Celitol

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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 Celitol

What is Celitol? Defining the Drug's Identity and Purpose

Property Description
Active ingredient Cefixime
Form Tablet, capsule, oral suspension
Pharmacological class Third-Generation Cephalosporin Antibiotic
General purpose Treating bacterial infections
Origin Semisynthetic

Defining Celitol: The Third-Generation Cephalosporin

Celitol is a prescription-only medication primarily used as an anti-infective, whose identity is centered on its single active ingredient, Cefixime (INN). This compound is a semisynthetic substance, meaning its structure is derived from a natural core but chemically engineered, and it is strictly intended for oral administration. Celitol is essentially the trade name for the active substance Cefixime, a compound clinically recognized for its broad efficacy against susceptible bacterial pathogens. For instance, its use is widely supported for addressing infections such as those in the urinary tract or respiratory system.


What Type of Antibiotic is Celitol?

Celitol belongs to the class of beta-Lactam antibiotics and is specifically categorized as a Third-Generation Cephalosporin. This classification signifies that it is a potent, broad-spectrum agent designed to be effective against a wide variety of susceptible bacterial infections. The drug’s position as a third-generation agent indicates that it offers enhanced stability against bacterial defense enzymes compared to many older cephalosporins. Cefixime acts by killing bacteria directly through interference with their cell wall formation, which is the definition of a bactericidal antibiotic. This confirms that the medication is designed to actively eliminate the microbial cause of the infection.


Celitol’s Composition and Available Forms

The final medicinal product, Celitol, is a single-ingredient product composed of the active substance Cefixime combined with pharmaceutically acceptable excipients. This medication is available in several common dosage forms for flexibility in patient use. These include the solid forms, such as the tablet and capsule, and forms suitable for liquid administration, such as the powder for oral suspension. This variety is a key differentiating feature, ensuring that the medicine is appropriate for both adults and pediatric patient groups, especially when treating children who require a liquid formulation.

Regulatory References

  1. Cefixime Drug Information (MedlinePlus)
  2. Cefixime Dosage Forms (DailyMed)

What side effects are possible with Celitol?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information for Celitol

The safety profile for Celitol highlights the potential for serious and common adverse reactions, as documented in regulatory information and post-marketing surveillance.

Serious and Clinically Significant Adverse Reactions

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a Boxed Warning regarding the risk of cardiac failure. Official labeling advises that the use of Celitol should be avoided in patients with any existing degree of heart failure.

Serious risks identified from pharmacovigilance data include major events primarily affecting the cardiovascular, vascular, and renal systems. These include, but are not limited to, cerebral infarction, cerebral haemorrhage, acute kidney injury, and significant gastrointestinal haemorrhage.

Common Adverse Reactions

Adverse events reported in clinical trials with a frequency of 5% or more of recipients include a cluster of symptoms primarily related to general health and nervous system and gastrointestinal function. These common reactions are:

  • Headache
  • Diarrhea
  • Abnormal bowel movements
  • Pain
  • Infection, Pharyngitis, Rhinitis
  • Peripheral edema
  • Nausea

Exposure-Related Safety Patterns

Regulatory analysis indicates that the occurrence of many adverse reactions is concentrated within the first month of treatment. Safety monitoring is especially critical during this initial exposure period.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and when to seek help

The official regulatory documents define the overdose profile of Celitol (Cefixime) by detailing potential severe systemic risks and mandated emergency actions.

Overdose Scope: Documented Manifestations

Overdose may present with signs of neurological toxicity, specifically encephalopathy. Manifestations documented in regulatory labeling include convulsions (seizures), confusion, and impairment of consciousness. Serious outcomes listed involve acute renal failure and transient elevations in laboratory markers such as BUN and creatinine. Furthermore, prolongation in prothrombin time is noted as a potential complication. The risk of severe neurological manifestations is heightened in patients with renal impairment.

Immediate Action and Management

It is mandatory to seek emergency medical attention or contact the Poison Help line immediately upon suspicion of an overdose. Urgent medical services must be called for symptoms such as collapse, a seizure, or inability to be awakened, as specified by regulatory instructions. Management is entirely supportive and symptomatic; no specific antidote exists. Regulatory information states that the drug is not effectively removed by hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis, which constrains procedural management options.

