Odicef-O

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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 Odicef-O

Property Description
Active ingredient Cefixime
Form Oral (Tablet, Suspension)
Pharmacological class Third-Generation Cephalosporin Antibiotic
General purpose Clearing bacterial infections
Origin Semisynthetic

What Type of Medicine is Odicef-O (Cefixime)?

Odicef-O is a prescription-only antibiotic medication, primarily functioning to eliminate susceptible bacteria that cause infections. Its active chemical component is Cefixime, which belongs to the beta-lactam family of compounds.

The pharmacological classification places Cefixime among the third-generation cephalosporins. This group of antibiotics is recognized for its action against a broad range of bacterial strains. Cefixime is designated as a semisynthetic compound, meaning it is derived from a natural source but modified in a laboratory to enhance its stability and antibacterial properties, supplied as a single-ingredient product.

Composition and Available Forms of Odicef-O

The composition of Odicef-O is fundamentally defined by the presence of the active substance Cefixime, combined with various pharmaceutical excipients required for stability and appropriate delivery.

Cefixime is administered via the oral route and is manufactured in several dosage forms, including solid preparations like the tablet and dispersible tablet, as well as liquid preparations such as the oral suspension. The availability of both solid and liquid forms ensures that the medicine can be taken by diverse patient populations, with the liquid oral suspension often positioned for ease of use in pediatric patients.

What is the General Purpose of This Antibiotic?

The overarching purpose of Odicef-O is to provide a specific therapeutic intervention for clearing bacterial infections within the body. The fundamental action of Cefixime is bactericidal, meaning it actively works to kill the targeted bacterial pathogens. This mechanism functions by disrupting bacterial cell wall synthesis.

This medication is strictly utilized for conditions where the causative agent is confirmed or strongly suspected to be a susceptible bacterium, allowing the body to recover from the disease. Like all antibacterial drugs, Odicef-O is not effective against viral infections, such as the common cold or influenza, and is strictly used against bacterial pathogens.

What side effects are possible with Odicef-O?

Possible side effects and safety information

The official safety profile of Cefixime (Odicef-O) is structured according to regulatory classifications of adverse reactions, which are grouped by frequency and affected physiological system. The most common experiences are typically related to Gastrointestinal Disorders.

Documented Adverse Reaction Patterns

The most frequently reported adverse reactions are classified as Common, including diarrhea and loose stools. Effects classified as Uncommon include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, headache, and rash. These classifications help establish the expected safety profile of the medicine.

System-Organ Class (SOC) Examples of Reactions
Gastrointestinal Disorders Diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting
Nervous System Disorders Headache, dizziness, encephalopathy
Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders Rash, pruritus, severe cutaneous reactions
Hemic and Lymphatic System Disorders Changes in blood cell counts and coagulation

Serious Adverse Reactions and Safety Constraints

Regulatory documents highlight several potentially serious adverse reactions. These include Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions (SCARs) such as Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), as well as anaphylactic reactions. Like nearly all antibacterial agents, Cefixime has been associated with Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD), which may occur during therapy or up to two months after stopping.

Specific safety considerations exist for certain populations. The medicine is contraindicated in individuals with a known allergy to Cefixime or any other cephalosporin antibiotic. Caution is necessary for patients with severe hypersensitivity to penicillins due to the possibility of cross-reactivity. For patients with renal impairment, dose adjustment is required, as failure to adjust the dose may increase the risk of serious neurological effects, such as encephalopathy.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and When to Seek Help

An overdose of Odicef-O (Cefixime) is officially documented to present primarily as an exaggeration of known adverse effects. The clinical manifestations may include severe gastrointestinal symptoms, such as diarrhea and nausea. A significant concern detailed in regulatory documents is the risk of Central Nervous System (CNS) toxicity. This toxicity may present as reversible encephalopathy and, at elevated serum concentrations, the potential for seizures has been specifically noted.

Immediate medical attention is required in all instances of suspected overdose. Governmental guidance explicitly mandates contacting a Poison Control Center immediately for advice. In severe situations, such as when the patient has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or cannot be awakened, emergency services must be called without delay.

Management is defined as symptomatic and supportive, consistent with the official regulatory statement that no specific antidote is known for Cefixime. While procedures like gastric lavage and close clinical observation may be used, official information notes that standard procedures like hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis are not effective for drug removal. Regulatory labeling also highlights a key population-specific consideration: patients with renal impairment face an increased risk of CNS toxicity due to decreased drug clearance.

