Obarcif

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Medically reviewed

Laura Arias

Last updated on 22/12/2025

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 Obarcif

Property Description
Active Ingredient Cefixime trihydrate
Form Oral tablet, capsule, and suspension
Pharmacological Class beta-lactam antibiotic (Third-generation Cephalosporin)
General Purpose To kill susceptible bacteria causing infections
Origin Semisynthetic compound

Obarcif: Classification and Identity of the Cefixime Antibiotic

Obarcif is a semisynthetic prescription-only anti-infective medication classified as a beta-lactam antibiotic. Its active substance, Cefixime, is a member of the Third-generation Cephalosporin group, which offers a broad spectrum of activity against many susceptible Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. This class of antibiotics is clinically recognized for its efficacy in managing common community-acquired bacterial diseases. As the brand name for Cefixime distributed by Oubari Pharma, Obarcif is an approved compound addressing various bacterial infections across its designated target audience of adults and pediatric patients six months of age or older.


Composition and Available Oral Forms

The single active ingredient in Obarcif is Cefixime trihydrate (INN), a compound formulated exclusively for oral administration. This drug's high oral-active nature differentiates it from many injectable antibiotics used in similar situations, making it suitable for outpatient therapy. The drug is manufactured in multiple dosage forms to accommodate patient needs, including the film-coated tablet, chewable tablet, capsule, and a ready-to-mix oral suspension prepared from a powder base that uses an aqueous vehicle.


General Purpose and Action Against Bacterial Infections

The primary purpose of Obarcif is to rapidly clear active bacterial infections throughout the body by killing the susceptible microorganisms. This function is achieved through a bactericidal mechanism, which operates by interfering with a bacterial life process: the medicine blocks the final stage of bacterial cell wall synthesis. This critical physiological action, coupled with Cefixime's inherent resistance to beta-lactamases, provides a core therapeutic benefit against various strains that might deactivate other antibiotics.

Regulatory References

  1. WHO Essential Medicines List

What side effects are possible with Obarcif?

Possible side effects and safety information: Obarcif

The safety profile of Obarcif, which contains the active substance Cefixime, details documented adverse reactions categorized by frequency and the physiological systems affected, as standardized in regulatory documents.

Official Adverse Reactions and Frequency Classification

Adverse reactions are classified according to regulatory frequency standards (e.g., EMA/ICH):

Classification Example Adverse Reactions (SOC)
Common (ge 1/100 to < 1/10) Diarrhea, loose stools (Gastrointestinal Disorders)
Uncommon (ge 1/1,000 to < 1/100) Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, headache, rash (Gastrointestinal, Nervous System, Skin Disorders)
Very Rare (< 1/10,000) Anaphylactic shock, haemolytic anaemia, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, acute renal failure (Immune System, Blood, Renal Disorders)

Serious Adverse Reactions

The most clinically significant adverse reactions highlighted in regulatory labeling include Clostridium difficile-Associated Diarrhea (CDAD), which can occur during or after therapy. Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions (SCARs) such as Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) and Drug Rash with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS) are also documented. Serious hypersensitivity events, including anaphylactic shock, and severe neurological effects like seizures and encephalopathy, are listed in official safety information.

Population-Specific Safety Constraints

The use of Cefixime is explicitly constrained for specific populations. For instance, safety and efficacy have not been established for infants less than six months of age. Patients with renal impairment require particular consideration due to the documented risk of increased neurological effects, such as seizures or encephalopathy, if dosage is not appropriately managed. Caution is also noted for patients with a history of penicillin allergy due to the potential for cross-hypersensitivity reactions with cephalosporins.

These safety domains collectively structure the official risk profile of the medication, distinguishing common, expected reactions from rare, critical systemic events.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and When to Seek Help

The official regulatory profile for an overdose of Obarcif (Cefixime) focuses on specific severe outcomes and mandated emergency responses. The prescribing information confirms that acute overdose symptoms in healthy adults following large single doses up to 2 g may not differ significantly from the adverse effects seen at standard therapeutic doses.

However, a severe overdose is associated with two major risks. The first is neurotoxicity, which can manifest as seizures and is of particular concern in patients with renal impairment where the drug's clearance is reduced. The second is the risk of a severe, acute hypersensitivity reaction that may lead to life-threatening shock or airway restriction.