Therapeutic Uses of Celitol

What Celitol Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

Celitol (Cefixime) is applied across domains where additional symptomatic support is needed against susceptible bacterial pathogens, with the primary use being the management of the susceptible microbial cause. Its application is relevant in clinical settings that involve acute or unstable symptom patterns. This medicine is commonly used across conditions presenting with acute episodes, including infections of the respiratory tract (such as bronchitis and tonsillitis), the urinary tract (uncomplicated cystitis and pyelonephritis), and the ear, nose, and throat (e.g., acute otitis media). It may also be applied in addressing specific systemic infections like Typhoid Fever and Shigellosis.

The use of the medicine is relevant for managing symptom clusters that may become intense or disruptive. As a patient-oriented benefit, Celitol provides support that helps ease the overall symptom burden and assists with maintaining functional stability during symptomatic periods.

“It is commonly used to help improve day-to-day comfort and supports general well-being during symptomatic phases.”

Quick Fact: Support for Symptoms Linked to Organ Functional Stress

Celitol is considered relevant when symptoms linked to organ-specific functional stress—such as painful or frequent urination or pronounced ear pain—interfere with daily comfort, assisting with maintaining functional stability.

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Who Can and Cannot Use Celitol (Cefixime)

The eligibility for using Celitol is strictly defined by regulatory authorities based on population safety data and physiological status.

Contraindicated Populations

Celitol is contraindicated and must not be used by any patient with a known history of hypersensitivity (allergy) to the active substance, Cefixime, or to any other antibiotic within the cephalosporin class. Use is also contraindicated in patients with a history of severe allergic reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis) to any beta-lactam antibacterial agent.

Age and Physiological Restrictions

Celitol is officially approved for use in adults and pediatric patients six months of age or older. Safety and efficacy are not established for infants under six months of age.

Patients with impaired renal function (kidney function) require restricted use; the prescribing information specifies that use is conditional on adjustment due to reduced clearance. In pregnant or breastfeeding women, use is generally not recommended unless considered clearly necessary, as definitive safety is not established.

Conditional Eligibility

Patients with certain co-existing conditions require caution or restricted use. This includes patients with a history of severe gastrointestinal disturbances or those receiving concurrent anticoagulant therapy. The chewable tablet formulation is subject to restriction in patients with Phenylketonuria (PKU) due to its phenylalanine content.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

Official regulatory documentation structures the interaction profile of Celitol around pharmacokinetic changes, pharmacodynamic reinforcement, and specific procedural constraints.

Contraindicated Combinations

Co-administration with Live Bacterial Vaccines, such as Typhoid or Cholera vaccines, is officially restricted. The antibacterial properties may interfere with the intended immunizing effect of the live vaccine.

Pharmacodynamic and Exposure Alterations

A clinically significant pharmacodynamic interaction occurs with Warfarin and other Coumarin-Type Anticoagulants. This is documented to enhance the anticoagulant effect, which results in a reported increase in prothrombin time. This risk is specifically noted in populations with existing renal or hepatic impairment or poor nutritional state.

Key exposure-altering substances include:

  • Probenecid is associated with an increase in Celitol’s plasma concentrations by decreasing its renal clearance.
  • Carbamazepine plasma levels have been reported to be elevated when taken concomitantly.
  • Salicylates (at a 650 mg dose) may result in a documented 20-25% decrease in Celitol exposure.

Other Documented Constraints

Regulatory information notes that Celitol may reduce the efficacy of oral contraceptives. Furthermore, the medicine is known to interfere with specific laboratory analyses: it may result in a false-positive reaction for glucose in the urine when non-enzymatic tests are used and can also cause a false-positive Direct Coombs Test.

Mechanism of Action

Celitol is a monoclonal antibody that acts as an antagonist of the Sclerostin (SOST) protein, the primary biological target. This interaction initiates the drug's mechanism by modulating the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway. Antagonism of SOST also leads to a decrease in Dickkopf-1 (DKK1) production.

Celitol's antagonism prevents the inhibitory SOST/LRP5/6 interaction, allowing Wnt ligands to bind to the LRP5/6 co-receptor. This cascade degrades the intracellular beta-catenin destruction complex, permitting beta-catenin to accumulate in the cytoplasm. The accumulated beta-catenin then translocates to the nucleus to activate the transcription of genes related to bone formation.

