Cefspan Capsule Side Effects in Pakistan

Cefspan (Cefixime) side effects — a complete guide. From common effects to serious warnings — everything you need to know is on this page.

Compiled by the PakVita Editorial Team · AI-assisted drafting with editorial review · Sourced from DRAP, WHO, BNF · Last updated: 2026-04-28

Side Effects

Quick Answer

Common side effects of Cefspan (Cefixime) include diarrhoea, nausea, and stomach pain. Serious effects such as severe allergic reaction, C. difficile colitis, and jaundice require immediate medical attention. Most patients tolerate Cefspan well when taken at the correct dose and for the prescribed duration.

Side Effects at a Glance

Common

Diarrhoea (Dast)
Nausea (Matli)
Stomach pain or cramps
Headache (Sar dard)
Flatulence or bloating (Gas)

Serious — See a Doctor

Severe allergic reaction — hives, facial swelling, difficulty breathing (anaphylaxis)
Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhoea — bloody, watery, persistent diarrhoea
Jaundice — yellow eyes or skin, dark urine (hepatotoxicity)
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome — severe skin blistering and peeling (very rare)
Seizures (Mirgi jaisi kaifiyat) — rare, especially in renal patients

When to See a Doctor Immediately

Diarrhoea lasting more than 2 days or if blood/mucus is present
Skin rash, facial or lip swelling, difficulty breathing
Yellow eyes or skin (jaundice sign)
Severe stomach cramps or high fever
Convulsions or loss of consciousness

Cefspan Capsule Side Effects (Nuksanat)

Cefspan (Cefixime 400mg) is generally safe when taken at the correct dose for the prescribed duration. However, like all antibiotics, it can cause side effects in some patients.

Common Side Effects (Aam Nuksanat)

Diarrhoea (Dast)
Nausea (Matli)
Stomach pain or cramps
Headache (Sar dard)
Flatulence or bloating (Gas)

These side effects are usually mild and resolve within a few days. Inform your doctor if they persist.

Serious Side Effects (Sanjeedah Nuksanat)

Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) — rash, lip/face swelling, breathing difficulty — see a doctor immediately
Clostridium difficile colitis — watery/bloody diarrhoea — see a doctor immediately
Jaundice — yellow eyes/skin, dark urine — see a doctor immediately
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome — severe skin blistering — go to the emergency immediately

When to See a Doctor (Kab Doctor Se Milna Zaroori Hai)

Diarrhoea lasting more than 2 days or if blood/mucus is present
Skin rash, facial or lip swelling, difficulty breathing
Yellow eyes or skin (jaundice)
Severe stomach cramps or high fever during treatment
Convulsions or loss of consciousness

Warnings and Precautions (Ihtiyat)

Don't use Cefspan if you are allergic to Cefixime or any cephalosporin
Patients with a severe penicillin allergy history may have cross-reactivity
Dose adjustment is necessary for kidney patients

Side Effects Summary Table

Type	Side Effect	Action
Common	Diarrhoea (Dast)	Take probiotics, stay hydrated
Common	Nausea (Matli)	Take with food
Common	Stomach pain	Monitor
Serious	Severe allergic reaction	Go to the emergency immediately
Serious	C. diff colitis (bloody dast)	See a doctor immediately
Serious	Jaundice	See a doctor immediately

Reporting Side Effects

If you notice any unexpected side effect, report it on the DRAP pharmacovigilance portal: https://www.dra.gov.pk/pharmacovigilance

The information in this guide is for educational purposes only. If you notice any side effect, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common side effects of Cefspan?

The most commonly reported side effects of Cefspan include diarrhoea, nausea, and stomach pain. These are usually mild and resolve on their own. Inform your doctor if they persist beyond a few days.

Can Cefspan cause allergic reactions?

Yes, Cefspan can cause allergic reactions. Signs include rash, itching, swelling of the face or throat, or difficulty breathing. Stop the medicine and go to the nearest emergency if this happens.

Is Cefspan safe to take for a long time?

Cefspan is not meant for long-term use. Prolonged antibiotic use can cause C. difficile infection and increase antibiotic resistance. Your doctor will prescribe only the required course duration.

What should I do if I experience side effects from Cefspan?

For mild side effects like diarrhoea or nausea, inform your pharmacist — probiotics may help. For serious effects such as severe diarrhoea with blood or signs of allergy, stop the medicine and contact your doctor immediately.

Does Cefspan affect the liver or kidneys?

Cefspan can occasionally cause elevated liver enzymes. In patients with kidney disease, dose adjustment is needed as Cefixime is excreted by the kidneys. Your doctor will monitor based on your test results.

Brand alternatives, same-class options, and other medicines used for the same conditions as Cefspan Capsule.

Brand alternatives

Other Cefixime brands available in Pakistan.

All brands →

Other antibiotics

Sibling medicines in the Antibiotics class.

All in class →

Sources

DRAP Registered Products Database — Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan
WHO Model List of Essential Medicines, 23rd ed. (2023) — World Health Organization
British National Formulary (BNF) — BMJ Group & Pharmaceutical Press

Medical disclaimer

This page is for educational use only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always confirm diagnosis, dose, and interactions with a qualified doctor or pharmacist before starting or changing any medicine.