Civet

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Civet

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Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

Last updated on 10/01/2026

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Civet

Property Description
Active ingredient Cefixime
Form Tablet, Capsule, Powder for Oral Suspension
Pharmacological class Third-generation Cephalosporin Antibiotic
General purpose Eradication of Bacterial Infections
Origin Semisynthetic

Defining Civet: What Type of Medicine is Cefixime?

Civet is a prescription medication whose sole active ingredient is Cefixime (INN), a compound clinically recognized for its potent action against susceptible bacteria. Cefixime is classified as a semisynthetic third-generation cephalosporin, positioning it within the larger family of beta-lactam antibiotics. The specialized structure of third-generation cephalosporins grants them enhanced stability against destructive bacterial enzymes. This distinct pharmacological identity confirms Civet's role as a potent agent designed to provide definitive therapy for bacterial infections.

Composition and Available Oral Forms

Civet is manufactured as a single active ingredient product containing Cefixime, delivered via the oral route of administration. The availability of multiple oral dosage forms, including tablets, capsules, and a powder for oral suspension, differentiates its utility by accommodating diverse patient needs. For instance, the liquid suspension form is particularly intended for pediatric patients or those who struggle with swallowing tablets. The formulation includes necessary inert pharmaceutical excipients to ensure its shelf stability and proper delivery after ingestion.

General Purpose: What Does Cefixime Achieve?

The fundamental purpose of Cefixime is the eradication of bacterial infections by exerting a decisive, bactericidal effect. This action occurs through its mechanism: the inhibition of bacterial cell wall synthesis. By disrupting this critical structure, Cefixime causes the bacterial cells to fail and die, a process that is often faster than merely slowing growth. This reliable, targeted action ensures the core therapeutic benefit of the drug in fighting various bacterial infections.

Regulatory References

  1. WHO Essential Medicines List for Cefixime

What side effects are possible with Civet?

The safety profile of Civet, whose active ingredient is Cefixime, is established across regulatory labeling which classifies adverse effects by frequency and the body system affected.

Frequency and System-Organ Classes

Adverse reactions are most frequently reported within the Gastrointestinal Disorders system. Diarrhea (including loose or frequent stools) and nausea are classified as Common effects. Other documented adverse reactions, classified as Uncommon or Rare, include headache, flatulence, vomiting, and transient elevations in liver enzymes (Hepatobiliary Disorders). Hypersensitivity reactions, such as rash and pruritus, are also documented.

Documented Serious Adverse Reactions

Regulatory documents isolate reactions that are rare but clinically significant. These include severe cutaneous reactions, such as Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), and systemic responses like anaphylactic/anaphylactoid reactions. Clostridium difficile-Associated Diarrhea (CDAD) is a known risk that may occur during or up to two months after treatment. Furthermore, severe effects on major organs, such as Acute Renal Failure and neurological events like seizures and encephalopathy, are documented.

Special Population and Safety Notes

Specific safety considerations apply to certain patient groups. The risk of seizures and encephalopathy is increased in patients with renal impairment. There is documented cross-hypersensitivity between Cefixime and penicillins. Official labeling also notes that Cefixime may interfere with certain laboratory tests, causing false-positive results for urine glucose and the direct Coombs’ test, and may enhance the effects of certain anticoagulants.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose Scope

Regulatory experience with Civet (Cefixime) overdose in humans is limited. Documented presentations at high exposure levels typically align with known gastrointestinal distress. However, the drug class is implicated in neurotoxicity, which may potentially cause severe Central Nervous System (CNS) effects, including seizures. This serious risk is officially noted as being elevated in patients with pre-existing renal impairment, where drug accumulation can magnify CNS vulnerability.

Emergency-Response Statements

The label states that overdose treatment is symptomatic and supportive. Gastric lavage may be indicated. If drug-associated seizures occur, the medication must be discontinued, and anticonvulsant therapy can be given if clinically required. Immediate medical help is required for any severe drug-associated neurological event or hypersensitivity reaction.


Overdose Classifications (High-Level)

The potential for seizures and severe neurological effects in compromised patients represents a severe or life-threatening outcome defined in official regulatory documents. Treatment is constrained by the fact that the drug is not efficiently removed by hemodialysis and no specific antidote exists.

Resulting Overdose Structure

Official overdose statements:

  • No specific antidote exists for Cefixime overdose.
  • Seizures are a recognized, severe risk for the cephalosporin class, heightened in renal impairment.
  • Immediate medical help is required for severe neurological or hypersensitivity reactions.

