# Cefixime in Nigeria

Cefixime has 49 active NAFDAC registrations in our October 2026 copy of the register, from 28 registration holders; 46 further listings have lapsed.

- Source: https://ogbogwu.com/drugs/cefixime/
- Drug class: Third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic (oral) (Antibiotics)
- Also known as: Cefixime trihydrate, Suprax, Ceftin
- Prescription required: yes
- Last updated: August 2026

## Price in Nigeria

As of October 2026, the only cefixime our sampled online pharmacies (HealthPlus and MedPlus) list is Ocefix, at about ₦5,005 for syrup. That is Ocefix's price, not the molecule's: 43 cefixime brands are NAFDAC-registered and generic versions usually cost less, so ask a licensed pharmacy for a generic by name and check its NAFDAC number before you pay.

## What is Cefixime?

Cefixime is an oral third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic. Unlike most third-generation cephalosporins — which are injections given in hospital — cefixime is taken by mouth, which has made it a popular step-up antibiotic in Nigerian outpatient care, especially for typhoid fever. It works by disrupting the bacterial cell wall, and its strength is broad activity against gram-negative bacteria including Salmonella typhi (the cause of typhoid), many E. coli, and Haemophilus influenzae.

In Nigeria cefixime comes as 100mg, 200mg and 400mg tablets and dispersible tablets, and as a 100mg/5ml suspension for children. It is often prescribed when ciprofloxacin has failed or when a clinician suspects a resistant strain of typhoid — a real and growing problem across West Africa. Our copy of the NAFDAC register lists dozens of active cefixime registrations, and a healthy share are now made in Nigeria rather than imported, which tends to keep prices more competitive than premium imported cephalosporins.

Cefixime is in the WHO 'Watch' category. Its convenience — a strong, once- or twice-daily oral antibiotic — is exactly why it is over-used, and every unnecessary course makes resistant typhoid more likely. It should be used on the basis of a proper diagnosis, not bought over the counter for any fever.

## What is Cefixime used for?

- Typhoid fever — a major reason for cefixime use in Nigeria, including cases resistant to ciprofloxacin
- Urinary tract infections
- Otitis media (middle ear infection), sinusitis and tonsillitis
- Acute bronchitis and other chest infections
- Uncomplicated gonorrhoea (only within a doctor-directed regimen, as resistance is rising)
- Step-down oral therapy after an initial course of injectable ceftriaxone in some infections

## Dosage

Always follow a doctor's or pharmacist's instructions; this is general reference information.

- Adults: The usual adult dose is 200mg twice daily or 400mg once daily. For typhoid fever, clinicians commonly prescribe 400mg per day (as 200mg twice daily) for 7 to 14 days, sometimes paired with azithromycin. For uncomplicated urinary infections a shorter course may suffice. Cefixime can be taken with or without food, though taking it with food can reduce stomach upset. Complete the full course.
- Children: Children are dosed by weight, usually 8mg per kg per day, either once daily or split into two doses, given as the 100mg/5ml suspension. For a typical child this works out to roughly 100mg to 200mg per day. Shake the suspension well and measure with a proper syringe or measuring spoon, never a kitchen spoon. The exact dose should be confirmed by a doctor or pharmacist against the child's weight.
- Elderly: Older adults generally tolerate cefixime well. As with all cephalosporins, the dose is reduced when kidney function is significantly impaired, which is more common with age.

Cefixime does not treat malaria, which remains the commonest cause of fever in Nigeria — a fever should be tested, not assumed to be typhoid. The Widal test alone is notoriously unreliable for diagnosing typhoid; ask for a blood culture where it is available. If there is no improvement after 48–72 hours, return to the clinic rather than switching antibiotics yourself.

## Side effects

Common: Diarrhoea — the most frequent side effect, sometimes marked; Nausea and abdominal pain; Headache and dizziness; Skin rash; Flatulence and indigestion.

Serious (seek medical help immediately): Severe allergic reactions (facial swelling, breathing difficulty, widespread rash) — possible in people allergic to penicillins or other cephalosporins; Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhoea — severe, persistent or bloody diarrhoea; Severe skin reactions (Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis) — rare; Liver enzyme disturbance and, rarely, jaundice; Kidney inflammation and blood-count abnormalities — rare.

When to see a doctor: Seek urgent care for signs of a serious allergic reaction — swelling of the face or throat, wheezing, difficulty breathing. See a doctor promptly for severe or bloody diarrhoea (do not just take an anti-diarrhoeal), yellowing of the eyes or skin, or a blistering rash. Tell the prescriber about any previous reaction to penicillin or cephalosporin antibiotics.

