OVERVIEW OF THE CLINICAL-FEATURES OF CEFIXIME

Third-generation cephalosporins in oral formulations have become an in creasingly important first-line choice against common bacterial infect ions. Cefixime is one such agent, which possesses excellent efficacy a gainst a broad spectrum of pathogens, including Haemophilus influenzae , Streptococcus pneumoniae and Moraxella catarrhalis. Clinical success rates are similar to cefaclor, clarithromycin, and other cephalospori ns. Importantly, cefixime also possesses excellent activity against be ta-lactamase-producing strains. The pharmacodynamic features of the dr ug include a half-life of 3-4 h and a C-max of 4.4 mu g/ml, well above the MIC90 for susceptible pathogens, permitting once-daily dosing. In this brief overview, the bacteriological and clinical efficacy of cef ixime is discussed, as well as its indications.