Comprehensive medication guide to Cefpodoxime including estimated pricing, availability information, side effects, and how to find it in stock at your local pharmacy.
Estimated Insurance Pricing
$0–$15 copay; Tier 1–2 generic on most plans.
Estimated Cash Pricing
$53–$174 retail; as low as $15–$30 with GoodRx or SingleCare coupons.
Medfinder Findability Score
82/100
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Cefpodoxime (brand name Vantin, now discontinued) is a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections. It is FDA-approved for acute otitis media (ear infections), pharyngitis, tonsillitis, community-acquired pneumonia, acute bronchitis exacerbations, sinusitis, uncomplicated urinary tract infections, uncomplicated gonorrhea, and skin infections. It is available as a generic medication from several manufacturers including Sandoz, Aurobindo, Lupin, and Teva. Cefpodoxime is commonly prescribed for both adults and children and is considered a reliable option when first-line antibiotics like amoxicillin are not appropriate.
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Cefpodoxime proxetil is a prodrug — it is absorbed in the intestines and converted to its active form, cefpodoxime. Once active, it works by binding to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) on bacterial cell walls. This inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis, causing the bacteria to lyse (burst) and die. As a third-generation cephalosporin, cefpodoxime has strong activity against many gram-negative bacteria while retaining useful gram-positive coverage. Tablets should be taken with food to maximize absorption.
Tablets
100 mg, 200 mg
Oral suspension (granules for reconstitution) — suspension
50 mg/5 mL, 100 mg/5 mL
Cefpodoxime earns a findability score of 82 out of 100, meaning it is generally available at most pharmacies in tablet form. However, the oral suspension (liquid form used primarily for children) has been on the ASHP drug shortage list intermittently since 2018, with ongoing supply issues driven by limited manufacturers and supply chain disruptions. If you need cefpodoxime tablets, you should have little trouble finding them. If you need the oral suspension, you may need to call around or use Medfinder to locate a pharmacy that has it in stock.
Cefpodoxime is commonly prescribed by a wide range of healthcare providers, including:
Cefpodoxime is also available through telehealth appointments, making it convenient to get a prescription without an in-person visit.
No. Cefpodoxime is not a controlled substance and has no DEA scheduling. It is a prescription antibiotic with no potential for abuse or dependence. You will need a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider to obtain it, but there are no additional regulatory restrictions beyond a standard prescription.
Most side effects of cefpodoxime are mild and temporary. Common side effects include:
Serious but rare side effects include Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea (severe watery diarrhea), severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), Stevens-Johnson syndrome, seizures (especially with kidney impairment), and hemolytic anemia. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience severe diarrhea, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or a widespread rash.
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Cefdinir (Omnicef)
Another third-generation oral cephalosporin with a similar spectrum of activity and convenient once- or twice-daily dosing
Cefixime (Suprax)
A third-generation cephalosporin with once-daily dosing, commonly used for UTIs and gonorrhea
Cefuroxime axetil (Ceftin)
A second-generation oral cephalosporin with broader gram-positive coverage
Amoxicillin-clavulanate (Augmentin)
A beta-lactam/beta-lactamase inhibitor combination that is first-line for many of the same indications as cefpodoxime
Prefer Cefpodoxime? We can find it.
Probenecid
moderateIncreases cefpodoxime blood levels by reducing kidney excretion; dose adjustment may be needed
Antacids (aluminum/magnesium)
moderateDecrease cefpodoxime absorption; take cefpodoxime at least 2 hours before or after antacids
H2 blockers (famotidine, ranitidine)
moderateMay reduce absorption of cefpodoxime
Aminoglycosides
moderateIncreased risk of kidney toxicity when combined
Loop diuretics (furosemide)
moderateIncreased risk of kidney toxicity
Warfarin
moderateMay enhance the blood-thinning effect; INR monitoring is recommended
Cefpodoxime is a well-established, effective third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic that treats a broad range of bacterial infections in both adults and children. The tablet form is widely available and affordable, especially with discount cards that can bring the price down to as low as $15–$30 per course. The oral suspension for children has faced intermittent shortages, so if you need the liquid form, use Medfinder to quickly locate a pharmacy that has it in stock. With solid insurance coverage, low cost, and broad availability, cefpodoxime remains a reliable antibiotic option in 2026.
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