Immediate medical treatment is required if signs of a severe allergic reaction or seizure activity occur. Management of an overdose is symptomatic and supportive, as no specific antidote is known, and regulatory documents clarify that hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis are not effective methods for removing Cefixime from the circulation. If seizures occur, the medication should be discontinued and anticonvulsant therapy can be given if clinically indicated, according to official guidance.

Therapeutic Uses of Obarcif

What Obarcif Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

Obarcif is a medication generally applied across domains where supportive symptomatic support is needed, and is commonly used across conditions presenting with acute episodes. The therapeutic domain is relevant in contexts involving heightened systemic burden, and may be part of symptomatic management in situations where patients experience these challenges. It is relevant for managing symptom clusters that may become intense or disruptive, and is applied in clinical settings that involve acute or unstable symptom patterns.


Managing Acute and Fluctuating Symptoms

This medicine is applied across domains where additional symptomatic support is needed, particularly in situations involving certain distressing symptoms. It helps address symptom clusters that may become intense or disruptive, and supports general well-being during symptomatic phases. It is commonly used to help with symptoms related to inflammatory or irritative states, and is applied in addressing symptoms associated with acute or episodic changes. It provides support that helps ease the overall symptom burden, particularly when symptoms create noticeable physiological strain.


Supportive Care and Patient Comfort

Obarcif is applicable within clinical settings that involve acute or disruptive symptom patterns. It contributes to easing the overall symptom load and supports patients during episodes of heightened discomfort. It is commonly used when short-term symptomatic assistance is needed, and is applied during phases of increased distress or discomfort.

Quick Fact: Relief for Noticeable Physiological Strain

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Who can and cannot use Obarcif?

The eligibility for Obarcif (Cefixime) is strictly defined by regulatory documents, establishing clear patient populations for use and absolute restrictions.


Populations for Use and Restrictions

Classification Official Regulatory Status
Approved Population Adults and pediatric patients six months of age or older have established eligibility.
Absolute Contraindication Patients with a known allergy to Cefixime, cephalosporins, or a history of a severe, immediate reaction to penicillin must not use the medicine.
Conditional Use (Organ Function) Adults with renal impairment (low creatinine clearance) must receive a dose adjustment, and the use is not recommended in children with kidney insufficiency.
Use Not Established Infants under six months of age are not eligible, as safety and efficacy have not been established in this group.

Pregnancy and Other Conditions

During pregnancy, Obarcif should be used only if clearly needed due to insufficient data in humans. For breastfeeding mothers, official labeling advises considering the temporary discontinuation of nursing during treatment. Caution is required when prescribing to patients with a history of gastrointestinal disease (colitis) or those with bleeding problems, as noted in official prescribing information.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

Regulatory documentation establishes the interaction profile of Obarcif (Cefixime) across pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic domains.

Pharmacokinetic and Transporter Interactions

Co-administration of Obarcif with Probenecid increases Cefixime’s plasma concentration (Cmax and AUC) by decreasing its renal clearance, a transporter-mediated effect. Conversely, co-administration with Salicylates (such as Acetylsalicylic Acid) may result in a 20–25% reduction in Cefixime’s Cmax and AUC. Obarcif has also been documented to elevate the plasma levels of Carbamazepine when co-administered.

Pharmacodynamic Interactions and Other Considerations

In the pharmacodynamic domain, co-administration with Warfarin and other anticoagulants may result in an increase in prothrombin time. This interaction reflects a potential reinforcement of the anticoagulant effect. Additionally, the administration of Obarcif may reduce the effectiveness of combined oral contraceptives. Regulatory information specifies that food has no significant effect on the extent of Obarcif tablet or capsule absorption, meaning it can be taken independently of meals. Although not a drug-drug interaction, the drug's clearance is reduced in patients with severely impaired renal function, which must be considered during treatment.

Mechanism of Action

How Obarcif Works

Obarcif operates by engaging specific, receptor-mediated signaling mechanisms within key biological systems. The drug's mechanism of action centers on modifying early molecular steps to shape systemic physiological outcomes, resulting in altered pathway activity within targeted systems.

Modulating Receptor-Mediated Signaling

This domain covers Obarcif’s primary targets: systems where specific transmitters or mediators dominate. Obarcif initiates or suppresses signaling sequences that lead to downstream effects, modulates the regulation of processes driven by distinct signaling patterns.

Regulating Overactive Processes

Obarcif engages mechanisms that regulate overactive or dysregulated processes, influencing the stability of overactive physiological responses and ultimately attenuating the activity of excessive mediator activity.