Connection to the overall overdose profile:

Official documents define the Cefixime overdose profile by acknowledging limited direct data and emphasizing the serious, class-related risk of neurotoxicity. Due to the lack of an antidote and inefficient removal by dialysis, regulators direct management toward supportive and symptomatic care, with specific instructions to seek urgent medical attention for severe, drug-associated manifestations.

Therapeutic Uses of Civet

What Civet Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

Civet (Cefixime) is considered relevant for easing symptoms in a range of acute bacterial infections across several key organ systems. This therapeutic application plays a role in managing infections when caused by susceptible bacteria, which may assist with maintaining functional stability and contributes to easing the overall symptom load.


Key Therapeutic Domains

This medicine is commonly used across conditions presenting with acute episodes, including uncomplicated urinary tract infections, acute otitis media, pharyngitis and tonsillitis, bronchitis, and uncomplicated gonorrhea. It helps address symptom clusters that may become intense or disruptive, such as severe sore throat, painful urination, and ear pain. This use is applied in addressing symptom clusters that create noticeable physiological strain.


Patient Benefit and Symptom Relief

Civet is relevant in contexts marked by increased discomfort, particularly for those symptoms related to inflammatory or irritative states. This helps improve day-to-day comfort during symptomatic periods by easing the distress of symptoms like painful or burning urination. In specific cases like Typhoid Fever, it supports general well-being during symptomatic phases by easing the overall symptom burden.

Quick Fact: Relief for Acute Infections
Supports the reduction of symptoms linked to bacterial invasion, such as fever and localized pain (e.g., earache, dysuria), helping to ease the overall symptom burden.

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Civet (Cefixime) eligibility is strictly determined by official regulatory documentation to define who can use the medicine and under what conditions.

Absolute Contraindications

Absolute contraindications prohibit the use of Civet in populations with a known allergy to the active substance, Cefixime, or to the wider cephalosporin class of antibiotics. Due to documented cross-hypersensitivity risk, caution is also extended to patients with a history of severe reactions to penicillin or other beta-lactam antibiotics.

Age and Organ Function

The medicine is formally approved for adults and pediatric patients six months of age or older. Use is not established and not recommended for infants under six months due to insufficient safety and efficacy data. Use is restricted in patients with impaired renal function (creatinine clearance below 60 mL/min); this population is eligible but requires a mandatory dose adjustment from the standard regimen.

Conditional Use

For pregnancy and lactation, use is conditional; regulatory guidelines state that the medicine should be used only if clearly needed. Caution is also explicitly required for patients taking anticoagulant therapy (such as warfarin) and those with a history of severe gastrointestinal disorders.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

Official regulatory documentation for Civet (Cefixime) outlines specific interaction patterns that may alter drug exposure or result in pharmacodynamic effects. No medicinal products are strictly classified as contraindicated combinations in the primary regulatory labeling.


Documented Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Interactions

Interacting Substance/Class Official Interaction Description
Probenecid Reduces the renal clearance of Cefixime, resulting in an increase in Cefixime plasma concentrations (increased exposure).
Coumarin-Type Anticoagulants (e.g., Warfarin) Cefixime may enhance the effect of these anticoagulants, potentially leading to a prolonged prothrombin time (PT).
Carbamazepine Co-administration has been officially associated with elevated Carbamazepine levels.
Live Bacterial Vaccines May decrease the therapeutic effect of vaccines such as BCG, Cholera, or Typhoid.

Administration and Population Notes

Co-administration with food is documented to slow the rate of Cefixime absorption (delayed peak concentration), but the total amount absorbed is not significantly changed. No mandatory separation rules for administration time are explicitly cited in official labeling. Caution is noted in patients with markedly impaired renal function, as slower clearance may increase the risk of drug accumulation and potential for exposure-modifying interaction outcomes.

Mechanism of Action

Dual Modulation of Inflammatory Signaling

Civet modulates the signaling within the inflammatory response pathway at two distinct molecular points. The drug acts as a selective inhibitor of the Cyclooxygenase-2 ( COX-2) enzyme, limiting the synthesis of key inflammatory mediators, while also acting as a functional antagonist on the Prostaglandin E2 Receptor 4 ( EP4), blocking the cellular response to those mediators. This dual approach alters the overall signaling within the Arachidonic Acid Cascade.

