Suprax (cefixime)

What is Suprax (cefixime)?

Cefixime is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections and is available in tablet or oral suspension form. It is part of a group of antibiotics referred to as cephalosporins and is sometimes known under the brand name Suprax. It is often used to treat the sexually transmitted infection Gonorrhoea although it is not specifically licensed for this purpose.

Can I buy Suprax (cefixime)?

If you have tested positive for Gonorrhoea but you do not have access to treatment, The Online Clinic may be prepared to prescribe Cefixime for you along with Azithromycin. Please be aware that the front line treatment for Gonorrhoea is Ceftriaxone as an intramuscular injection along with Azithromycin taken orally.

How does Suprax (cefixime) work?

Cefixime works by destroying a layer of the cell wall of the bacteria, which causes the wall to break down. Without their cell wall to protect them, the bacteria die.

Are there any side effects of Suprax (cefixime)?

Generally, Cefixime does not cause side effects. Occasionally patients may experience mild stomach cramps or diarrhoea. It can also lead to fungus naturally present in the body overgrowing, which can cause sores inside the mouth or vaginal yeast infections.

Rarely, side effects can include pain urinating, chest pain, fever or colitis.

Who cannot take Suprax (Cefixime)?

Cefixime is not suitable if you are allergic to any of the ingredients. We are not prepared to prescribe Cefixime to anyone who is allergic to penicillin as there is a risk of an adverse reaction. We are not prepared to prescribe this medication for pregnant women or nursing mothers.

How quickly will Cefixime deal with a Gonorrhoea infection?

Cefixime is usually given alongside Azithromycin as a single dose to treat Gonorrhoea. Your partner also needs to get treated, otherwise you risk passing the infection back and forth between you. It is essential that you get retested no sooner than 3 weeks after treatment to ensure that the Gonorrhoea infection has cleared up. Do not have unprotected sex until the whole process is complete and your results are confirmed as negative. We recommend The STI Clinic for sexual health checks.