Influencing Pathway Feedback

The drug modifies early molecular steps, specifically within cascades where multiple layers of pathway activation occur. By engaging mechanisms that influence feedback regulation within pathways, Obarcif modulates the activity of excessive mediator activity and leads to causative physiological adjustments.

Dosage and Administration Information

How to Use Obarcif

The usage of Obarcif (Cefixime) is defined by the approved route, standard dosage, and specific administration requirements. This medicine is prescribed for oral administration and is available in multiple forms, including capsules, film-coated tablets, chewable tablets, and a powder for oral suspension.


Official Dosing and Frequency

Standard adult dosing is 400 mg daily, which may be administered either as a single dose once per day or in two divided doses (200 mg every 12 hours). For children aged six months and older, the prescribed dosage is based on body weight (8 mg/kg/day) and is typically given as a single daily dose of the oral suspension. Adults with renal impairment require specific dose reductions if their creatinine clearance is 60 mL/min or less.


Administration Requirements

Instruction Detail
Timing in Relation to Meals Capsules and tablets can be administered without regard to food.
Chewable Tablets Must be chewed or crushed completely before swallowing.
Oral Suspension Requires reconstitution with a specific volume of water and must be shaken well prior to each dose measurement.
Treatment Duration The usual course of administration is 7 to 14 days. Treatment for specific infections, such as those caused by S. pyogenes, must be maintained for at least 10 days.

To ensure proper use, if a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as it is remembered unless it is almost time for the next dose; doses must not be doubled.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence / Overview of Studies for Obarcif (Cefixime)

The information below summarizes the clinical research and scientific data that form the evidence base for Obarcif (Cefixime), drawing from official regulatory sources and peer-reviewed studies. This overview describes the type of research that has been conducted and what the findings generally describe, without offering clinical guidance or interpretation.

Evidence for Use in Acute and Common Bacterial Infections

Clinical research for Obarcif has included short-term Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) and other clinical studies to evaluate the research findings related to several acute infections. The primary focus of these studies has been to monitor measures related to bacterial status and short-term symptom changes.

For Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs), studies evaluated the microbial success endpoint (documentation of bacterial elimination) and measures related to the documentation of physical discomfort. Findings describe patterns observed where high rates of the microbial success endpoint were documented in specific populations where the infection was caused by a susceptible type of bacteria. Research indicates this agent was associated with reduced activity against certain other types of bacteria, such as E. faecalis.

Evidence for Pharyngitis and Middle Ear Infections

For Acute Otitis Media (Middle Ear Infection), randomized trials monitored clinical response rates. Comparative trial findings describe patterns observed where the short-term clinical measures were comparable to those of some older antibiotics. However, official regulatory documents indicate that the documented response rate against Streptococcus pneumoniae was reported to be lower compared to the comparator treatment used in those specific trials.

Research Gaps and Uncertainties

The majority of clinical trials for acute infections are designed as short-term RCTs with follow-up durations typically ranging from 7 to 30 days post-treatment. Consequently, the research provides limited information for long-term outcomes beyond the immediate resolution of the acute episode, and the long-term reproducibility of the observed findings is not fully established.

Data for certain groups remain insufficient. Research states that adequate and well-controlled studies are lacking in studies involving pregnant women, and safety data for this group remain insufficient. Furthermore, global surveillance data indicate that the susceptibility of certain pathogens, such as N. gonorrhoeae, can be changing, which impacts the certainty of historical study findings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Obarcif (FAQ)


Q: How quickly does Obarcif start working after I begin taking it?

Official information indicates that after taking Obarcif, the drug typically reaches its peak concentration in the bloodstream between 2 to 6 hours. This measurement, known as Tmax, shows when the highest level of the medicine is present in the body. While this represents the drug’s physical availability, the time it takes to see an improvement in infection symptoms may vary.


Q: How long does the effect of Obarcif last?

Regulatory documents describe the duration the drug remains active in the body by measuring its elimination half-life. For Obarcif, the average half-life—the time it takes for half of the drug to be eliminated—is approximately 3 to 4 hours. This measurement is used in clinical pharmacology to help inform the drug’s administration schedule.


Q: Will Obarcif make me feel sleepy or tired?

Official product information notes that certain central nervous system (CNS) effects, such as headache and dizziness, have been reported as adverse reactions. However, the official safety profile does not specifically list sleepiness or tiredness as common side effects.


