Vantin (Cefpodoxime)
Dosages
Vantin 100 mg
| Quantity | Price per tablet | Total price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 | A$3.51 | A$105.45 | |
| 60 | A$2.91 | A$174.44 | |
| 90 | A$2.70 | A$243.44 | |
| 120 | A$2.61 | A$313.73 | |
| 180 | A$2.51 | A$451.72 | |
| 270 | A$2.44 | A$660.01 |
Vantin 200 mg
| Quantity | Price per tablet | Total price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 | A$5.34 | A$160.12 | |
| 60 | A$4.43 | A$265.57 | |
| 90 | A$4.12 | A$371.01 | |
| 120 | A$3.97 | A$476.46 | |
| 180 | A$3.83 | A$688.65 | |
| 270 | A$3.72 | A$1,003.69 |
Payment & Delivery
Your order is carefully packed and ships within 24 hours. Here is what a typical package looks like.
Sized like a regular personal letter (approximately 24x11x0.7 cm), with no indication of what is inside.
| Delivery Method | Estimated delivery |
|---|---|
| Express Free for orders over A$390.54 | Estimated delivery to Australia: 4-7 days |
| Standard Free for orders over A$260.36 | Estimated delivery to Australia: 14-21 days |
Discount Coupons
- Australia Day - 26 January 2026 10% AUSDAY10
- ANZAC Day - 25 April 2026 8% ANZAC8
- Boxing Day - 26 December 2026 12% BOXING12
Brand Names
| Country | Brand Names |
|---|---|
 Australia | Orelox |
 Brazil | Orelox |
 Czechia | Orelox |
 Denmark | Orelox |
 France | Cefodox Orelox |
 Germany | Orelox Podomexef |
 Greece | Cefodox Orelox |
 Italy | Cefodox Orelox Otreon |
 Japan | Banan |
 Mexico | Orelox |
 Netherlands | Orelox Otreon |
 Portugal | Orelox |
 Spain | Garia Instana Kelbium Orelox Otreon |
 Sweden | Orelox |
| Manufacturer | Brand Names |
|---|---|
| Cipla Limited | Cefoprox Cepocef Cepodem |
| Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd. | Cefoprox Cepocef Cepodem |
| Ranbaxy Laboratories Ltd. | Cefoprox Cepocef Cepodem |
Description
Cefpodoxime Proxetil
Cefpodoxime proxetil (Vantin, Orelox, Banan) is a broad-spectrum, third-generation oral cephalosporin.
Cefpodoxime proxetil is an esterified prodrug of cefpodoxime developed for oral use. It remains stable in the presence of many β-lactamase enzymes, which broadens its activity against several gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria that are resistant to penicillins and some other cephalosporins. However, some extended-spectrum β-lactamase enzymes can inactivate cephalosporins. Clinical studies have shown cefpodoxime to be active against S. pneumoniae, S. aureus, H. influenzae, E. coli, K. pneumoniae, and M. catarrhalis, but not active against enterococci or Pseudomonas species.
In a comparative trial involving more than 200 patients with community-acquired pneumonia, cefpodoxime proxetil 200 mg twice daily for 5 to 10 days was compared with amoxicillin 500 mg three times daily. The study found that the two antibiotics had comparable clinical and bacteriological efficacy.
Comparison: Cefpodoxime vs Amoxicillin vs Cefdinir
This quick table highlights practical differences between commonly used oral options. The exact choice and dose depend on the diagnosis, Australian local resistance patterns, and patient factors (such as allergies and kidney function).
