AntiInfectiveMeds
Since 2010
| Quantity | Price per tablet | You save | Total price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 | A$4.81 | - | A$144.40 | |
| 60 | A$3.98 | A$50.16 | A$238.64 | |
| 90 | A$3.70 | A$100.32 | A$332.88 | |
| 120 | A$3.57 | A$148.96 | A$428.64 | |
| 180 | A$3.43 | A$249.28 | A$617.12 | |
| 270 | A$3.34 | A$398.24 | A$901.36 |
| Quantity | Price per tablet | You save | Total price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 | A$5.07 | - | A$152.00 | |
| 60 | A$4.21 | A$51.68 | A$252.32 | |
| 90 | A$3.94 | A$101.84 | A$354.16 | |
| 120 | A$3.79 | A$153.52 | A$454.48 | |
| 180 | A$3.64 | A$256.88 | A$655.12 | |
| 270 | A$3.54 | A$411.92 | A$956.08 |
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$456.00 | Estimated delivery to Australia: 4-7 days |
| Standard Free for orders over A$304.00 | Estimated delivery to Australia: 14-21 days |
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 of cefpodoxime proxetil is expressed in terms of cefpodoxime.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Children aged 12 years or older may receive the usual adult dosage of cefpodoxime.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Cefpodoxime proxetil is a prodrug and is inactive until it is hydrolysed in vivo to cefpodoxime.
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.
The apparent volume of distribution of cefpodoxime ranges from 0.7-1.0 L/kg in healthy adults with normal renal function.
In adults with normal renal function, the plasma half-life of cefpodoxime ranges from 2.1-2.9 hours.
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.
My cefpodoxime parcel arrived in Perth after a very hot day and the box felt warm. What should I check before I start the tablets?
Check that the package is intact, the tablets are dry and undamaged, and the label can be read. These tablets should be stored at 20°C to 25°C, with permitted excursions from 15°C to 30°C.
I am in Townsville. Can I enter my postcode before paying to see whether cefpodoxime can be delivered to my address?
Use your complete delivery address and postcode at checkout. We will display the delivery options available for that destination before you complete the order.
I live in Mount Isa rather than near a major city. How can I check if you can deliver cefpodoxime to my area?
Use your Mount Isa postcode and address at checkout to check delivery eligibility for your location. Remote-area availability and delivery arrangements may vary, so checkout is the appropriate place to confirm your address.
I share a mailbox with other people. Will the outside of my cefpodoxime parcel show what medicine I ordered?
No. Orders are sent in discreet packaging with no sensitive content or product details visible on the outside.
I have diabetes and sometimes use urine glucose testing. Can cefpodoxime affect the result?
Cefpodoxime does not raise or lower blood glucose, but it can cause a false-positive result with urine glucose tests that use copper-reduction methods. Enzyme-based urine tests are not affected, so ask your pharmacist or diabetes clinician if you are unsure which test you use.
| Active ingredient | Cefpodoxime |
|---|---|
| Drug class | Third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic |
| Dosage form | Film-coated tablet |
| Available strengths | 100 mg, 200 mg |
| Route | Oral |
| Storage | Store at 20°C to 25°C; excursions permitted to 15°C to 30°C. |
| ATC code | J01DD13 |
This product has 12 ratings, but only 4 written reviews so far. Share your experience and help other customers.
Pretty handy order.
I selected the 200 mg Vantin option, and that's what arrived.
I'm very happy with it.
Sent out quickly.
