THE EFFECT OF CEFIXIME IN TREATING RESPIRATORY TRACT AND URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS IN CHILDREN

Abstract

Third generation cephalosporins are commonly used for the treatment of diverse infections in children. Cefixime is an oral third-generation cephalosporin with a broad-spectrumantibacterial activity and a relatively long elimination half-life. It is available in oral, intravenous, and intramuscular forms. It is effective against certain bacteria, such as Streptococci, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Moraxella catarrhalis, Haemophiles influenzae, and Gram-negative bacilli. However, it is poorly active against Staphylococcus aureus, Coagulase-negative Staphylococci, and Enterococci. Clinical trials have shown that cefixime is comparable to amoxicillin and cefaclor in treating acute otitis media in children caused by various organisms, including Streptococcus pneumoniae. It is more potent than other cephalosporins against Enterobacteriaceae but less activeagainst ciprofloxacin. The recommended dosage for children is 8 mg/kg/day orally, once daily or in two divided doses and the most prominent side effect is diarrhea, which occurs in up to16% of children. Cefixime is a safe and effective for treating upper respiratory tract infections and acute otitis media. However, there is insufficient evidence regarding its efficacy in treating sinusitis and lower respiratory tract infections in children as its antimicrobial spectrum does cover the bacteria commonly associated with these infections. Due to its partial excretion through the kidneys, cefixime is frequently used to treat urinary tract infections in children.