Cefpodoxime Is a Prescription Antibiotic Used to Treat Common Bacterial Infections

Cefpodoxime proxetil is a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic taken by mouth to treat bacterial infections of the ears, sinuses, lungs, urinary tract, throat, and skin.

Whether your doctor just prescribed it or you're researching your options, here's everything you need to know about cefpodoxime in 2026 — including what it treats, how to take it, who shouldn't use it, and how much it costs.

What Is Cefpodoxime?

Cefpodoxime proxetil is the generic name for the antibiotic formerly sold under the brand name Vantin. Vantin was originally manufactured by Pharmacia & Upjohn (now part of Pfizer), but the brand-name product has been discontinued. Today, cefpodoxime is available only as a generic, manufactured by companies including Sandoz, Aurobindo, Lupin, and Teva.

Key facts:

• Drug class: Third-generation cephalosporin (a type of beta-lactam antibiotic)
• How it works: Kills bacteria by preventing them from building cell walls. Learn more in our mechanism of action guide.
• Controlled substance: No — cefpodoxime is not a controlled substance
• Available forms: Tablets (100 mg, 200 mg) and oral suspension (50 mg/5 mL, 100 mg/5 mL)

What Is Cefpodoxime Used For?

Cefpodoxime is FDA-approved to treat the following bacterial infections:

• Acute otitis media (middle ear infection)
• Pharyngitis and tonsillitis (strep throat)
• Acute maxillary sinusitis (sinus infection)
• Community-acquired pneumonia
• Acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis
• Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (cystitis)
• Uncomplicated gonorrhea (cervical/urethral)
• Skin and skin structure infections (uncomplicated)

Cefpodoxime is also sometimes used off-label for mild-to-moderate kidney infections (pyelonephritis), dental infections, and as step-down therapy when a patient transitions from an IV antibiotic to an oral one.

How Is Cefpodoxime Taken?

Cefpodoxime comes as tablets and an oral liquid suspension. Here's what you need to know about taking it:

For Adults

• Typical dose: 100–400 mg every 12 hours, depending on the type of infection
• Duration: Usually 5–14 days, depending on the infection
• With food: Tablets should be taken with food to improve absorption

For Children (2 Months to 12 Years)

• Typical dose: 10 mg/kg/day, divided into two doses every 12 hours (maximum 200 mg per dose)
• Form: Oral suspension (liquid), available in 50 mg/5 mL and 100 mg/5 mL strengths
• Storage: Refrigerate the reconstituted suspension and discard after 14 days

For Kidney Disease

If your creatinine clearance is below 30 mL/min, your doctor will likely prescribe cefpodoxime every 24 hours instead of every 12 hours. Patients on hemodialysis should take cefpodoxime three times per week, after dialysis sessions.

Important: Always complete the full course of antibiotics, even if you feel better before it's done. Stopping early can lead to antibiotic resistance.

Who Should Not Take Cefpodoxime?

Do not take cefpodoxime if you:

• Have a known allergy to cefpodoxime or other cephalosporins
• Have a history of severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to any beta-lactam antibiotic, including penicillins or carbapenems

If you have a penicillin allergy, talk to your doctor. The cross-reactivity rate between penicillins and cephalosporins is low (about 1–2%), but your doctor needs to assess the risk. For more on what to watch for, see our guide to cefpodoxime side effects.

Cefpodoxime is Pregnancy Category B and is generally considered safe during pregnancy, though you should always discuss this with your doctor. It passes into breast milk in small amounts.

How Much Does Cefpodoxime Cost?

Because cefpodoxime is available as a generic, it's relatively affordable — especially compared to brand-name antibiotics. Here's what to expect:

• Without insurance: $50–$175 for a typical course of 14–20 tablets (200 mg)
• With discount cards: As low as $15–$30 using GoodRx, SingleCare, or similar coupons
• With insurance: Usually covered as a Tier 1 or Tier 2 generic. Most patients pay a low copay of $0–$20.

Cefpodoxime generally does not require prior authorization or step therapy. It's covered by most commercial plans, Medicare Part D, and Medicaid.

For more ways to save, check out our complete guide to cefpodoxime coupons and discounts.

Final Thoughts

Cefpodoxime is a widely used, effective antibiotic for common bacterial infections in both adults and children. It's affordable as a generic, covered by most insurance plans, and available in both tablet and liquid forms.

If you've been prescribed cefpodoxime and need help finding it at a pharmacy near you, search Medfinder to check real-time availability.