| Feature | Cefpodoxime proxetil | Amoxicillin | Cefdinir |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drug class | Oral third-generation cephalosporin (prodrug) | Aminopenicillin (penicillin class) | Oral third-generation cephalosporin |
| Typical approved uses (examples) | CAP, acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis, sinusitis, otitis media, pharyngitis/tonsillitis, uncomplicated cystitis, skin infections; also includes some uncomplicated gonorrhoea indications | Commonly used for susceptible ENT and respiratory infections, skin infections, and some UTIs; also used in H. pylori regimens with other medicines | CAP, sinusitis, AECB, pharyngitis/tonsillitis, otitis media, uncomplicated skin infections |
| Beta-lactamase considerations | More stable than many penicillins against some β-lactamase producers, but ESBLs can inactivate many cephalosporins | Not reliably active against β-lactamase-producing organisms unless combined with a β-lactamase inhibitor (for example, clavulanate) | More stable than many penicillins against some β-lactamase producers, but ESBLs can inactivate many cephalosporins |
| Food / administration | Tablets: take with food to improve absorption; suspension: can be taken with or without food | Can be taken with or without food | Food can slow the rate of absorption, but the overall amount absorbed is not meaningfully affected |
| Notable interactions | Antacids and H2 blockers can reduce absorption of some cephalosporins; ask a clinician or pharmacist about spacing doses if needed | Few major food interactions; discuss interactions and allergy history with your clinician | Iron supplements (and some iron-fortified products) can reduce absorption; separate doses. Reddish stools may happen when taken with iron |
| Common side effects (class-typical) | Diarrhoea, nausea, abdominal pain; risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea including C. difficile | GI upset/diarrhoea; rash (especially with some viral illnesses); risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea including C. difficile | Diarrhoea, nausea; risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea including C. difficile; reddish stools with iron (harmless but can be alarming) |
| Penicillin allergy considerations | Cephalosporins can cross-react in some people with penicillin allergy; avoid if there is a history of immediate anaphylaxis to penicillins unless a clinician decides the benefits outweigh the risks | Contraindicated in patients with serious hypersensitivity to penicillins | Same class caution as other cephalosporins regarding cross-reactivity |
| Quick dosing examples (adults) | Varies by indication; commonly taken every 12 hours for many RTIs (see dosage section below) | Varies widely by infection; some outpatient CAP regimens may use higher-dose schedules depending on guidelines | Common adult regimens include 300 mg every 12 hours or 600 mg once daily depending on the indication |
Notes: Dosing and indications vary by product information and the type of infection. For community-acquired pneumonia, follow current Australian Therapeutic Guidelines and local antimicrobial susceptibility patterns.
In clinical trials of cefpodoxime, 7.0% of treated patients had diarrhoea, 3.3% reported nausea, 1.0% reported vaginal fungal infections, and 1.2% had abdominal pain. The frequency of side effects is similar to that seen with other oral cephalosporins.
Uses
Cefpodoxime proxetil is taken by mouth to treat mild to moderate infections caused by susceptible bacteria. Australian approved indications may include acute otitis media; pharyngitis and/or tonsillitis; community-acquired pneumonia; acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic bronchitis; uncomplicated gonococcal infection; uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections; acute maxillary sinusitis; and uncomplicated urinary tract infections (cystitis), depending on the product information.
Community-acquired Pneumonia
Oral cefpodoxime proxetil is used to treat mild to moderate community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) caused by susceptible strains of S. pneumoniae or H. influenzae (including β-lactamase-producing strains).
CAP treatment should follow current Australian Therapeutic Guidelines and local susceptibility patterns. For many outpatients with comorbidities, options may include a beta-lactam such as cefpodoxime plus a macrolide or doxycycline, although other regimens may be more appropriate depending on risk factors and severity.
Uncomplicated Gonorrhea
Oral cefpodoxime proxetil has been studied as a single-dose regimen for acute uncomplicated urethral gonorrhoea in men and uncomplicated urethral or endocervical gonorrhoea in women caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae (including penicillinase-producing strains). The drug has also been effective for anorectal gonococcal infections in women, but its efficacy for anorectal infections in men has not been established. Available data do not support its use for pharyngeal gonococcal infections in men or women.
Note: Current Australian guidance generally recommends intramuscular ceftriaxone as first-line treatment for uncomplicated gonorrhoea (with chlamydia cover if not excluded); cefpodoxime is generally not recommended for this purpose in Australia.
Dosage and Administration
Reconstitution and Administration
Cefpodoxime proxetil is taken by mouth. To improve GI absorption, cefpodoxime proxetil tablets should be taken with food; however, cefpodoxime proxetil oral suspension can be taken with or without meals.
Cefpodoxime proxetil powder for oral suspension should be reconstituted at the time of dispensing by adding the amount of distilled water specified on the container to make a suspension containing 50 or 100 mg of cefpodoxime per 5 mL. The water should be added in 2 approximately equal portions, and the bottle should be shaken well after each addition.
Dosage
Dosage of cefpodoxime proxetil is expressed in terms of cefpodoxime.
Adult Dosage
Respiratory Tract Infections
For adults and adolescents aged 12 years or older, the usual dosage of cefpodoxime for mild to moderate acute maxillary sinusitis, mild to moderate acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis, or mild to moderate community-acquired pneumonia is 200 mg every 12 hours for 10, 10, or 14 days, respectively.