This molecular cascade results in the stimulation of osteoblastogenesis and an increase in the differentiation and activity of mature osteoblasts. The physiological consequence of this is an elevated bone mineral apposition rate.

Dosage and Administration Information

How Celitol is Used: Official Administration Guidelines

Celitol (Cefixime) is strictly an oral-only medication. The official instructions for its use are structured around standardized dosing regimens, administration conditions, and adjustments.


Standard Dosing and Frequency

The standard prescribed daily intake for adults is 400 mg. This total dose can be administered in two distinct patterns: as a single 400 mg dose taken once daily, or as two 200 mg doses taken every 12 hours. For certain specific, uncomplicated infections, the 400 mg dose may be administered as a single, one-time oral dose.

Administration Conditions and Duration

Celitol may be taken without regard to food.

Duration of Use: The treatment course is typically 7 to 14 days, depending on the specific infection being addressed. However, for infections caused by Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A Strep), a course of treatment for at least 10 days is required.

Formulation Handling:

  • Oral Suspension: The powder form must be reconstituted by a pharmacist or caregiver with the specified amount of water before initial use, and the bottle must be shaken well before each subsequent use.
  • Chewable Tablets: These must be chewed or crushed before swallowing and are not intended to be swallowed whole.

Population-Specific Adjustments

For pediatric patients (6 months and older), dosing is based on body weight, typically 8 mg per kg per day, given as a single daily dose or divided into two doses. A specific adjustment to the daily dose is required for patients with impaired renal function (Creatinine Clearance le 60 mL/min), with the dose typically being reduced to 200 mg daily for severe impairment, regardless of dialysis status.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Celitol: Recent Clinical Evidence

Celitol (referred to by its chemical name, Cefixime, in research studies) has been the subject of numerous clinical trials examining its use across various bacterial infections. As a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic, its application is primarily studied in treating infections of the respiratory tract, urinary tract, and certain sexually transmitted diseases.


Efficacy and Response Rates

Clinical trials, including randomized controlled studies, have reported that administration of Cefixime is associated with favorable clinical and microbiological response rates across its indicated uses. For example, studies focusing on acute otitis media (middle ear infection) and uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) have shown a consistent reduction in the presence of target bacterial strains following the completion of the prescribed regimen.

In studies comparing Cefixime to other antibiotics, the medication demonstrated non-inferiority in achieving clinical endpoints for specific conditions. Meta-analyses and systematic reviews suggest that Cefixime may be a suitable option for patients when susceptibility testing indicates its use, particularly in community-acquired respiratory infections where certain bacterial resistance patterns are not a primary concern.


Safety and Tolerability Profile

Across multiple large-scale clinical programs, the safety profile of Cefixime has been characterized. The most commonly reported side effects observed were related to the gastrointestinal system. These typically included diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal discomfort.

Serious adverse events were reported in a small percentage of participants, aligning with expected rates for broad-spectrum antibiotics. The development of antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) was observed, a known risk with antibiotic classes that alter the normal gut flora. Researchers emphasize the importance of completing the full course of treatment to support the drug's effectiveness and to mitigate the potential for recurrence or resistance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Celitol (FAQ)

Q: Can Celitol be taken with common over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen?

A: Official information does not specifically list an interaction with ibuprofen. However, Celitol has a documented interaction that can enhance the effect of anticoagulants like warfarin. It is important for users to discuss all concurrent medications with a healthcare professional, as official information does not list every possible interaction.

Q: What makes Celitol work differently from older medicines for the same condition?

A: Celitol belongs to a specific group of antibiotics called third-generation cephalosporins. This classification indicates that the medicine offers enhanced stability against bacterial defense enzymes compared to many older drugs in the same class. This design is associated with enhanced efficacy against a variety of susceptible bacteria.

Q: How is the safety of Celitol monitored after it has been released to the public?

A: The safety of Celitol is continuously monitored by regulatory agencies through processes known as post-marketing surveillance and pharmacovigilance. This system collects and analyzes reports of adverse reactions that people experience after the medication is released to the public.

Q: How quickly should I expect to notice Celitol start working?

