Side Effects:

Common Nausea, Abdominal pain, Constipation, Flatulence, Diarrhoea.

Common Nausea, Diarrhoea, Allergic reaction.

Expert advice for EO Capsule
Inform your doctor if you do not feel better after taking it for 14 days as you may be suffering from some other problem that needs attention. Eo can decrease magnesium levels in blood. Get your magnesium levels checked regularly. You may need a magnesium supplement or need to discontinue your medicine.  Inform your doctor if you are suffering from osteoporosis as Eo can weaken your bones by decreasing calcium levels in blood. You may need a calcium supplement, preferably calcium citrate. Eo is a well-tolerated medicine and provides relief for a long time. It may take a few days to show its effect. You can take an antacid for a quick relief during this time unless your doctor has asked you not to use them. Once you start feeling better, do not stop taking your medicine. Take it for the duration as advised by your doctor

Expert advice for Cefixime
Your doctor has prescribed Cefixime to cure your infection and improve symptoms. Do not skip any doses and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better. Discontinue Cefixime and inform your doctor immediately if you get a rash, itchy skin, swelling of face and mouth, or have difficulty in breathing. Diarrhea may occur as a side effect but should stop when your course is complete. Inform your doctor if it doesn't stop or if you find blood in your stools. If you're on blood thinners, Cefixime can interact with your medications and increase your bleeding tendencies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can I take Eo with domperidone?
Eo can be safely taken with domperidone as no harmful effects have been reported clinically. A fixed-dose combination of these two medicines is also available. Domperidone works by increasing the gut motility and Rabeprazole decreases the acid production in the stomach. So, this combination is very effective in the treatment of reflux esophagitis associated with acidity, heartburn, intestinal and stomach ulcers.

Q. What are the various conditions in which the use of Eo is contraindicated?
Use of Eo is contraindicated if you are allergic to this medicine or any other medicine belonging to the same class of drugs. Also, do not take Eo if you are already taking a medicine containing nelfinavir (used for the treatment of HIV infection).

Q. What if I miss my dose of Eo?
If you miss a dose of Eo, take it as soon as you remember and the next dose as scheduled. However, if it is almost the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose and then follow the regular schedule. Do not take double the dose.

Q. Can I take Eo along with oral contraceptive pills (birth control pills)?
Eo can be safely taken with oral contraceptive pills (birth control). They do not affect each other's action and no harmful effects have been seen when they are used together.

Q. What is Eo?
Eo belongs to the group of medicines known as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). This drug decreases the acid production in your stomach and is indicated for the treatment of conditions caused by excess acid secretion in the stomach.

Q. Can Eo cause subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus?
Eo has been reported to cause subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus in many studies. Common signs and symptoms of this disease include painful joints, tiredness, weakness, rash, fever, anemia, mouth ulcers, hair loss, and many others and these may get aggravated again and again. Talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects as you may need to discontinue this medicine.

Q. Can I take Eo with ondansetron?
Ondansetron is an anti-emetic medicine which helps in relieving nausea (feeling sick) or vomiting. No harmful effects have been seen when Eo is used with ondansetron. So, these two medicines can be taken together.

Q. Can Eo cause lactose intolerance?
Lactose intolerance has been reported with the use of Eo in some patients. Many Eo preparations contain lactose as an ingredient. This is a digestive problem in which the patient cannot digest lactose, a type of sugar mainly found in milk and dairy products. The patient may complain of symptoms like flatulence (gas), diarrhea, bloating, stomach pain and feeling of being sick (nausea). Read the ingredients mentioned on the pack before taking the medicine.

Q. Can I take Eo with Vitamin E?
Eo can be taken with vitamin E. The combinations seems to have a beneficial effect in terms of better maintenance of moderate to severe esophagitis. However, there are not many studies or reports on this subject. Talk to your doctor for more information on this.

Q. Can I take Eo with levosulpiride?
Eo can be safely taken with levosulpiride as no harmful effects have been reported clinically. A fixed-dose combination of these two medicines is also available. Levosulpiride works by increasing the gut motility and Eo decreases the acid production in the stomach. So, this combination is very effective in the treatment of reflux esophagitis associated with acidity, heartburn, intestinal and stomach ulcers.

Q. Does Eo use increase the risk of clostridium difficile infection?
Use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) like Eo may be associated with an increased risk of Clostridium difficile–associated diarrhea (CDAD) as reported in few studies and informed by the US FDA as well. A possibility of CDAD can be there in patients taking PPIs and developed diarrhea that does not improve.

Q. Can Eo be used in cancer patients?
Eo can be taken by cancer patients as prescribed by a doctor. Since cancer patients may also take many other medicines for the primary cancer treatment or for other symptoms and infections, there are chances of drug interactions with Eo.

