Cefpodoxime
VANTIN
Pronunciation: sef-poed-OX-eem
“Cephalopod ox Van”
beta lactam ring
What it isPBP-inhibiting third-generation oral cephalosporin prodrug; respiratory, skin, and urinary infections.
Why this oneBroader Gram-negative cover than the earlier oral cephalosporins with twice-daily dosing.
What limits itNeeds food and gastric acid for absorption, so PPIs and antacids reduce it. No pseudomonal or MRSA cover.
Cefpodoxime prescription history
Animated chart of estimated U.S. prescriptions per year, Antibacterials (systemic) (1938–2026). Cefpodoxime enters in 1992 (estimated).
FDA-approved for
- respiratory, skin and urinary bacterial infections
Principal riskHypersensitivity; needs food and acid for absorption
Classes and tags
Clinical profile
Legacy pregnancy categoryB
Defining liabilityAllergy, gastrointestinal effects and agent-specific renal, hepatic, hematologic or interaction risks.
FDA label
Read the full label on DailyMed ↗
NO BOXED WARNINGS
| FDA dosing | Population | Start | Target | Max |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pharyngitis/tonsillitis | Adults/adolescents ≥12 y | 100 mg q12h ×5–10 days | 100 mg q12h | |
| Acute community-acquired pneumonia | Adults/adolescents ≥12 y | 200 mg q12h ×14 days | 200 mg q12h | |
| Acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis | Adults/adolescents ≥12 y | 200 mg q12h ×10 days | 200 mg q12h | |
| Uncomplicated gonorrhea; rectal gonococcal (women) | Adults/adolescents ≥12 y | 200 mg single dose | 200 mg single dose | |
| Skin/skin-structure infection | Adults/adolescents ≥12 y | 400 mg q12h ×7–14 days | 400 mg q12h | |
| Acute maxillary sinusitis | Adults/adolescents ≥12 y | 200 mg q12h ×10 days | 200 mg q12h | |
| Uncomplicated UTI | Adults/adolescents ≥12 y | 100 mg q12h ×7 days | 100 mg q12h |
Renal Severe impairment (CrCl <30 mL/min): extend dosing interval to q24h. Hemodialysis: 3 times/week after dialysis
Hepatic No adjustment needed
Instructions
- Administer tablets orally with food to enhance absorption
Available strengths
- tab 100, 200 mg
- susp 50, 100 mg/5 mL
Cautions
- Hypersensitivity/anaphylaxis; cross-reactivity in penicillin-allergic patients
- Pseudomembranous colitis/CDAD
- Seizures reported with cephalosporins in renal impairment
Adverse reactions
- Diarrhea (7%, dose-related), nausea, abdominal pain, headache
- Vaginal/vulvovaginal fungal infections
- Rare: Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, anaphylactic shock, acute liver injury
Pregnancy Not teratogenic/embryocidal in animals; no adequate human studies — use only if clearly needed
Lactation Undefined
Cost
Generic entry2002
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Self-check
- What does cefpodoxime need for absorption?
Food and gastric acid. - Which two organisms/groups are not covered by cefpodoxime?
Pseudomonas and MRSA.