Comprehensive medication guide to Suprax including estimated pricing, availability information, side effects, and how to find it in stock at your local pharmacy.
Estimated Insurance Pricing
$5–$30 copay for generic cefixime on most commercial plans (Tier 2 preferred generic); Medicare Part D generally covers generic cefixime. Brand Suprax may be Tier 3 or require prior authorization on some plans.
Estimated Cash Pricing
$50–$85 retail for a standard course of generic cefixime (2 x 400 mg capsules); brand-name Suprax costs $150–$252+ cash. As low as $14.18 with a free SingleCare or GoodRx discount card for generic.
Medfinder Findability Score
55/100
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Suprax is the brand name for cefixime, a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic taken by mouth. It's FDA-approved for adults and children six months and older with specific bacterial infections, and has been used in the United States since its initial FDA approval in 1986. Brand-name Suprax was withdrawn from the US market in 2002 and reintroduced by Lupin Pharmaceuticals in 2004.
Suprax is FDA-approved to treat uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs), otitis media (ear infections), pharyngitis and tonsillitis (strep throat), acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis, and uncomplicated gonorrhea. Doctors also prescribe it off-label for sinusitis, typhoid fever, and Salmonella/Shigella infections.
Suprax is available as 400 mg film-coated tablets, 400 mg capsules, chewable tablets (100 mg, 150 mg, 200 mg), and a strawberry-flavored oral suspension (100 mg/5 mL, 200 mg/5 mL, or 500 mg/5 mL). The standard adult dose is 400 mg once daily or 200 mg twice daily for most infections. The pediatric dose is 8 mg/kg/day, with a maximum of 400 mg/day.
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Suprax works by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis. It irreversibly binds to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) — the enzymes bacteria use to cross-link the structural components of their cell walls. When PBPs are blocked, the bacterium cannot build or repair its cell wall, leading to structural failure and cell death. This mechanism is called bactericidal action.
As a third-generation cephalosporin, cefixime has an expanded spectrum of activity against gram-negative bacteria compared to first- and second-generation cephalosporins. This allows it to effectively treat infections caused by organisms like E. coli (UTIs), Haemophilus influenzae (ear infections), and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (gonorrhea) that are resistant to older cephalosporins.
Cefixime belongs to the broader beta-lactam antibiotic family (which includes penicillins). It is absorbed orally with approximately 40–50% bioavailability and is excreted primarily unchanged through the kidneys. This means dose adjustment is necessary in patients with renal impairment (creatinine clearance below 60 mL/min).
400 mg — tablet
Film-coated tablet for adults and children >12 years or >45 kg. Can be split and given as 200 mg twice daily.
400 mg — capsule
Capsule for adults and children >12 years or >45 kg. Swallow whole — do not crush or chew.
100 mg — chewable tablet
Chewable tablet for pediatric patients. Must be chewed completely before swallowing. Preferred for otitis media.
150 mg — chewable tablet
Chewable tablet for pediatric patients. Must be chewed completely before swallowing.
200 mg — chewable tablet
Chewable tablet for pediatric patients and some adult indications. Must be chewed completely before swallowing.
100 mg/5 mL — oral suspension
Strawberry-flavored oral suspension for pediatric patients and adults who cannot swallow pills. Shake well before each dose. Discard after 14 days.
200 mg/5 mL — oral suspension
Strawberry-flavored oral suspension, concentrated formulation. Shake well before each dose. Discard after 14 days.
500 mg/5 mL — oral suspension
Concentrated oral suspension for patients requiring higher-concentration dosing. Shake well before each dose.
As of 2026, Suprax (cefixime) is not listed on the FDA Drug Shortages database or the ASHP current shortage list — meaning there is no official nationwide shortage. However, many patients experience difficulty finding it at chain pharmacies. Generic cefixime is produced primarily by just two manufacturers (Lupin Pharmaceuticals and Aurobindo Pharma), creating supply chain vulnerability.
Large chain pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid) often do not routinely stock cefixime because it's prescribed less frequently than antibiotics like amoxicillin. Many locations order it on demand, creating 1–2 day delays. Independent pharmacies generally have better availability due to multiple wholesaler relationships. Hospital outpatient pharmacies may also have more reliable supply.