## Warnings

Do not take if: Known allergy to cefixime or any cephalosporin antibiotic; History of severe, immediate penicillin allergy (anaphylaxis) — seek an alternative; Previous severe skin reaction to a beta-lactam antibiotic.

Interactions: Warfarin — cefixime can raise the INR and bleeding risk; monitor closely; Carbamazepine — cefixime can increase carbamazepine levels; Probenecid — raises and prolongs cefixime blood levels; Other nephrotoxic drugs (e.g. aminoglycosides) — combined kidney strain; Live oral typhoid vaccine — separate by at least 72 hours, as the antibiotic blunts the vaccine.

Pregnancy & breastfeeding: Cefixime has no clear evidence of harm in pregnancy and cephalosporins as a class are generally regarded as acceptable when an antibiotic is needed — always on medical advice. Small amounts may enter breast milk; breastfeeding is usually continued while watching the infant for loose stools or thrush. Discuss with your doctor.

## Brands in Nigeria

Well-known NAFDAC-registered brands: Cika Cefixime 400 (Michelle Laboratories Limited, made in Nigeria); Cefirat (Nemel Pharmaceuticals Limited, made in Nigeria); Brodcef 200 (Sam Pharmaceutical Limited, made in India); Brodcef 400 (Sam Pharmaceutical Limited, made in India); Celicet (Maydon Pharmaceuticals Limited, made in India); Ocefix (Swiss Pharma Nigeria Limited, made in India); Aquafix (Pinnacle Health Pharmaceutical & Stores Ltd, made in India).
Full searchable brand list: https://ogbogwu.com/drugs/cefixime/brands/

## How to verify it is genuine

1. Check the NAFDAC registration number on the pack — for example, Cika Cefixime 400 (Michelle Laboratories) carries A11-100186 in our copy of the register.
2. Confirm any cefixime brand's number with our NAFDAC checker before paying.
3. Buy from a registered pharmacy; antibiotics from open markets carry a higher counterfeit and storage risk.
4. Inspect the pack for a clear batch number and expiry date, and for print or spelling defects.
5. A locally made, NAFDAC-registered cefixime verified through the register is a sound choice — several Nigerian manufacturers hold active registrations.

Verify any NAFDAC number free (no login): https://ogbogwu.com/nafdac-checker/

## FAQs

### Is cefixime good for typhoid?

Yes — cefixime is one of the mainstays of oral typhoid treatment in Nigeria, and it is often chosen when ciprofloxacin has failed or a resistant strain is suspected, sometimes together with azithromycin. It should still be used on the basis of proper testing, ideally a blood culture, because the Widal test alone is unreliable and not every fever is typhoid. A doctor should decide the drug, dose and length of course.

### What is the difference between cefixime and ceftriaxone?

They are close cousins — both third-generation cephalosporins — but cefixime is a tablet or suspension taken at home, while ceftriaxone is an injection given in hospital for more serious infections such as severe typhoid or meningitis. A common pattern is to start with ceftriaxone injections for a very ill patient and step down to oral cefixime once they are improving. The choice between them is a clinical one.

### How much is cefixime in Nigeria?

Cefixime prices vary a lot by brand, strength and pack size, and by whether the brand is imported or locally made — Nigerian-made cefixime tends to be more affordable than premium imported cephalosporins. Rather than quote a single figure, check the current sampled online prices in the price section of this page, and remember that open-market prices in places like Idumota or Ogbogwu are often lower than online-pharmacy prices.

### Can cefixime and azithromycin be taken together?

Yes, and this combination is deliberately used for typhoid fever in some Nigerian and international protocols, because the two antibiotics attack the bacteria in complementary ways and can overcome certain resistant strains. This should only be done on a doctor's prescription — combining antibiotics on your own risks side effects and resistance without any guarantee of benefit.

### Does cefixime cause diarrhoea?

Diarrhoea is cefixime's most common side effect, more so than with some other antibiotics, because it disturbs the normal gut bacteria. Mild diarrhoea often settles after the course. But severe, watery or bloody diarrhoea — especially with fever or cramping — can signal a serious bowel infection (C. difficile) and needs a doctor rather than a simple anti-diarrhoeal. Staying hydrated is important throughout.

## Sources

- NAFDAC Greenbook (official register of approved products in Nigeria)
- British National Formulary (BNF)
- Nigerian Standard Treatment Guidelines (Federal Ministry of Health)