A: Official clinical information indicates that Celitol begins its therapeutic action by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis shortly after administration. The concentration of the drug in the bloodstream typically reaches its peak level in approximately two to six hours after a single oral dose.

Q: Is it normal to feel [vague common symptom, e.g., slightly tired] in the first few days of taking Celitol?

A: Regulatory documents list dizziness, headache, and reports of fatigue or tiredness as possible side effects. However, the most commonly reported reactions associated with Celitol are generally related to the gastrointestinal system, such as diarrhea and nausea.

Q: Can Celitol be used by older adults or seniors?

A: Celitol is officially approved for use in the adult population. Official prescribing information indicates that the use of Celitol requires restricted dosing when renal function is impaired. Dosage is not restricted solely based on age for adults with normal renal function.

Q: What kind of studies were done on Celitol before it was approved?

A: The regulatory approval process was supported by data from various investigations, including formal clinical trials and randomized controlled studies. These studies systematically assessed the drug's safety profile and its ability to effectively treat the specific bacterial infections for which it is indicated.

Q: Does Celitol cause weight changes (gain or loss)?

A: Official post-marketing reports indicate that unusual weight loss or rapid weight gain have been observed as side effects, though they are reported less commonly than the typical gastrointestinal reactions. These events are not among the most frequent adverse reactions noted in clinical trials.

Q: How does Celitol affect the ability to drive or operate machinery?

A: Reported adverse reactions that could affect daily functioning include central nervous system effects such as dizziness and headache. In rare instances, more severe reactions like confusion or seizures have been noted. Patients should be aware that these reported effects may impact the ability to drive or operate machinery.

Q: How long does the effect of a single dose of Celitol last?

A: In adults with normal kidney function, the official pharmacokinetics data indicates that the serum elimination half-life of the drug typically ranges from 2.4 to 4 hours. This time frame is consistent with the drug being prescribed for a once or twice daily regimen.

Q: Can Celitol interact with medications for high blood pressure or cholesterol?

A: Regulatory interaction tables do not specifically list common high blood pressure or cholesterol medications. The medicine is known to interact with Warfarin and related anticoagulants, and has been documented to have a minor interaction with the blood pressure drug Nifedipine.

Q: Are there any known issues with taking Celitol if I have a history of liver problems?

A: Official safety information for cephalosporins notes that cases of hepatitis and temporary increases in liver enzyme levels have been reported. Regulatory information notes that caution and monitoring of liver function tests may be considered when the drug is prescribed for patients with hepatic disorders.

Q: Can men and women use Celitol for the same condition?

A: The usage of Celitol is based on the presence of a susceptible bacterial infection and specific patient eligibility criteria, such as age and history of allergies. Official prescribing documents and indications for use do not include gender as a distinguishing factor for the conditions it is intended to treat.

Q: Is it possible for Celitol to lose its effectiveness over time (tolerance)?

A: Official warnings primarily focus on the risk of antibiotic resistance, which can occur if the drug is used improperly or in the absence of a confirmed bacterial infection. Regulatory information does not describe a mechanism by which the drug itself loses effectiveness due to drug tolerance in the patient.

Q: Is there a specific lab test needed to check if Celitol is working?

A: Regulatory information indicates that monitoring of certain lab tests, such as prothrombin time or kidney function tests (BUN/creatinine), may be performed for patients with specific risk factors due to reported adverse effects.

Q: Can Celitol make pre-existing mental health conditions worse?

A: Adverse reactions affecting the central nervous system include common symptoms like headache and dizziness, and rare effects such as confusion or seizures. Official labeling does not contain specific information detailing the potential impact of Celitol on pre-existing mental health conditions.

How should Celitol be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Celitol

Celitol (Cefixime) storage requirements differ by formulation. The tablets and dry powder for suspension must be stored at controlled room temperature, typically 20 C to 25 C (68 F to 77 F), and protected from excess heat and moisture.

Liquid Suspension Stability

The reconstituted oral suspension may be stored in the refrigerator or at room temperature, but it must not be frozen.

Storage Condition Time Limit
Reconstituted Liquid 14 days

Any unused portion of the liquid must be discarded after 14 days. All forms of Celitol must be kept in their tightly closed, original container, and stored out of the sight and reach of children. Unused or expired medication should be disposed of via a drug take-back program and must not be flushed down the toilet or placed in household trash.

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

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