Q: Are there any foods or drinks I need to avoid while on Obarcif?

Official warnings mention that the chewable tablet formulation contains phenylalanine. This is a crucial consideration for patients who have phenylketonuria ( PKU), a genetic condition where the intake of phenylalanine is a key concern. Otherwise, the medication can generally be taken without regard to food, and no specific foods are prohibited.


Q: What happens if I stop taking Obarcif suddenly?

The regulatory text emphasizes the importance of completing the full prescribed course of therapy as directed. This is particularly important for certain types of infection, such as those caused by S. pyogenes. Stopping the antibiotic before the recommended duration is complete is associated with risks to the overall course of therapy.


Q: Does Obarcif cause changes in weight?

Although not classified as a common or uncommon side effect, regulatory data compiled from post-marketing experience indicate that changes in weight have been reported. These reports have included instances of both rapid weight gain and unusual weight loss.


Q: Can Obarcif affect my ability to drive?

Official regulatory information states that Obarcif has a negligible influence on the ability to drive or operate machinery. However, because adverse effects such as headache and dizziness have been reported, the official safety profile notes that patients should be aware of these reported effects.


Q: Is Obarcif known to cause issues with liver or kidney function?

Regulatory documents indicate that the use of Obarcif may be associated with transient elevations in liver enzymes (such as SGPT and SGOT) and alkaline phosphatase. Furthermore, while rare, acute renal failure (a sudden failure of kidney function) is documented as a very rare event in the official adverse reactions listing.


Q: Does Obarcif interact with alcohol?

Regulatory-supported literature suggests caution regarding alcohol use. Regulatory texts indicate that any use of alcohol should be a subject for discussion with a healthcare professional.


Q: Can Obarcif be used by elderly patients (over 65)?

Official regulatory documents indicate that elderly patients may generally receive the same dosage as recommended for younger adults. However, a key consideration for this group is renal function (kidney function). Regulatory information indicates that in cases of severe renal impairment, the need for dosage adjustments is an official requirement.


Q: Does Obarcif have a 'Black Box Warning'?

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ( FDA) labeling, Cefixime does not carry a Boxed Warning. This warning, sometimes referred to as a Black Box Warning, is reserved for drugs that have specific, serious safety concerns that require immediate attention.


Q: Does Obarcif show up on drug tests?

Official information indicates that Obarcif is associated with the potential for false positive results on certain types of laboratory tests. These include the direct Coombs' test, which detects antibodies on red blood cells, and some older urine glucose tests (such as those using Clinitest or Benedict's solution).


Q: Does Obarcif contain gluten or lactose?

Official warnings specifically highlight that the chewable tablet formulation contains phenylalanine, which is an important consideration for patients with phenylketonuria ( PKU). Other specific inactive ingredients, such as gluten or lactose, are not highlighted in general patient safety warnings.


Q: Are the effects of Obarcif permanent or only present while taking the drug?

Obarcif is a prescription anti-infective used to address active bacterial infections. Its purpose is described as interfering with the physiological processes of susceptible microorganisms. Therefore, the long-term effect is tied to the successful resolution of the infection.


Q: Can Obarcif make existing symptoms temporarily worse?

Regulatory information notes that severe adverse reactions, such as Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea ( CDAD), can sometimes occur during or after therapy and may involve severe symptoms. Additionally, untreated allergic reactions may cause a worsening of symptoms.


Q: Is it okay to take Obarcif if I have a cold or the flu?

Official patient information explicitly states that Cefixime is designed to treat bacterial infections. Antibiotics of this type are not effective against viral illnesses such as the common cold or influenza (the flu).

How should Obarcif be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Obarcif

Official regulatory documents define specific storage and disposal requirements for Obarcif (Cefixime) based on its form.

Solid Forms (Tablets/Capsules/Dry Powder): These must be stored at Controlled Room Temperature (20°C to 25°C / 68°F to 77°F) and kept away from excessive heat, light, and moisture.

Reconstituted Suspension (Liquid): The mixed liquid may be stored at room temperature or refrigerated, but it must not be frozen and must be kept tightly closed. A critical 14-day stability rule applies: any unused portion must be discarded after 14 days.

All forms must be stored out of the sight and reach of children. For disposal of expired or unused medicine, follow the instructions provided by a healthcare professional; the product should not be disposed of in wastewater and should be handled as pharmaceutical waste.

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

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