The active substance of Cefix, cefixime, is a 3rd generation cephalosporin antibiotic for oral administration exerting bactericide action on a wide range of bacteria, particularly on gram-negative flora. All around the world Cefixime proved to be an effective antibiotic for the treatment of infections of urinary tract, gastrointestinal tract (intestinal infections) and other infections, predominantly induced by gram-negative flora. The pharmaceutical form of this product is represented in the form of dry suspension or capsules which enables to administer Cefix to children over 6 months as well as to adult patients. A single daily dosing increases the adherence of patients to the indicated therapy as well as efficacy of the therapy accordingly.

The active substance of Cefodox, Cefpodoxime proxetil, is a brand new molecule for Ukraine. Cefpodoxime proxetil is a prodrug which is converted to Cefpodoxime and becomes an active antibiotic only in the wall of the small intestine, therefore Cefodox almost does not affect the intestinal flora what is that important for the patients inclined to the development of intestinal dysbacteriosis. Due to wide range of therapeutic indications of Cefpodoxime, high performance against gram-negative flora, bactericide action and high level of safety, it is mostly advisable to use Cefodox in the treatment of ENT and other respiratory tract infections (incl. pneumonias).

The particularity of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics determines the expediency of use of Cefix and Cefodox in the schemes of stepdown therapy of different infections started with intravenous 3rd generation cephalosporins, i.e. after 2-3 days of the use of intravenous antibiotic and in case the patient’s state is improved the intravenous form is substituted for oral cephalosporins of the same generation (e.g. conversion from ceftriaxone or cefotaxime to Cefix or Cefodox). The application of stepdown therapy enables not only to reduce the duration of psychotraumatic pain syndrome and post-injection complications, but also to reduce the patient’s medical costs.