Cefpodoxime 200 mg: uses, price & cheaper substitutes
Prescription required (Schedule H1)
Common uses: Throat, tonsil, ear and sinus infections; Chest infections – bronchitis flare-ups and community-acquired pneumonia.
Listed MRPs range from ₹6.56 to ₹26.21 per tablet across 7 listings. Use only on a doctor's prescription.
Price comparison
| Brand | Manufacturer | Pack | MRP | ₹ / tablet | As on |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cefpodoxime Tablets IP 200 mgJan Aushadhi | Jan Aushadhi (PMBJP) | 10 | ₹65.63 | ₹6.56 | 19 October 2026 |
| Cepodem 200 | Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd | 10 | ₹210.94 | ₹21.09 | 19 October 2026 |
| Doxcef 200 | Lupin Ltd | 10 | ₹220.60 | ₹22.06 | 19 October 2026 |
| Gudcef 200 | Mankind Pharma Ltd | 10 | ₹224.66 | ₹22.47 | 19 October 2026 |
| Macpod 200 | Macleods Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd | 10 | ₹231.86 | ₹23.19 | 19 October 2026 |
| Monocef-O 200 | Aristo Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd | 10 | ₹235.00 | ₹23.50 | 19 October 2026 |
| Cefoprox 200 | Cipla Ltd | 10 | ₹262.11 | ₹26.21 | 19 October 2026 |
MRPs as printed/listed on the date shown; actual price may vary.
Uses
- Throat, tonsil, ear and sinus infections.
- Chest infections – bronchitis flare-ups and community-acquired pneumonia.
- Urinary tract infections.
- Skin and soft tissue infections.
- Typhoid fever in some cases, as decided by a doctor.
How to take it
Take one 200 mg tablet every 12 hours, usually twice a day, with food – food improves absorption of the tablet. Swallow it whole with water at the same times each day. Finish the full course your doctor prescribes even if you feel better after a few days. Keep antacids and acidity tablets well apart from the dose. See a doctor if you are not improving within a few days, or if you get watery or bloody diarrhoea, a rash, or swelling of the face. Cefpodoxime is a Schedule H1 antibiotic – the chemist must record your prescription.
Side effects
Common
- Nausea, vomiting or stomach pain.
- Diarrhoea.
- Headache.
- Vaginal itching or discharge (thrush).
Serious
Stop and get medical help urgently if you notice any of these.
- Severe allergic reaction – hives, wheezing, swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing.
- Watery or bloody diarrhoea with cramps or fever, during or up to 2 months after the course.
- Blistering or peeling skin.
- Signs the infection has returned after the course.
Safety information
Alcohol
No direct interaction is listed, but avoid alcohol while unwell; it worsens stomach upset and dehydration.
Pregnancy
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. It is used in pregnancy only when a doctor decides it is needed.
Kidney problems
Tell your doctor about kidney disease – the dose interval may need to be increased.
Liver problems
Tell your doctor about liver disease; no routine dose change is listed.
Children
Children usually get cefpodoxime syrup or a lower-strength or dispersible tablet dosed by weight; the 200 mg tablet is for adults and older children.
Missed dose
Take it when you remember unless the next dose is nearly due – then skip it. Do not take a double dose.
Interactions
- Antacids (Gelusil, Digene) and acidity medicines such as ranitidine, famotidine and pantoprazole – reduce absorption; space them apart and tell your doctor.
- Hormonal contraceptive pills – may be less effective during the course; use an extra method.
- Probenecid – raises cefpodoxime levels.
- Blood thinners such as warfarin – bleeding risk may change.
- Tell your doctor if you are allergic to penicillin or any cephalosporin before starting.
Frequently asked questions
What is Cepodem 200 used for?
Cepodem (cefpodoxime) is a cephalosporin antibiotic for throat, ear, sinus, chest, urinary and skin infections caused by bacteria. It does not treat viral fevers, colds or flu.
Cepodem 200 before or after food?
After food. The tablet is absorbed better with a meal. Take it every 12 hours with water.
Can I take Cepodem 200 with alcohol?
There is no direct interaction, but alcohol worsens nausea and dehydration and slows recovery, so avoid it during the course.
Monocef-O 200 vs Monocef injection – what is the difference?
Monocef-O is cefpodoxime tablets taken by mouth. Monocef injection is ceftriaxone, a different cephalosporin given in hospital. They are not interchangeable.
Why is Cepodem 200 a Schedule H1 drug?
Cefpodoxime is in Schedule H1 in India to curb antibiotic misuse. The chemist must keep a record of your prescription and cannot sell it without one.
Can I take Cepodem 200 if I am allergic to penicillin?
Tell your doctor. Some people allergic to penicillin also react to cephalosporins, especially after a severe reaction. Your doctor will decide.
Is Cepodem 200 safe in pregnancy?
It is used in pregnancy only when a doctor decides it is needed. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
How many days should I take Gudcef 200?
For the full course your doctor prescribes – commonly 5 to 10 days depending on the infection. Stopping early risks the infection coming back.
Sources
- MedlinePlus – Cefpodoxime (19 October 2026)
- NPPA Pharma Sahi Daam (ceiling prices) (19 October 2026)
- PMBI Jan Aushadhi Product & MRP List (19 October 2026)
Medyzen Editorial Team · Last updated
This page is general information, not medical advice. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without asking a doctor or pharmacist. Terms