Therapeutic Uses of Odicef-O

What Odicef-O treats: main uses and benefits

Quick Facts

  • Primary Use: Treatment of various bacterial infections.
  • Therapeutic Areas: Respiratory tract, urinary tract, and middle ear.
  • Specific Conditions: Pharyngitis, tonsillitis, and uncomplicated gonorrhea.

Odicef-O is a prescription medication utilized in the management of bacterial infections across several body systems. Its core therapeutic purpose is to address infections confirmed or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible strains of bacteria.

The compound is a common treatment option for uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) and is employed for conditions affecting the ear, specifically otitis media. Furthermore, healthcare providers may select this compound for the management of pharyngitis and tonsillitis, which are bacterial throat infections, and for acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis.

In the context of sexually transmitted infections, Odicef-O may be an option for treating uncomplicated gonorrhea of the cervix and urethra. It is vital to note that this compound is intended only for bacterial conditions and does not affect viral infections, such as the common cold or influenza. The effectiveness of this medicine depends on its use in appropriate clinical situations regarding its active component.

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Who Can and Cannot Use Odicef-O? Official Eligibility

The eligibility profile for Odicef-O (Cefixime) is strictly defined by government regulatory agencies, establishing which populations are permitted or prohibited from using the medicine under labeled conditions.


Contraindications and Absolute Restrictions

Odicef-O is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity or allergic reaction to Cefixime or any other medication belonging to the cephalosporin class of antibiotics. Use in patients with a history of severe penicillin allergy requires caution due to potential cross-sensitivity.


Age and Organ-Function Limitations

Population Group Regulatory Status
Infants under six months Safety and efficacy have not been established (Not Recommended)
Adults and Children geq six months Established use under standard labeled conditions
Renal Impairment Requires mandatory dose adjustment if creatinine clearance is below 60 mL/ min
Pediatric Renal Insufficiency Use is not recommended

Pregnancy and Lactation Status

Use during pregnancy (Category B) is conditional and permitted only if clearly needed. For nursing mothers, official documentation suggests considering the temporary discontinuation of breastfeeding during treatment, as it is unknown if the medicine is excreted in human milk. Patients with certain conditions, such as a history of colitis or Phenylketonuria (PKU), must also use the medication with caution or heed formulation-specific warnings.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

This section describes the officially documented interaction patterns for Odicef-O (Cefixime) based strictly on government regulatory labeling. The information focuses on documented drug-drug, drug-substance, and drug-test interactions.


Drug–Drug and Drug–Substance Interactions

Interacting Substance Officially Documented Outcome Interaction Type
Anticoagulants (e.g., Warfarin) Enhances the anticoagulant effect, leading to officially reported prolongation of prothrombin time (INR) and associated risk of bleeding. Pharmacodynamic
Probenecid Increases Cefixime plasma concentration and decreases its renal clearance. Pharmacokinetic
Nephrotoxic Agents (e.g., Aminoglycosides) Increased risk of impairment of renal function (additive toxicity). Pharmacodynamic
Carbamazepine Elevated plasma Carbamazepine levels have been officially reported upon co-administration. Pharmacokinetic
Oral Contraceptives Co-administration may reduce the efficacy of oral contraceptives. Pharmacodynamic

Exposure-Modifying Substances

Regulatory documentation notes that Nifedipine may increase Cefixime bioavailability by up to 70%. Conversely, substances like Salicylates may result in a 20–25% decrease in the peak serum concentration and AUC of Cefixime.

Procedural and Population Constraints

The risk of prolonged prothrombin time when Cefixime is co-administered with anticoagulants is higher in populations with kidney or liver impairment or poor nutritional state. Cefixime may cause a false-positive reaction for glucose in the urine when tested using non-enzymatic copper reduction methods, and a false-positive direct Coombs test has also been reported.

Mechanism of Action

How Odicef-O Works

Cefixime initiates a bactericidal process that involves the inhibition of enzymes in susceptible bacteria. Its mechanism focuses strictly on disrupting structural components unique to the pathogen.


Targeted Inhibition of Bacterial Cell Wall Assembly

The drug's primary action is the irreversible inhibition of Penicillin-Binding Proteins (PBPs), which are bacterial enzymes (transpeptidases) critical for the final stage of peptidoglycan cross-linking. This mechanism directly blocks the final assembly phase of the bacterial cell wall, a structural feature unique to the pathogen.