Pharyngitis and Tonsillitis
The usual dosage of cefpodoxime for pharyngitis and tonsillitis caused by Streptococcus pyogenes in adults and adolescents aged 12 years or older is 100 mg every 12 hours for 5-10 days.
Uncomplicated Gonorrhea
If cefpodoxime is used to treat uncomplicated urethral gonorrhoea in men or uncomplicated urethral, endocervical, or anorectal gonorrhoea in women, adults and adolescents aged 12 years and older should receive a single 200 mg dose together with an anti-infective regimen that is effective for the presumptive treatment of chlamydial infections.
Skin and Skin Structure Infections
For mild to moderate uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections in adults and adolescents aged 12 years or older, the usual dosage of cefpodoxime is 400 mg every 12 hours for 7-14 days.
Urinary Tract Infections
For mild to moderate uncomplicated urinary tract infections in adults and adolescents aged 12 years or older, the usual dosage of cefpodoxime is 100 mg every 12 hours for 7 days.
Pediatric Dosage
Children aged 12 years or older may receive the usual adult dosage of cefpodoxime.
Acute Otitis Media
For the treatment of acute otitis media in children aged 2 months to 12 years, the usual dosage of cefpodoxime is 5 mg/kg every 12 hours (up to 200 mg) for 5 days.
Pharyngitis and Tonsillitis
For mild to moderate pharyngitis and tonsillitis caused by S. pyogenes in children aged 2 months to 12 years, the usual dosage of cefpodoxime is 5 mg/kg every 12 hours (up to 100 mg) for 5-10 days.
Acute Sinusitis
For the treatment of mild to moderate acute maxillary sinusitis in children aged 2 months to 12 years, the usual dosage of cefpodoxime is 5 mg/kg every 12 hours (up to 200 mg) for 10 days.
Dosage in Renal and Hepatic Impairment
Patients with creatinine clearances of 30 mL/minute or greater may receive the usual dosage of cefpodoxime. Patients with creatinine clearances less than 30 mL/minute should receive the usual dose of cefpodoxime every 24 hours. Patients maintained on haemodialysis should receive the usual dose 3 times weekly following dialysis. Modification of the usual dosage of cefpodoxime is not necessary in patients with hepatic impairment.
Cautions
Adverse Effects
Side effects reported with cefpodoxime proxetil are similar to those reported with other oral cephalosporins. Cefpodoxime proxetil is generally well tolerated.
GI effects, including diarrhoea, loose stools, nausea, and vomiting, are the most frequently reported side effects with cefpodoxime. These GI side effects may be dose related.
Precautions and Contraindications
Cefpodoxime proxetil is contraindicated in patients who are hypersensitive to the drug or to other cephalosporins. Before starting treatment, careful enquiry should be made about previous hypersensitivity reactions to cephalosporins, penicillins, or other drugs. Cephalosporins should generally be avoided in patients with immediate-type (anaphylactic) hypersensitivity to penicillins.
Pregnancy, Fertility and Lactation
Reproduction studies in rats or rabbits using cefpodoxime dosages up to 100 mg/kg/day or 30 mg/kg/day, respectively, have not shown evidence of teratogenicity or harm to the fetus. However, there are no adequate and well-controlled studies of cefpodoxime proxetil in pregnant women, and the drug should be used during pregnancy only when clearly needed.
Cefpodoxime is excreted into human milk in low concentrations. Because of the potential for serious side effects in nursing infants, a decision should be made whether to discontinue breastfeeding or discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.
Pharmacokinetics
Cefpodoxime proxetil is a prodrug and is inactive until it is hydrolysed in vivo to cefpodoxime.
Absorption
Following oral administration of a single 100 mg dose of cefpodoxime in fasting adults, approximately 50% of the dose is absorbed from the GI tract. Food affects the bioavailability of cefpodoxime proxetil film-coated tablets, but does not appear to affect the bioavailability of cefpodoxime proxetil oral suspension.
Distribution
The apparent volume of distribution of cefpodoxime ranges from 0.7-1.0 L/kg in healthy adults with normal renal function.
Elimination
In adults with normal renal function, the plasma half-life of cefpodoxime ranges from 2.1-2.9 hours.
Chemistry and Stability
Stability
Cefpodoxime proxetil tablets and powder for oral suspension should be stored at controlled room temperature 20-25°C (68-77°F). After reconstitution, cefpodoxime proxetil oral suspension should be stored in the refrigerator at 2-8°C (36-46°F) in a tightly closed container and may be used for 14 days; discard any unused suspension after 14 days.