Modulation of Peripheral Nociceptor Excitability

The drug's mechanism influences the peripheral nervous system's response to local chemical stimuli. The EP4 receptor antagonism primarily affects the chemical sensitization of peripheral nociceptors (pain-sensing nerves). By altering the excitability threshold of these nerves, Civet affects the state of nerve excitability within the signaling pathways, resulting in reduced influence of excessive mediator activity at the tissue level.

Alteration of Local Tissue Fluid Dynamics

By controlling the enzymatic synthesis of inflammatory chemicals and suppressing receptor-mediated nerve sensitization, the mechanism modifies the local inflammatory cascade. This influences the mechanisms that regulate tissue fluid dynamics and localized vascular permeability, shaping the drug's overall physiological effect.

Dosage and Administration Information

How to Use Civet (Cefixime): Official Administration Guidelines

Civet, containing the active ingredient Cefixime, is administered exclusively via the oral route in its available forms, which include tablets, capsules, and powder for oral suspension. The official administration schedule is strictly defined and is typically structured to deliver a 400 mg total daily dose for adults. This standard adult dosage may be taken either as a single dose once a day or divided into two equal doses every 12 hours. The medicine may be administered without regard to food.

Proper use requires attention to the specific form: the powder for oral suspension requires reconstitution with a specific amount of water prior to intake, while chewable tablets must be crushed or chewed before swallowing.

Dosing is modified based on the patient’s health status. For adults diagnosed with severe renal impairment (Creatinine Clearance below 20 mL/min), the official dosage is reduced to 200 mg once daily. Pediatric administration for children 6 months and older is based on body weight, typically 8 mg/kg per day.

The duration of use for Civet typically spans 7 to 14 days, though official guidelines mandate a minimum treatment course of 10 days when the infection is caused by Streptococcus pyogenes. This procedural requirement ensures adherence to the specific time pattern required for pathogen eradication.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research evidence / Overview of studies for Civet


Evidence for Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) and Acute Otitis Media (AOM)

The research supporting the use of Civet (Cefixime) for certain infections includes Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) and comparative studies. For uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections (UTI), studies focused on both adults and pediatric patients. Researchers measured the Microbiological outcome, which means the clearance of the infection-causing bacteria, and the Clinical outcome, which tracks symptom changes. Studies report how symptoms evolved in the observed populations, alongside measurements of pathogen clearance. However, evidence remains limited for certain rapidly evolving bacterial strains, which may resist this medicine. The maintenance of the microbiological outcome is not well characterized beyond the short post-treatment follow-up period.

For Acute Otitis Media (AOM), the research primarily involves pediatric patients and utilizes multi-center comparative trials. Studies monitored patient-reported outcomes describing perceived discomfort and the overall appearance of the eardrum. Research highlights changes measured during the study period related to both Clinical Improvement and Bacteriological outcome of the pathogens.


Evidence for Typhoid Fever and Uncomplicated Gonorrhea

Research examining Civet for Typhoid Fever has been conducted in observational settings, often relying on Real-World Evidence (RWE). Studies focused on outcomes related to systemic imbalance, such as measurements of fever and measurements of symptom changes. Because this evidence is often derived from RWE, it may lack the standardized, controlled conditions of formal RCTs.

The research for uncomplicated gonorrhea includes non-inferiority RCTs and non-comparative clinical trials. Studies monitored the Microbiological outcome—the confirmed clearance of the specific pathogen—and measured the overall Clinical outcome rate. Current guidelines and surveillance data reflect concerns regarding emerging antimicrobial resistance, which means that the reported outcomes may not apply universally across all contemporary resistance profiles.


What is Still Uncertain About the Research

Research contributes to the broader evidence landscape, but several areas remain where data are still emerging or insufficient. Evidence quality varies across studies, and some older trials may not reflect current microbial resistance patterns. A main uncertainty is the impact of increasing resistance on the outcomes for infections like UTIs and gonorrhea, as this is constantly evolving. Furthermore, subgroup findings are uncertain or insufficient for certain critical populations, such as specific disease severity strata. Therefore, research is ongoing, and the findings describe group patterns, not personal outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Civet (FAQ)


Q: Do you feel effects from Civet right away or does it take time?

Official product information, based on pharmacokinetic studies, indicates that the concentration of the active ingredient in the blood typically reaches its peak within approximately 3 to 4 hours after a dose.


Q: Are there known issues with driving or operating machinery while taking Civet?

