Cefpodoxime - utility in respiratory tract infections and typhoid fever.

Cefpodoxime is a oral third generation cephalosporin active against most of gram positive and gram negative bacteria except Pseudomonas, B. fragilis and Entrococcous. Clinical studies have confirmed efficacy of cefpodoxime in acute otitis media, sinusitis and tosillopharyngitis. Twice daily administration and safety profile increases compliance and decreases failure rate. It has a role as switch over therapy from intravenous ceftriaxone in serious respiratory tract infections (RTIs). In areas where common respiratory pathogens show decreased sensitivity to penicillins and macrolides cefpodoxime can be used as empirical first line therapy in respiratory tract infections. It seems to be a promising molecule in pediatric typhoid fever because of its excellent activity against Salmonella species but clinical trials are limited.