicated gonorrhoea (Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection). European and WHO guidelines have historically included cefixime as a component of gonorrhoea treatment regimens, though current guidance increasingly favours ceftriaxone (injectable) due to growing oral cefixime resistance.
- Is Cefixime still recommended for gonorrhoea in Europe?
- European guidelines from the European STI Guidelines Editorial Board recommend injectable ceftriaxone as the preferred first-line treatment for gonorrhoea. Oral cefixime may still be used in specific clinical scenarios when ceftriaxone is not available or is contraindicated, based on local susceptibility testing. Your doctor will advise on the most appropriate treatment.
- How is Cefixime taken?
- For uncomplicated gonorrhoea, cefixime is typically given as a single oral dose of 400 mg. For other indications such as urinary tract infections, it may be prescribed as 200–400 mg once daily or 100–200 mg twice daily for 7 to 14 days, depending on the infection and doctor's assessment.
- Can I be allergic to Cefixime?
- Yes. Cefixime is a cephalosporin antibiotic, and cephalosporin allergy is possible. There is also a small degree of cross-reactivity with penicillin allergy (approximately 1–2%). If you have a known penicillin or cephalosporin allergy, inform your doctor before starting treatment.
- Can I get Cefixime online in Europe?
- Cefixime is a prescription-only medicine in all EU member states. You can access it through online intermediary platforms that connect you with independent EU-registered doctors who can conduct a confidential health assessment and, if appropriate, issue a prescription.
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Intermediary notice: Prescrivia connects patients with independent EU-registered doctors and licensed pharmacies. We do not provide medical advice, employ doctors, or sell medicines directly. All medical decisions are made by independent healthcare professionals.