Drug interactions
Cefixime + Sodium picosulfate / magnesium oxide / anhydrous citric acid
Severity: Moderate
Cefixime and Sodium picosulfate / magnesium oxide / anhydrous citric acid: moderate interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Sodium picosulfate is a prodrug that must be converted to its active form by colonic bacteria. Antibiotics that suppress gut flora may reduce this conversion and lead to a less effective bowel cleansing before colonoscopy.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cefixime and Sodium picosulfate / magnesium oxide / anhydrous citric acid can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Why it happens
Antibiotic suppression of colonic bacteria reduces conversion of picosulfate to its active laxative metabolite.
What to do
If possible, avoid starting the antibiotic until after the bowel preparation has been completed. Assess the quality of bowel cleansing and be prepared to use an additional preparation if it is inadequate.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Cefixime
- Cefixime + Typhoid vaccine live Major
- Cefixime + Cholera vaccine Moderate
- Cefixime + Kanamycin Moderate
- Cefixime + Microbiota Moderate
- Cefixime + Plazomicin Moderate
- Cefixime + Warfarin Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cefixime with Sodium picosulfate / magnesium oxide / anhydrous citric acid?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Cefixime and Sodium picosulfate / magnesium oxide / anhydrous citric acid can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Sodium picosulfate is a prodrug that must be converted to its active form by colonic bacteria. Antibiotics that suppress gut flora may reduce this conversion and lead to a less effective bowel cleansing before colonoscopy.
How serious is the interaction between Cefixime and Sodium picosulfate / magnesium oxide / anhydrous citric acid?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: If possible, avoid starting the antibiotic until after the bowel preparation has been completed. Assess the quality of bowel cleansing and be prepared to use an additional preparation if it is inadequate.
What other medicines interact with Cefixime?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Cefixime with, for example, Typhoid vaccine live, Cholera vaccine, Kanamycin. The full list is on the Cefixime page.
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