What Is Suprax? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know in 2026

Suprax (cefixime) is a prescription antibiotic that belongs to the cephalosporin drug class — specifically the third generation, which means it has a broader spectrum of activity against gram-negative bacteria than older cephalosporins like cephalexin (Keflex). It's FDA-approved for adults and children six months and older with certain bacterial infections and has been used in the United States since its initial approval in 1986.

What Infections Does Suprax Treat?

Suprax is FDA-approved to treat the following bacterial infections in adults and children ≥6 months of age:

• Uncomplicated UTIs (urinary tract infections): Caused by E. coli and Proteus mirabilis. One of the most common reasons cefixime is prescribed in adults.
• Otitis media (middle ear infections): Caused by Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, and Streptococcus pyogenes. Often prescribed for children who haven't responded to amoxicillin.
• Pharyngitis and tonsillitis (strep throat): Caused by Streptococcus pyogenes. Note: Penicillin and amoxicillin remain the first-line treatments; cefixime is typically used when penicillin is not appropriate.
• Acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis (AECB): For patients with COPD or chronic bronchitis who develop a bacterial flare.
• Uncomplicated gonorrhea: Cervical or urethral infection caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Note: CDC now recommends ceftriaxone IM as preferred first-line treatment for gonorrhea.

Doctors also prescribe cefixime off-label for conditions including sinusitis (in combination with clindamycin), typhoid fever (including multidrug-resistant strains), and Shigella/Salmonella infections.

What Forms Does Suprax Come In?

Suprax (cefixime) is available in four oral formulations:

• Film-coated tablet: 400 mg — for adults and children over 12 years or weighing more than 45 kg
• Capsule: 400 mg — equivalent to the tablet for most adult indications
• Chewable tablets: 100 mg, 150 mg, or 200 mg — must be chewed before swallowing; preferred for otitis media in children
• Oral suspension: 100 mg/5 mL, 200 mg/5 mL, or 500 mg/5 mL — strawberry-flavored liquid for children or adults who can't swallow pills

What Is the Standard Dosage of Suprax?

Dosing depends on age, weight, and the infection being treated:

• Adults and children >12 years / >45 kg: 400 mg once daily, or 200 mg twice daily. For uncomplicated gonorrhea: 400 mg as a single one-time dose. Treatment duration varies by infection (typically 5–14 days).
• Children 6 months–12 years (≤45 kg): 8 mg/kg/day as a single daily dose or divided into two doses of 4 mg/kg every 12 hours. Maximum 400 mg/day.
• Renal impairment: Dose reduction required for creatinine clearance below 60 mL/min. Follow prescribing information guidelines for specific adjustments.

How to Take Suprax Correctly

Important administration notes:

• Can be taken with or without food (taking with food may reduce nausea)
• Capsules should be swallowed whole — do not crush or chew
• Chewable tablets must be chewed completely before swallowing
• Oral suspension should be shaken well before each dose. After reconstitution, can be stored at room temperature or refrigerated for up to 14 days — discard any unused portion after 14 days
• Complete the full course of treatment — even if you feel better after a few days. Stopping early can allow bacteria to survive and become resistant

Who Should NOT Take Suprax?

Do not take Suprax if you:

• Have a known allergy to cefixime or any cephalosporin antibiotic
• Have had a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to penicillin — cross-reactivity with cephalosporins may occur in up to 10% of patients
• Are under 6 months of age (safety not established)

Is Suprax the Same as Generic Cefixime?

Yes. Suprax is simply the brand name for cefixime. Generic cefixime contains the identical active ingredient at the same strength and is therapeutically equivalent. Generic is significantly less expensive — $14–$85 for generic vs. $150–$252+ for brand Suprax. Unless there's a specific clinical reason your doctor prescribes the brand, generic is the right choice.

What Does Suprax Cost, and How Do You Find It?

Generic cefixime costs $50–$85 at cash price, but drops to as low as $14 with a free discount card from SingleCare or GoodRx. With insurance, copays are typically $5–$30. Finding it in stock can take extra effort — use medfinder.com to search for pharmacies near you that currently have it in stock.

Want to understand how cefixime works at the molecular level? See: How Does Suprax Work? Mechanism of Action Explained