To find Suprax at a pharmacy near you, use medfinder. medfinder calls pharmacies near you to check which ones can fill your prescription and texts you the results — no hold music, no phone tree navigation.
Suprax (cefixime) is not a controlled substance and has no DEA scheduling. Any licensed healthcare prescriber can write a prescription for cefixime without special authority or monitoring requirements. The following provider types commonly prescribe cefixime:
Telehealth platforms (Teladoc, MDLive, Wisp, Nurx) can also evaluate and prescribe cefixime for uncomplicated UTIs, respiratory tract infections, and some STIs in most states, making it accessible without an in-person visit.
No. Suprax (cefixime) is not a controlled substance and has no DEA schedule. It is a prescription-only antibiotic, meaning you need a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider, but it does not have the special prescribing restrictions that apply to Schedule II–V medications like opioids, stimulants, or benzodiazepines.
Because cefixime is not scheduled, any licensed prescriber can write a prescription — including primary care physicians, pediatricians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and urgent care providers. Telehealth platforms can also prescribe cefixime in most states for eligible infections such as UTIs and respiratory tract infections. There are no refill limitations beyond what your prescribing clinician determines is clinically appropriate.
Most side effects of Suprax are gastrointestinal and occur in a minority of patients:
Serious side effects (seek immediate medical attention):
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Cefdinir (Omnicef)
Third-generation oral cephalosporin; commonly used for ear infections, strep throat, and skin infections. Generally well-stocked and widely available.
Cefpodoxime (Vantin)
Third-generation oral cephalosporin; most pharmacologically similar to cefixime. Approved for UTIs and respiratory infections. A common alternative when cefixime is unavailable.
Amoxicillin-clavulanate (Augmentin)
Beta-lactam/beta-lactamase inhibitor combination; broad spectrum, first-line for many of the same indications including ear infections, strep throat, and bronchitis.
Nitrofurantoin (Macrobid)
First-line option for uncomplicated UTIs; excellent E. coli activity, widely stocked, inexpensive. Not appropriate for kidney infections or pyelonephritis.
Ceftriaxone (Rocephin)
Injectable (IM) third-generation cephalosporin; CDC-preferred first-line for gonorrhea (500 mg IM single dose). Not oral — requires clinic or urgent care administration.
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Warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven)
majorCefixime increases the anticoagulant effect of warfarin, raising INR and bleeding risk. Monitor INR frequently during concurrent use and adjust warfarin dose as needed.
Carbamazepine (Tegretol, Carbatrol)
majorElevated carbamazepine blood levels reported with concurrent cefixime use. Monitor carbamazepine levels — toxicity can cause dizziness, double vision, nausea, and seizures.
BCG vaccine (live)
majorContraindicated — cefixime may inactivate the live bacterial vaccine. Wait until antibiotic course is complete before vaccination.
Typhoid vaccine (live, oral)
majorContraindicated — cefixime is active against vaccine strain. Wait until antibiotic course is complete.
Probenecid
moderateDecreases renal excretion of cefixime, increasing cefixime blood levels. May increase risk of GI side effects.
Aminoglycosides (amikacin, gentamicin)
moderateCephalosporins may increase nephrotoxic effects of aminoglycosides. Monitor renal function if both are required.
Cholera vaccine (oral, live)
majorAvoid coadministration — antibiotics may be active against the vaccine strain. Separate administration.
Suprax (cefixime) is a well-established third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic with FDA-approved indications for UTIs, ear infections, strep throat, bronchitis exacerbations, and gonorrhea. It's particularly valuable for patients with penicillin allergy or those who need coverage for gram-negative pathogens. Generic cefixime is therapeutically equivalent to brand Suprax and dramatically cheaper.
The main challenge with cefixime in 2026 is not efficacy — it's finding it in stock. Limited manufacturers and low stocking priority at chain pharmacies mean patients sometimes need to call multiple locations or wait a day for their pharmacy to order it. Independent pharmacies typically have better availability.
If you're struggling to find Suprax in stock, medfinder can help. medfinder calls pharmacies near you to find which ones can fill your prescription and texts you the results. When price is a concern, always use a free discount card from SingleCare or GoodRx — generic cefixime can cost as little as $14.18 per course.
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Our medication guides are researched and written to help patients make informed decisions. All content is reviewed for accuracy and updated regularly. Learn more about our standards
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