Q. For how long can Eo be taken?
Take Eo for as long as advised by your doctor. The duration of taking Eo would vary depending on your condition. Do not stop taking this medicine without talking to your doctor.

Q. Can Eo cause calcium deficiency and osteoporosis?
Eo can cause osteoporosis (thinning of bones) as it decreases the calcium absorption leading to calcium deficiency. This leads to an increased risk of bone fractures on long-term use, like hip, wrist or spine fractures. Inform your doctor if you have osteoporosis or if you are taking corticosteroids (these can increase the risk of osteoporosis) before starting your therapy. Take enough calcium and vitamin D to reduce the risk.

Q. What are the rare side effects of Eo?
Rare side effects seen with the use of Eo includes a decrease in white cells or platelets, allergic reactions, problems like blurred vision, wheezing, shortness of breath (bronchospasm), dry mouth, thrush, liver problems like jaundice, hair loss (alopecia), skin rash on exposure to sunshine, joint pains (arthralgia) or muscle pains (myalgia), severe kidney problems (interstitial nephritis), increased sweating and inflammation of the gut causing diarrhoea.

Q. How does Eo work?
Proton (acid) pumps are found on the stomach mucosa and they are responsible for secreting acid in the stomach. Eo works by blocking this gastric acid pump and this unique mechanism of action helps in decreasing the acid secretion in the stomach.

Q. Does Eo cause hepatitis B and can a patient of hepatitis take Eo?
Eo can rarely cause hepatitis with or without jaundice and very rarely it can lead to hepatic failure and encephalopathy in patients with the underlying liver disease. Eo does not cause hepatitis B or any other viral hepatitis. However, there are studies showing an increased occurrence of hepatic encephalopathy in hepatitis B patients using PPIs. These medicines should be used with caution in patients with the underlying liver disease.

Q. Does Eo increase chromogranin levels?
Use of proton pump inhibitors like Eo has been seen to be associated with an increase in chromogranin levels. This increase in chromogranin levels can be due to the effect of these drugs on enterochromaffin cells and this could also falsely increase the levels in patients with neuroendocrine tumours.

Q. Does Eo cause dementia?
Use of proton pump inhibitors like Eo has been recently linked with the development of dementia in elderly patients. As this risk of developing dementia is not confirmed, talk to your doctor for more information on this effect.

Q. Does Eo cause vitamin deficiencies?
Eo may cause vitamin B12 and vitamin C deficiency. When taken orally, vitamin B12 requires an acidic environment for its absorption from the stomach while Eo causes a decrease the gastric acid secretion. You may need to take vitamin B12 supplements from outside. The clinical significance of the decrease in vitamin C levels is not known, so vitamin C supplementation is not recommended.

Q. Does Eo have an expiry date?
Yes, Eo does expire. Please check the expiry date written on the pack and it refers to the last day of that month. Do not use Eo after the expiry date.

Q. What is the role of Eo before endoscopy in patients with gastrointestinal bleeding?
Eo before endoscopy in patients with gastrointestinal bleeding reduces the need for endoscopic therapy, the rate of post-endoscopy bleeding, and shortens hospital stays. Hence Eo is given before endoscopy in patients with gastrointestinal bleeding.

Q. Are there any withdrawal symptoms associated with the use of Eo?
There are no withdrawal symptoms seen when patients stop using Eo as it has no habit forming tendencies.

Q. Can Eo cause magnesium deficiency?
Eo can cause magnesium deficiency in the blood. Low magnesium levels is a rare side effect seen in patients treated with Eo for at least three months and in most cases after a year of therapy. The patient may have symptoms like tetany, arrhythmias, and seizures and may need to stop this medicine and take magnesium from outside. Magnesium levels should be tested at regular intervals in the patients taking Eo for a long duration.

Q. Is Eo a controlled substance?
Eo is not a controlled substance. It is available when prescribed by a doctor.

Q. Can Eo be used in cardiac patients?
Patients with cardiac disease can take Eo. However, Eo can interact with certain drugs (e.g clopidogrel, digoxin) which might be used by a patient with an underlying cardiac disease. Patients taking Eo and digoxin may need to be monitored for digoxin toxicity. Eo decreases the activation of clopidogrel, thus reducing its effects. Patients taking these medicines together needs to be monitored closely by a doctor.

Q. Can the use of Eo cause iron deficiency?
Use of Eo can cause iron deficiency and a decrease in hemoglobin levels as it decreases the acidic environment of the stomach needed for the absorption of iron. However, there are no recommendations on the regular monitoring of iron levels or taking iron supplements when the patient is taking Eo.

Q. Is Eo a narcotic substance?
Eo is a not a narcotic substance and has not been reported to have any abuse potential. Eo does not get you high and does not cause any addiction as no withdrawal symptoms have been reported when you stop taking this drug.