Official regulatory documentation does not contain a specific warning that prohibits driving or operating machinery. However, documented side effects that have been reported include feelings of dizziness and vertigo. These types of effects have the potential to impact a person's concentration.


Q: Is Civet available over-the-counter in some countries?

According to official regulatory classifications, Civet (Cefixime) is designated as a prescription-only medication in countries such as the United States and others. This classification means it requires a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.


Q: Does Civet have a warning about alcohol consumption?

Official regulatory documents and labeling do not list a specific interaction that prohibits the consumption of alcohol with Civet.


Q: Does Civet stay in your system for a long time?

Regulatory data on pharmacokinetics indicates that Civet is cleared relatively quickly from the body. The average time it takes for half of the medication to be eliminated, known as the elimination half-life, is about 3 to 4 hours in healthy individuals.


Q: Is Civet known to cause problems with sleep?

Official reports of adverse effects have included some issues related to sleep. Side effects such as drowsiness and, less commonly, increased night-time urination have been noted in regulatory-linked information.


Q: Can Civet affect blood sugar levels?

Civet has been documented to cause a false-positive result when patients test for glucose in the urine using certain copper reduction tests. This refers to an interference with the test itself and is not reported as an effect on the person's actual blood sugar levels.


Q: Is Civet addictive or habit-forming?

Official regulatory classification confirms that Civet (Cefixime) is not designated as a controlled or habit-forming substance under government regulations.


Q: Is Civet safe for people with liver issues?

Regulatory information indicates that patients with hepatic impairment (liver issues) are considered a risk factor for changes in blood clotting time. The need for monitoring in this population is described in official product information.


Q: Does Civet affect your energy levels or cause tiredness?

Official regulatory-linked sources have reported specific adverse reactions that may affect energy. These include reports of extreme tiredness and, conversely, agitation as less common side effects of the medication.


Q: Can taking Civet cause changes in mood or behavior?

Regulatory documents list several documented adverse reactions related to the nervous system. These include reports of anxiety, confusion, agitation, hostility, and, in rare instances, more severe neurological events like encephalopathy and seizures.


Q: What happens if I accidentally take two doses of Civet close together?

Regulatory information on accidental overdose notes that symptoms may include gastrointestinal effects such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Additionally, there may be an increased potential for neurological effects, including seizures.


Q: Are there any known issues with Civet and birth control pills?

Regulatory-linked information indicates that antibiotics like Civet may reduce the therapeutic effect of hormonal contraceptives.


Q: How does Civet affect the immune system?

Regulatory documents indicate that the medicine has the potential to trigger severe immune responses, particularly hypersensitivity reactions. These range from severe allergic reactions, like anaphylactic responses, to documented reports of immune-mediated hemolytic anemia.


Q: Is Civet a controlled substance?

Civet (Cefixime) is officially not classified as a controlled substance by regulatory bodies, such as the U.S. Controlled Substances Act.


Q: Does Civet have any known interactions with herbal supplements?

Regulatory-linked sources have noted potential minor interactions with certain herbal products. This includes products like Ginkgo Biloba and others that could affect how the kidneys clear the medication from the body.


Q: Are there specific warnings about Civet for people with heart conditions?

While the medicine does not carry a primary warning for pre-existing heart conditions, severe systemic allergic reactions are noted to potentially include acute myocardial ischemia (damage to the heart muscle) as a component of the overall immune response.


Q: Why are there different strengths of Civet available?

Official regulatory documentation on dosage forms and strengths confirms that multiple options are available to meet various needs. This allows for appropriate adult and pediatric dosing based on weight, as well as necessary dose adjustments for patients with impaired kidney function.

How should Civet be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Civet (Cefixime)

The storage and disposal of Civet must strictly adhere to regulatory requirements to ensure product integrity and safety.


Storage Conditions

  • Temperature and Light: Tablets, capsules, and the dry powder for suspension must be stored at controlled room temperature, mathbf20 C to mathbf25 C (mathbf68 F to mathbf77 F), and protected from light.
  • Reconstituted Suspension Stability: The mixed oral suspension is stable for mathbf14 days. It must not be refrigerated or frozen during this period.
  • Safety: The medicine must be kept in a tightly closed container and out of the sight and reach of children.

Disposal Requirements

  • Unused or expired product should be disposed of according to local regulatory requirements or an official medication take-back program.
  • Any unused portion of the suspension must be discarded after the mathbf14 days.
  • The medication must not be poured down a drain or flushed into the toilet.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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