Cefixime (Suprax) With Azithromycin

What is Cefixime?

Cefixime is an antibiotic medication that is used in the treatment of a range of bacterial infections. It is often sold under the brand name Suprax.

You must have a prescription to buy Cefixime with Azithromycin.

What is Cefixime with Azithromycin used to treat?

Cefixime with Azithromycin is a combined treatment for the sexually transmitted infection (STI) gonorrhoea.

Azithromycin is also an antibiotic that can effectively treat gonorrhoea in a single dose of treatment. By combining these two medicines, you can receive a complete, swift and effective solution to this STI.

Our detailed guide provides some of the physical symptoms of gonorrhoea.

Why is Cefixime with Azithromycin prescribed to treat gonorrhoea?

Cefixime is an antibiotic medicine that has been clinically shown to be a highly effective single-dose treatment for gonorrhoea.

Azithromycin has also been proven to be a very effective treatment for gonorrhoea, so when combined with Cefixime, it works to provide a comprehensive treatment for this STI. 

How do Cefixime and Azithromycin work?

Gonorrhoea is caused by bacteria that is mostly found in semen and vaginal discharge. It is very easily transmitted from one partner to another, either through vaginal, oral or anal sex or through sharing unwashed sex toys.

These two antibiotic medicines work to kill the bacteria that cause this infection. They work by preventing bacteria from multiplying and spreading by stopping the bacteria from developing protective walls, restoring sexual health.

Who can take Cefixime with Azithromycin?

Make sure your doctor is aware if:

• You are allergic to cefixime, azithromycin or any of the ingredients contained in these medicines
• You are allergic to any other antibiotics
• You have kidney problems
• You have ever had colitis
• You are currently pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or think you might be pregnant
• You are currently breastfeeding
• You have any heart problems
• You have low blood levels of potassium or magnesium
• You are taking any other medication

This list is not exhaustive. Always read the patient information leaflet for a full list of reasons why it may be unsuitable for you to take this medication. If you are not sure, ask your doctor.

Can you buy Cefixime with Azithromycin over the counter?

Both medicines are only available on prescription and cannot be bought over the counter. If you believe you are suffering from gonorrhoea, you should either visit your doctor, local sexual health clinic or order a test kit from a registered pharmacy. If you test positive for this infection, you will be prescribed a suitable treatment.

Can you buy Cefixime with Azithromycin online in the UK?

If you have tested positive for gonorrhoea, you can buy Cefixime with Azithromycin online from Medicine Direct. However, to make sure this treatment option is suitable for you, you will first be required to complete a confidential online consultation. One of our certified doctors, pharmacists or prescribers will assess your answers and condition before approving the sale of this medication.

Next day delivery is available on orders placed by 2pm, so you can take this gonorrhoea treatment as soon as possible.

Medicine Direct is a fully regulated UK pharmacy. To ensure you only buy medicine that is genuine and safe, only order from regulated pharmacies like ours. Always check for the pharmacy registration sticker on a website.

Cefixime alternatives

Cefixime is the most commonly prescribed antibiotic medicine for treating gonorrhoea. However, you can successfully prevent catching this STI by taking simple precautions, including:

• Using a condom when you have a new sexual partner
• Avoiding shared use of sex toys, or covering them with a new condom and washing them after someone else has used them
• Using a condom when you have oral sex

If you have a new sexual partner, it is always a good idea to get tested for infections. There are a number of sexually transmitted infections that can be spread when sleeping with a new partner. Although your partner may be confident that they do not have a sexually transmitted infection, it is best to be sure by taking a test that can help identify multiple STI's, particularly infections that do not display symptoms.

Our research carried out in our UK STI check in 2020, found that 41% of people in the UK would not be confident at identifying the symptoms of an STI.

Cefixime with Azithromycin Dosage

Our pharmacists and prescribers follow NICE guidelines when prescribing Cefixime (Suprax) with Azithromycin, and always read the patient information leaflet thoroughly before you start to take it.

If you feel that the effects of the tablets are too strong or weak, you should speak to your doctor. Do not alter the dose yourself.

How to take Cefixime with Azithromycin

As a treatment for gonorrhoea, you will normally be prescribed a single dose of these medicines, which should be taken together. The usual dose is:

• Two Cefixime tablets
• Four Azithromycin tablets

If your doctor prescribes you a different dose, take the dose they have instructed you to take.

Swallow the tablets whole with a drink of water. Do not crush or chew them.

Take the medicine as soon as possible. If you are not sure how to take it, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

Cefixime Side Effects

You should stop taking this medicine and seek medical attention immediately if you have any of the following side effects:

• Flu-like symptoms, including fever
• Blistering of the skin
• Aching muscles, fever, chills or generally feeling unwell
• You get infections easier than before
• Bruising or bleeding more easily
• You have fits (convulsions)
• Feel confused or less alert
• Stiffness in muscles or movement
• Severe, watery diarrhoea

Always read the patient information leaflet supplied with Cefixime and the patient information leaflet supplied with Azithromycin for the full list of side effects associated with these medicines. 

Cefixime Warnings and Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor if you are already taking any other medicine before you start to use Cefixime and Azithromycin. Azithromycin can interact with other medicines. This includes both prescription and non-prescription medication, herbal remedies, vitamins and supplements.

Always read the patient information leaflet as Cefixime can interact with other medications.

In particular, let them know if you're taking any blood thinners, such as Warfarin.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

This treatment is not recommended for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, your doctor will assess the risk if this treatment is essential. 

Find out more information about taking Cefixime during pregnancy and breastfeeding and taking Azithromycin on the BUMPs website.

Cefixime and Azithromycin Ingredients

Azithromycin

The main active ingredient within this medicine is: Azithromycin dehydrate

For a full list of the inactive ingredients, please read the Summary of Product Characteristics.

Suprax (Cefixime)

The main active ingredient within this medicine is: Cefixime

For a full list of the inactive ingredients, please read the Summary of Product Characteristics.