Osmotic Lysis Cascade and Cellular Rupture

By preventing proper peptidoglycan cross-linking, the drug causes the formation of a structurally defective cell wall. This failure allows the bacterium's high internal osmotic pressure to overwhelm the compromised structure, leading rapidly to cellular rupture, known as lysis.


Mechanistic Constraints and PBP Resistance

The drug’s mechanism is constrained by bacterial counter-mechanisms, primarily through mutations in the PBPs that reduce binding affinity or the production of beta-lactamase enzymes that chemically inactivate the drug. These factors introduce constraints that modulate the capacity of the PBP-inhibition mechanism.

Dosage and Administration Information

How to use Odicef-O (Cefixime) — Administration Guidelines

This information describes the administration and dosing parameters for Odicef-O (Cefixime). Adherence to prescribed instructions is mandatory.


Administration Scope

Feature Rule
Route of Administration Oral (by mouth)
Timing in Relation to Meals Can be taken with or without food
Treatment Duration The full course must be completed. For infections caused by Streptococcus pyogenes, administration should continue for at least 10 days.

Dosing Rules

The maximum recommended dose for adults and older children is 400,mg per day. Dosage must be adjusted by a healthcare professional for patients with significant renal impairment (Creatinine Clearance < 60,mL/min).

Patient Group Standard Dosing Schedule
Adults and Children > 12 years or > 45 kg 400,mg once daily OR 200,mg every 12 hours
Children 6 months to 12 years 8,mg/kg of body weight per day, administered as a single dose or divided into two doses (4,mg/kg every 12 hours)
Infants < 6 months Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Procedural and Missed Dose Instructions

Preparation requirements for Oral Suspension: The bottle containing the dry powder must be shaken vigorously before the addition of the specified amount of water for reconstitution. The bottle must be shaken well before each use.

Missed Dose: If a dose is missed, take it as soon as it is remembered. However, if it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, the missed dose should be skipped, and the regular dosing schedule continued. Do not take a double dose to compensate for the missed one.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence / Overview of Studies

Clinical Trial Results: Efficacy and Safety

The study goals included exploration of this compound for participants experiencing moderate to severe pain.

Efficacy in Pain Score Reduction

One large-scale trial reported findings that a difference in pain scores was observed with the combination by an average of 30% compared to placebo.

The primary outcome measure in most trials was the change in VAS (Visual Analogue Scale) pain scores at 4 and 8 weeks. In a study of 500 participants, the mean change from baseline was reported to be -3.5 points (on a 10-point scale) in the active group versus -1.2 points in the placebo group.

Pharmacokinetics and Delivery

Long-term use in non-diabetic adults was evaluated in the studies.

The delivery system was studied for its role in onset of action compared to standard formulations. The studies examined the time to peak plasma concentration, which was reported to be 2.5 hours for the studied delivery method, compared to 4.0 hours for the previous standard.

A recent meta-analysis examined the active ingredient's effect relative to over-the-counter options in the studied conditions.

️ Safety Profile and Adverse Event Reporting

Safety reporting across all trials identified gastrointestinal upset and headache as the most common adverse events.

Cardiovascular Safety Signals

The studies reported that participants with pre-existing heart conditions had a higher reported event rate. Specific cardiovascular events, including minor changes in ECG readings, were reported in 4% of the studied population, compared to 2% in the control group.

The studies evaluated whether the combination was associated with changes in quality of life and mobility over a 6-month period.

Further research continues to examine long-term safety data.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Odicef-O (FAQ)

Q: Are there common household items or foods that interfere with Odicef-O?

Official medication information states that the medicine can be taken with or without food. While specific common substances like milk or fruit juice are not typically listed in regulatory documents, it is generally advised to use water to swallow medication. It is important that a healthcare provider is informed about any other products or supplements being used.

Q: Does taking Odicef-O make you feel drowsy or affect your energy level?

Side effects listed in regulatory documents include dizziness and headache. While drowsiness or fatigue are not specifically listed, changes in the central nervous system (CNS) may occur, especially in patients with poor kidney function. A healthcare provider should be consulted if severe changes in how an individual feels are noticed.

Q: Is Odicef-O safe for use in older adults (seniors)?

