Category- Allopathy
Medicine Highlights
| Uses | 1. To treat chest infections such as pneumonia and bronchitis. 2. To treat sinus infections (sinusitis). 3. To treat throat infections like tonsillitis or pharyngitis. 4. To treat ear infections (otitis media). 5. To treat urinary tract infections (UTIs), including kidney infections. 6. To treat skin and soft tissue infections, like infected wounds or cellulitis. |
| Common Side Effects | 1. Diarrhea 2. Nausea 3. Vomiting 4. Stomach pain 5. Indigestion 6. Bloating 7. Headache 8. Loss of appetite 9. Skin rash |
| Additional Information | This medicine should only be used under medical supervision. |
| Storage | 1- The medicine should be stored at room temperature 2- Keep away from sunlight and moisture 3- Keep away from the reach of children |
| How to Take This Medicine | Take this medicine orally with a sip of water. |
Cefpodoxime + Clavulanic acid Uses
Cefpodoxime and Clavulanic acid are antibiotic medicines that belong to the class of cephalosporins and β-lactamase inhibitor respectively. It is used to kill bacteria and treat symptoms of conditions like:
- Chest infections such as pneumonia and bronchitis
- Sinus infections (sinusitis)
- Throat infections like tonsillitis or pharyngitis
- Ear infections (otitis media)
- Urinary tract and kidney infections
- Skin and soft tissue infections, like infected wounds or cellulitis
Directions for use
- Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, at the same time each day.
- Do not stop taking this medicine without your doctor’s approval, even if you feel better.
- If you forget to take this medicine, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose.
Cefpodoxime + Clavulanic acid side effects
More Common
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Indigestion
- Bloating
- Headache
- Loss of appetite
- Skin rash
Less Common
- Severe allergic reaction
- Breathing difficulty
- Swelling of face or lips
- Severe diarrhea (colitis)
- Yellowing of skin or eyes
- Liver enzyme increase
- Blood cell count changes
- Dizziness or confusion
How Cefpodoxime + Clavulanic acid works
This medicine works by killing the bacteria that cause infection. Cefpodoxime damages the protective outer wall of bacteria, which leads to their death. Some bacteria produce enzymes that can destroy antibiotics; clavulanic acid blocks these enzymes, so cefpodoxime can work properly. Together, they make the antibiotic stronger and help clear the infection effectively.
Safety Measures and Warning
Allergy Warning
If they take this medicine, it can cause severe allergic reactions such as skin rash, swelling of face or lips, breathing difficulty, or even life-threatening reactions. Inform your doctor about any past drug allergies.
Severe Kidney Problems
The medicine may build up in the body, increasing the risk of side effects like nausea, confusion, or toxicity. Tell your doctor about any kidney-related conditions you have in the past, so the dose can be adjusted properly.
Pregnant or Breastfeeding Women
Taking this medicine without supervision may affect the baby or cause unwanted effects. Doctor’s advice is important before taking this medicine.
Severe Diarrhea
Taking this medicine may cause severe, persistent diarrhea and gut infection, which can become serious if untreated. Doctor’s advice is important before taking this medicine.
Serious Liver Disease
This medicine can further damage the liver, leading to jaundice, abnormal liver tests, or worsening liver function. Dose adjustment or avoidance should be decided by a doctor.
Cefpodoxime + Clavulanic acid Interaction with Food Product
This medicine can be taken with food, and taking it after meals helps reduce stomach upset, nausea, and acidity. Very heavy or fatty foods may slightly slow how fast the medicine works but do not reduce its effect. Alcohol should be avoided during treatment because it can increase stomach irritation and make side effects worse. Dairy products are generally safe, and probiotic foods like curd or yogurt may help prevent diarrhea caused by antibiotics.
Cefpodoxime + Clavulanic acid Interaction with Other Medicines
Avoid taking Cefpodoxime + Clavulanic acid with the following medicines, as it may increase or decrease the desired effect, or in worse cases, it could be fatal:
Cefpodoxime + Clavulanic acid Chemical Structure
IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry) / Chemical name
Cefpodoxime: (6R,7R)-7-{[(2Z)-2-(2-amino-1,3-thiazol-4-yl)-2-(methoxyimino)acetyl]amino}-3-(methoxymethyl)-8-oxo-5-thia-1-azabicyclo[4.2.0]oct-2-ene-2-carboxylic acid.
