Drug Guide

Generic Name

Cefpodoxime Proxetil

Brand Names Vantin, Banan

Classification

Therapeutic: Antibiotic, Cephalosporin third generation

Pharmacological: Beta-lactam antibiotic, Cephalosporin

FDA Approved Indications

  • Bacterial infections of the respiratory tract, urinary tract, skin, and soft tissues

Mechanism of Action

Cefpodoxime Proxetil inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins, leading to cell lysis and death.

Dosage and Administration

Adult: Usually 200 mg every 12 hours or 100 mg every 12 hours for urinary tract infections, adjusted based on severity and site of infection.

Pediatric: Based on weight; typical dose is 8 mg/kg/day divided every 12 hours.

Geriatric: Dosage adjustments based on renal function.

Renal Impairment: Adjust dosage for significant renal impairment; monitor renal function.

Hepatic Impairment: No specific adjustment needed.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Well absorbed orally, with about 50% bioavailability.

Distribution: Widely distributed in body tissues and fluids.

Metabolism: Not extensively metabolized.

Excretion: Primarily excreted unchanged in urine.

Half Life: Approximately 2-4 hours.

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity to cefpodoxime or other cephalosporins.

Precautions

  • Use with caution in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to penicillins due to potential cross-reactivity.
  • Monitor for signs of allergic reactions.

Adverse Reactions - Common

  • Diarrhea (Common)
  • Nausea (Common)
  • Rash (Common)

Adverse Reactions - Serious

  • Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea (Serious)
  • Anaphylaxis (Serious)
  • Hematologic reactions (e.g., eosinophilia, hemolytic anemia) (Serious)

Drug-Drug Interactions

  • Probenecid (can increase cefpodoxime levels)
  • Antacids (may decrease absorption)

Drug-Food Interactions

N/A

Drug-Herb Interactions

N/A

Nursing Implications

Assessment: Monitor for allergic reactions, renal function, and response to therapy.

Diagnoses:

  • Risk for allergy reaction
  • Impaired renal function

Implementation: Administer with food to enhance absorption; educate patient on adherence and potential side effects.

Evaluation: Assess resolution of infection symptoms, monitor for adverse reactions.

Patient/Family Teaching

  • Take medication exactly as prescribed.
  • Report any signs of allergic reactions or severe gastrointestinal symptoms.
  • Complete the full course of treatment.
  • Avoid alcohol and certain foods that may interfere with absorption.

Special Considerations

Black Box Warnings: N/A

Genetic Factors: None specific.

Lab Test Interference: May cause false positive results for urine glucose tests with some methods.

Overdose Management

Signs/Symptoms: Severe diarrhea, nausea, vomiting.

Treatment: Supportive care, possible use of activated charcoal if ingestion was recent, dialysis in severe cases.

Storage and Handling

Storage: Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

Stability: Stable for several years when stored properly.

This guide is for educational purposes only and is not intended for clinical use.