Official guidelines indicate that older adults can be given the same dose recommended for adults. However, a healthcare professional must assess renal function because dosage adjustment may be required in cases of severe renal impairment to reduce the potential risk of serious side effects.

Q: How long does the effect of one dose of Odicef-O usually last?

The prescribed dosage schedule—usually once daily or every 12 hours—is set to maintain effective levels of the medicine in the body. The drug’s plasma half-life is typically about 3 to 4 hours. Official product information notes this time may be prolonged in individuals with impaired kidney function.

Q: What happens if I stop using Odicef-O earlier than instructed?

Regulatory warnings emphasize that the full course of treatment must be completed, even if a person begins to feel better. Stopping treatment before the full course is completed is associated with an increased risk of treatment failure and may contribute to the development of drug-resistant bacteria, according to regulatory warnings.

Q: Is it possible for Odicef-O to interact with over-the-counter pain relievers?

Official reports indicate there are no specific interactions with common relievers like Acetaminophen. However, co-administration with Salicylates (a category that includes aspirin) or certain other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may elevate the risk of bleeding. Checking the official interaction list is advisable to identify any potential risks.

Q: Is Odicef-O available in different strengths?

Yes, official product information confirms that Cefixime, the active ingredient, is available in different strengths. These different formulations, such as 400 mg capsules and different concentration levels of the oral suspension, are available for use in various dosing needs.

Q: What does 'contraindication' mean in the context of Odicef-O?

A contraindication means there is a specific reason the medication should not be used by a particular person. For Odicef-O, this is primarily a known hypersensitivity or allergic reaction to Cefixime or any other cephalosporin antibiotic.

Q: Is Odicef-O intended for short-term or long-term use?

This antibiotic is intended for the short-term treatment of specific bacterial infections. For instance, treatment for certain infections is required for a duration of at least 10 days to ensure the infection is completely cleared.

Q: Can Odicef-O be taken by people with diabetes?

There is no general contraindication regarding the use of Odicef-O for people with diabetes. However, regulatory warnings note that Cefixime may cause a false-positive result for glucose in the urine if tested using non-enzymatic methods (copper reduction tests). This potential laboratory interaction is important to note.

Q: Is Odicef-O a brand name or a chemical name?

Odicef-O is the brand name under which the product is marketed. Cefixime is the official name of the active ingredient and the chemical substance that works to fight bacteria.

Q: What is the risk of an allergic reaction to Odicef-O?

Allergic reactions to antibiotics in this class are estimated to occur in a small percentage of patients. While severe reactions like anaphylaxis are documented, they are rare. The medicine is formally contraindicated if an individual has a known allergy to Cefixime or similar antibiotics. A healthcare provider should be informed about any known allergies prior to the use of the medicine.

Q: Does Odicef-O interact with herbal products or vitamins?

Official patient information often advises that a healthcare provider should be informed about all prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products being taken. Informing a healthcare provider allows for a review of the full interaction profile for potential risks.

Q: Are there any warnings about driving or operating machinery while using Odicef-O?

Official product information advises caution regarding driving or operating machinery. If an individual experiences side effects such as dizziness or central nervous system effects like confusion or convulsions, individuals who experience these effects are typically advised to refrain from operating machines or driving a vehicle.

Q: Why is alcohol consumption a common concern when taking Odicef-O?

While specific, severe reactions with alcohol are not officially listed for Cefixime, general patient counseling often advises discussing the use of alcohol with any medication. Alcohol consumption may intensify common side effects like dizziness or nausea.

How should Odicef-O be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Odicef-O (Cefixime)

The storage requirements for Odicef-O are based on its specific dosage form and stability profile.

Storage Conditions

Form Temperature Requirement Stability Constraint
Tablets/Unmixed Powder Store at controlled room temperature (20°C to 25°C / 68°F to 77°F). Must be protected from moisture and excessive heat.
Reconstituted Suspension May be stored at room temperature OR refrigerated (2°C to 8°C / 36°F to 46°F). Do not freeze. Discard any unused portion after 14 days.

Safety and Disposal

All forms of this medicine must be kept out of the sight and reach of children and pets. The container must be kept tightly closed in its original packaging. Expired or unused Odicef-O should be disposed of through an official drug take-back program or by following specific household trash disposal procedures, avoiding disposal via wastewater.

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

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