Cefim syrup is an antibiotic medication that belongs to the class of drugs known as cephalosporins. It is primarily used to treat various bacterial infections in children and adults where a low dose of medicine is needed. The following are some common uses and indications of Cefim Syrup:

  1. Respiratory Tract Infections: Cefim syrup is commonly used to treat respiratory tract infections, including:
    • Pharyngitis/Tonsillitis: It can be used to treat bacterial infections of the throat and tonsils, such as streptococcal pharyngitis.
    • Acute Bronchitis: Cefim syrup may be used to manage bacterial infections of the bronchial tubes.
    • Community-Acquired Pneumonia: It is sometimes used to treat bacterial pneumonia that is acquired outside of healthcare settings.
  2. Urinary Tract Infections: Cefim syrup is effective in treating urinary tract infections (UTIs), including uncomplicated lower UTIs and certain cases of pyelonephritis (kidney infection).
  3. Gonorrhea: Cefim syrup is commonly used as a first-line treatment for uncomplicated gonorrhea, a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
  4. Ear Infections: Cefim syrup may be prescribed to treat certain types of bacterial ear infections, such as acute otitis media.
  5. Uncomplicated Gastrointestinal Infections: Cefim syrup can be used to treat certain uncomplicated gastrointestinal infections caused by susceptible bacteria.

Off-label Uses of Cefim Syrup

  1. Prophylaxis: In some situations, Cefim syrup may be used off-label as a prophylactic antibiotic to prevent certain infections. This may include prophylaxis before certain dental procedures for individuals at risk of bacterial endocarditis or prophylaxis for recurrent urinary tract infections in selected cases.
Cefim Syrup Uses and Indications

What is Cefim?

Cefim Syrup is one of the leading brands of Cefixime in oral liquid form, manufactured and marketed by Hilton Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.

Cefim Alternatives : Other Cefixime Brands

The following are some alternative brands of Cefim Syrup and their manufacturer.

Cefiget : Getz Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.

Cebosh : Bosch Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.

Caricef : Sami Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.

Cefspan : Barrett Hodgson Pakistan (Pvt) Ltd.

Fixitil : Tabros Pharma (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.

Icef : ICI Pakistan Ltd.

Linzim : Bosch Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.

Magnett : S.J. & G Fazul Ellahie (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.

Maxima : Macter International (Pvt) Ltd.

Maxpan : Indus Pharma (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.

Omixim : Searle Pakistan (Pvt) Ltd.

Cefim : Available Formulations and Strengths

Presently, Cefim is available in Syrup and Capsule forms with the following strengths.

Cefim Syrup : 100mg/5ml strength.

Cefim Capsule : 200mg and 400mg strengths.

Who Should Not Use Cefim?

Cefim syrup may not be suitable for everyone, and there are some contraindications and precautions to consider.

Hypersensitivity: Cefim syrup is contraindicated in individuals who have a known hypersensitivity or allergic reaction to Cefim or any other cephalosporin antibiotics. Allergic reactions to Cefim can range from mild to severe and may include symptoms such as rash, itching, swelling, difficulty breathing, or anaphylaxis.

Previous Serious Allergic Reactions to Penicillins or Other Beta-Lactam Antibiotics: Cefim, as a cephalosporin antibiotic, may have cross-reactivity with penicillins and other beta-lactam antibiotics. Individuals who have experienced serious allergic reactions, such as anaphylaxis, to penicillins or other beta-lactam antibiotics may also have an increased risk of an allergic reaction to Cefim. It is important to discuss any previous allergic reactions with your healthcare professional before starting Cefim syrup.

Severe Kidney Dysfunction: Cefim is primarily eliminated from the body through the kidneys. Therefore, it is contraindicated in individuals with severe kidney dysfunction or end-stage renal disease. The use of Cefim in such cases may lead to an accumulation of the medication and potentially increase the risk of adverse effects.

Diarrhea or Pseudomembranous Colitis: Cefim syrup is contraindicated in individuals with a history of diarrhea associated with the use of antibiotics or who have been diagnosed with pseudomembranous colitis. Antibiotic-associated diarrhea and pseudomembranous colitis may be caused by the overgrowth of a bacterium called Clostridium difficile. The use of Cefim in these conditions may worsen the symptoms or prolong the infection.

Recommended Daily Dosage of Cefim Syrup

Cefim Syrup Dose for Respiratory Tract Infections:

  • Adults and Children (12 years and older): 400 mg (10 ml of syrup) taken once daily or divided into two doses of 200 mg each.
  • Children (6 months to 11 years old): 8 mg/kg per day, divided into two doses. The maximum daily dose should not exceed 400 mg.

Cefim Syrup Dose for Urinary Tract Infections:

  • Adults and Children (12 years and older): 400 mg (10 ml of syrup) taken once daily or divided into two doses of 200 mg each.
  • Children (6 months to 11 years old): 8 mg/kg per day, divided into two doses. The maximum daily dose should not exceed 400 mg.

Cefim Syrup Dose for Gonorrhea:

  • Adults: The recommended dose for the treatment of uncomplicated gonorrhea is a single dose of 800 mg (20 ml of syrup) taken as a one-time dose.

How Cefim Works?

Cefim interferes with the synthesis of the bacterial cell wall, which is essential for the structural integrity and survival of bacteria. It does this by binding to specific proteins called penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) located on the bacterial cell wall. By binding to PBPs, Cefim disrupts the normal cross-linking of peptidoglycan strands, a crucial step in cell wall synthesis. This weakens the cell wall and ultimately leads to bacterial cell death or inhibition of growth.