Clavulanic Acid: (2R,3Z,5R)-3-(2-hydroxyethylidene)-7-oxo-4-oxa-1-azabicyclo[3.2.0]heptane-2-carboxylic acid
Intake routine/cycle
Daily dose
Take Cefpodoxime + Clavulanic acid exactly as your doctor recommends. The dose may change based on your condition and how well you respond. Do not take more than prescribed without consulting your doctor.
Missed Dose
If you forget to take your medicine, take the medication as soon as you remember. If it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule. Always consult the doctor before making any changes to your dosage.
Overdose
It is not recommended to take more than the prescribed dose of Cefpodoxime + Clavulanic acid. Overdose may cause tremors, chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeat, nervousness, dizziness, headache, muscle cramps, or high blood pressure. In case of any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical help.
Storage
- Store the medicine at room temperature
- Keep away from sunlight and moisture
- Keep out of reach of children
Cefpodoxime + Clavulanic acid Summary
Cefpodoxime with clavulanic acid is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections of the throat, sinuses, chest, ears, urinary tract, and skin. Cefpodoxime kills bacteria by damaging their protective cell wall, while clavulanic acid prevents bacteria from destroying the antibiotic, making the treatment more effective. It is usually taken after food to reduce stomach upset. Common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, headache, and skin rash, while rare but serious effects include severe allergy, liver problems, and severe diarrhea.
This medicine should not be taken by people allergic to penicillin or cephalosporins, those with severe liver disease, past antibiotic-related colitis, or severe kidney problems unless advised by a doctor. Alcohol should be avoided during medicated treatment, dairy foods are safe, and probiotics may help reduce diarrhea. Always take the full course as prescribed to completely clear the infection.
FAQ’s
What are the side effects of cefpodoxime?
The side effects of cefpodoxime include Diarrhea, Rash, Vomiting, Diaper rash or fungal skin rash
What are the uses of cefpodoxime?
cefpodoxime is an antibiotic belonging to the category of cephalosporin antibiotic and is used to treat throat or tonsil infections, ear infections, sinus infections, bronchitis, skin or related tissue infections, bladder infections, gonorrhea, lung infections, such as pneumonia, and urinary tract infection (UTI)
What are the brand names of cefpodoxime?
Cefpodoxime is sold under brand name as cepopeace, at SayaCare, we give you the same medicine by its actual medicine name, tested in National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) approved labs, at up to 80% less cost than the market.
What is the mechanism of action of Clavulanic Acid?
Clavulanic Acid works by inhibiting bacterial beta-lactamase enzymes, which normally destroy antibiotics like amoxicillin. By blocking these enzymes, it protects the antibiotic and allows it to effectively kill bacteria.
What are the uses of Clavulanic Acid?
Clavulanic Acid is used in combination with antibiotics like amoxicillin to treat bacterial infections. It helps treat infections such as throat infections, ear infections, sinus infections, chest infections, urinary tract infections, skin and soft-tissue infections, dental infections, and infections caused by bacteria resistant to amoxicillin alone.
What are the side effects of Clavulanic Acid?
Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and mild skin rash. Rare but serious side effects may include severe allergic reactions (swelling, hives, difficulty breathing), severe diarrhea (C. difficile infection), liver problems (jaundice, dark urine), dizziness, or yeast infections. Seek medical help if severe symptoms occur.
Reference
- Cefpodoxime Proxetil + Clavulanic Acid: View Uses, Side Effects and Medicines | 1mg [Internet]. 1mg. 2024 [cited 2025 Dec 26]. Available from
- Cefpodoxime [Internet]. go.drugbank.com. Available from
- PubChem. Cefpodoxime [Internet]. Nih.gov. PubChem; 2025 [cited 2025 Dec 26]. Available from
- Uto LR, Gerriets V. Clavulanic Acid [Internet]. PubMed. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2020. Available from
- DrugBank. Clavulanic acid [Internet]. go.drugbank.com. 2025. Available from
- PubChem. Clavulanic acid [Internet]. pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Available from
Authors
Pranathi is a final year Pharm D student at Chalapathi Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences. She loves learning and applying her knowledge in pharmacy and has a passion for writing, which allows her to express ideas clearly and creatively. She enjoys combining her technical skills with her love for writing and communication to make a meaningful impact. Currently she is working on a research paper about “Consanguineous marriages and its impact on children’s health” which will be published by the end of 2025.