Q. Is Eo available without a prescription as an over the counter product?
Eo is a prescription medicine and you can buy this drug by providing a doctor's prescription. Eo is not available as an over the counter (OTC) product.

Q. How is Eo metabolised in the body?
Eo is metabolized in the liver by the cytochrome P450 enzymes mainly CYP2C19. There could be an increase in the level of Eo in patients with underlying liver disease because of a decrease in its metabolism. However, the amount of drug does not increase if given once a day.

Q. Can Eo be used in stroke patients?
Eo can be used in stroke patients. There are studies suggesting that proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) as a class are not associated with an increased short-term risk of recurrent stroke or death among older adults treated with clopidogrel after stroke.

Q. What is Cefixime and what is it used for?
Cefixime is a cephalosporin antibiotic used for treating many infections, for eg: infections of the ear, throat (e.g. tonsillitis, pharyngitis), chest and lungs (e.g. bronchitis, pneumonia) and urinary tract (e.g. cystitis and kidney infections).

Q. Is Cefixime used for diarrhea?
Cefixime has not been indicated for the treatment of diarrhea. Please talk to your doctor if you have diarrhea before taking any antibiotics.

Q. Is Cefixime a cephalosporin?
Yes, Cefixime belongs to a group of antibiotics called 'cephalosporins'.

Q. Is Cefixime safe for infants?
Safety of Cefixime in children less than 6 months of age (includes premature and newborn infants) has not been established. Please consult your doctor before starting any antibiotics in children.

Q. Is Cefixime a penicillin?
Cefixime is not a penicillin. It belongs to a different class of medicines known as cephalosporin and it works in a similar way as penicillins. However, they are different antibiotics. Please consult your doctor regarding their use.

Q. Does Cefixime cause diarrhea?
Diarrhea is a common side effect of Cefixime. Diarrhea has been more commonly associated with higher doses. Stop the medicine if you have severe watery diarrhea that will not stop and you are feeling weak and have a fever. immediately consult your doctor.

Q. Does Cefixime cause constipation?
Constipation has not been reported as a side effect with Cefixime. Please consult your doctor in case you experience constipation while taking Cefixime.

Q. Does Cefixime cure chlamydia?
Cefixime is not effective against chlamydia infections, so, it is not used for its treatment. Please consult your doctor if you have been diagnosed with a chlamydial infection.

Q. Does Cefixime contain penicillin?
Cefixime is a cephalosporin which has an action similar to penicillins but it does not contain any penicillin.

Q. Does Cefixime cover pseudomonas?
No, Cefixime is not active against pseudomonas. Most strains of pseudomonas are resistant to Cefixime. Please consult your doctor if you have pseudomonas infections for the appropriate antibiotic treatment.

Q. Does Cefixime contain sulfur?
No, Cefixime does not contain sulfur. Please check the package leaflet (patient information leaflet) before using any medicine for its contents.

Q. Does Cefixime cure syphilis?
Cefixime is not active against the bacteria (Treponema pallidum) which causes syphilis. So, it is not used for the treatment of syphilis. Please consult your doctor if you have signs and symptoms of syphilis.

Q. Does Cefixime cure gonorrhea?
Cefixime can be used to treat uncomplicated gonorrhea caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae (both penicillinase and non-penicillinase producing bacteria). However, always talk to your doctor if you have any infection as it should be diagnosed properly by a doctor before the start of antibiotics. Never take antibiotics yourself.

Q. Does Cefixime treat typhoid?
Cefixime is not indicated for the treatment of typhoid by the government regulatory authorities. However, Indian Academy of Pediatrics recommend the use of Cefixime in children for uncomplicated typhoid fever. It is hence, advisable that you must take the antibiotics for typhoid fever only when it is recommended by your doctor. Do not take antibiotics yourself.

Q. Does Cefixime affect birth control?
There is no evidence of cefexime affecting birth control (contraception). However, interactions may occur and Cefixime may affect the action of birth control pills. Please consult your doctor to confirm whether you require a extra birth control measure while taking Cefixime.

Q. Can I take Cefixime with azithromycin?
No interactions have been clinically observed between Cefixime and azithromycin. However, interactions may occur. Always consult with your doctor before taking two medicines together.

Q. Can I take Cefixime and doxycycline together?
No interactions have been clinically observed between Cefixime and doxycycline. However, interactions may occur. Always consult with your doctor before taking two medicines together.

Q. Can I take Cefixime with paracetamol?
No interactions have been clinically observed between Cefixime and paracetamol. However, interactions may occur. Always consult with your doctor before taking two medicines together.

Q. Can I take Cefixime with folic acid?
Folic acid can be taken with Cefixime as no drug-drug interactions have been clinically observed between them. However, interactions may occur. Please consult your doctor before taking the two medicines together.