Cefixime

Antibiotic (cephalosporin)
PRESCRIPTION ONLY IN INDIA

Cefixime is a antibiotic (cephalosporin) found in 17 medicines sold in India, such as Taxim-O 200, Zifi 200, Mahacef 200. Below: what it is for, how it works, how to take it, side effects, interactions and pregnancy advice.

What it is used for

Treats infections such as typhoid, urine infections and throat or chest infections.

How it works

A third-generation oral cephalosporin antibiotic used for typhoid, urinary infections, throat and ear infections and gonorrhoea.

How to take it

Usually 200 mg twice a day or 400 mg once a day, with or without food. Take at evenly spaced times and finish the full course even when you feel better, unless your doctor says otherwise.

Common side effects

  • Diarrhoea
  • Stomach pain
  • Nausea
  • Headache

Get medical help straight away if

  • Severe watery diarrhoea
  • Rash with blistering
  • Swelling of face or breathing trouble

Be careful

Finish the course. Can cause loose motions.

Other medicines and interactions

Tell your doctor if you are allergic to penicillin; a small number of people react to both. May affect warfarin.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Considered acceptable in pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Brands of Cefixime (14)

C Tax-O 200Cefi-200Cefix-200Cefolac 200Ceftas-200Gramocef O 200Mahacef 200Maxicef-O 200Milixim 200Omnicef O 200Safexim 200Taxim-O 200Zifi 200Ziprax 200 DT

Combination medicines that contain Cefixime (3)

Taxim-OFTopcef-O 200Zifi CV 200

Common questions

What is Cefixime used for?

Treats infections such as typhoid, urine infections and throat or chest infections.

How does Cefixime work?

A third-generation oral cephalosporin antibiotic used for typhoid, urinary infections, throat and ear infections and gonorrhoea.

How should I take Cefixime?

Usually 200 mg twice a day or 400 mg once a day, with or without food. Take at evenly spaced times and finish the full course even when you feel better, unless your doctor says otherwise.

What are the side effects of Cefixime?

Common: Diarrhoea, stomach pain, nausea, headache. Get help straight away for: Severe watery diarrhoea, rash with blistering, swelling of face or breathing trouble.

Does Cefixime interact with other medicines?

Tell your doctor if you are allergic to penicillin; a small number of people react to both. May affect warfarin.

Is Cefixime safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Considered acceptable in pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Does Cefixime need a prescription in India?

Yes. In India it is a prescription (Schedule H) medicine, so a pharmacist should sell it only with a doctor's prescription.

Which brands contain Cefixime?

C Tax-O 200, Cefi-200, Cefix-200, Cefolac 200, Ceftas-200, Gramocef O 200, Mahacef 200, Maxicef-O 200, Milixim 200, Omnicef O 200, Safexim 200, Taxim-O 200, Taxim-OF, Topcef-O 200, Zifi 200, Zifi CV 200, Ziprax 200 DT.

Sources and further reading

NHS (UK National Health Service) and MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine) are free, reviewed medicine guides. Brand names and doses there may differ from India.

Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu from standard prescribing information.

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For information only, not medical advice. This page is a plain-language summary written from standard prescribing information and the public guides linked below. Brands sometimes change their formula, so always check the composition printed on the pack. Doses here are typical adult doses; yours may differ. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without your doctor or pharmacist, and keep all medicines away from children. In an emergency, call 112 (India) or your local emergency number.