Cef 3 is a potent, third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic containing Cefixime. It is widely used to treat a broad range of bacterial infections by inhibiting the synthesis of the bacterial cell wall, leading to the destruction of the pathogen. Produced by Square Pharmaceuticals PLC., Cef 3 is one of the most trusted antibiotics in Bangladesh for both respiratory and urinary tract infections. This guide provides updated clinical and pricing details for the first half of 2026.
What is Cef 3 Used For?
Cef 3 is indicated for the treatment of several types of infections caused by susceptible bacteria:
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Respiratory Tract Infections: Including acute bronchitis, pneumonia, and acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis.
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ENT Infections: Effective against otitis media (middle ear infection), sinusitis, pharyngitis, and tonsillitis.
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Urinary Tract Infections (UTI): Treating both complicated and uncomplicated infections of the bladder and kidneys.
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Typhoid Fever: Often used as a primary oral treatment for multi-drug resistant typhoid fever in both children and adults.
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Gonorrhea: Uncomplicated urethral or cervical infections.
Crucial Note: Cef 3 is an antibiotic and only treats bacterial infections. It will not work for viral infections such as the common cold or flu. Overusing antibiotics when not needed can lead to antibiotic resistance.
For a comprehensive look at the antimicrobial spectrum and pharmacology of this drug, you can review the clinical profile of Cefixime on DrugBank.
Dosage
For optimal results, the dosage must be completed exactly as prescribed by a doctor:
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Adults & Children (>12 years): The standard dose is 400 mg daily, either as a single dose or divided into two 200 mg doses every 12 hours.
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Typhoid Fever: A higher dose (e.g., 20 mg/kg/day) for 10–14 days is often required.
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Administration: Can be taken with or without food. Taking it with a meal may help reduce potential stomach upset.
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Course Completion: Always finish the entire course of antibiotics, even if you feel better after a few days, to prevent the infection from returning.
Common Side Effects
While Cef 3 is generally well-tolerated, some users may experience:
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Gastrointestinal: Diarrhea (most common), nausea, abdominal pain, or indigestion.
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Hypersensitivity: Skin rashes, itching, or hives.
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Central Nervous System: Occasional headache or dizziness.
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Safety Tip: If you develop severe, watery, or bloody diarrhea, stop taking the medication and contact your doctor immediately, as this could be a sign of a serious secondary infection.
Important Warnings & Precautions
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Penicillin Allergy: If you are allergic to Penicillin, inform your doctor, as there is a risk of “cross-reactivity” with Cephalosporins.
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Kidney Health: Patients with significant kidney impairment may require a dose adjustment.
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Long-term Use: Prolonged use may result in an overgrowth of non-susceptible organisms (superinfection) like yeast.
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Pregnancy/Breastfeeding: Generally considered safe (Category B), but should only be used if clearly needed and prescribed by a physician.
Cef 3 vs. Monas 10: Key Differences
While both Cef-3 and Zimax 500 are potent antibiotics manufactured by Square Pharmaceuticals, they belong to completely different chemical classes and work in different ways.
| Feature | Cef-3 (Cefixime) | Zimax 500 (Azithromycin) |
| Drug Class | 3rd Gen Cephalosporin | Macrolide (Azalide) |
| Action | Bactericidal (Kills bacteria) | Bacteriostatic (Stops growth) |
| Common Uses | UTIs, Typhoid, Ear infections | Throat/Skin infections, Pneumonia |
| Duration | Usually 7–14 days | Usually 3–5 days |
| Frequency | 1 or 2 times daily | Once daily (OD) |
| Food Rule | Can be taken with or without food | Best 1 hour before or 2 hours after food |
Cef 3 Price (January 2026 Update)
Pricing for the Square Pharmaceuticals PLC’ Cef 3 range is standardized for the H1 2026 period.
| Product Name | Strength | Unit Price (BDT) | Strip Price |
| Cef 3 Capsule | 400 mg | ৳45.00 | ৳270.00 (6 Caps) |
| Cef 3 Capsule | 200 mg | ৳25.00 | ৳250.00 (10 Caps) |
| Cef 3 DS Syrup | 100mg/5ml | ৳210.00 | 50 ml Bottle |
| Cef 3 Paed. Drops | 25mg/ml | ৳85.00 | 20 ml Bottle |
Top 10 Alternative Brands & Prices
If Cef 3 is unavailable, these are the top-rated Cefixime alternatives in Bangladesh as of early 2026.
| Brand Name | Manufacturer | Strength | Price (Unit) |
| Cef-3 | Square Pharmaceuticals | 200 mg | ৳45.00 |
| Orcef | Renata Limited | 200 mg | ৳31.50 |
| Denvar | Healthcare Pharma | 200 mg | ৳33.25 |
| Emixef | Incepta Pharmaceuticals | 200 mg | ৳35.00 |
| Afix | Aristopharma Ltd. | 200 mg | ৳45.00 |
| Cefim-3 | ACI Limited | 200 mg | ৳45.00 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Cef 3
1. What is the current Cef 3 400 mg price in Bangladesh?
As of January 2026, the retail price for Cef 3 400 mg is ৳45.00 per capsule. A pack of 6 capsules typically costs ৳270.00.
2. What is Cef 3 used for?
It is used to treat bacterial infections of the ears, throat, lungs, and urinary tract. It is also a leading treatment for typhoid fever and certain sexually transmitted infections.
3. What are the common side effects of Cef 3?
The most common side effect is diarrhea. Other effects include nausea, stomach pain, and occasional headaches.
4. Is Cef 3 safe during pregnancy?
Cef 3 is generally considered safe (Pregnancy Category B), as studies haven’t shown risk to the fetus. However, it should only be taken if prescribed by a doctor.
5. Can Cef 3 cure a viral cold or cough?
No. Cef 3 is an antibiotic and only works against bacteria. It has no effect on viruses like those that cause the common cold, flu, or COVID-19.
6. Can I stop taking Cef 3 when my fever goes away?
No. You must complete the full course (usually 5–14 days) even if you feel better. Stopping early can allow the remaining bacteria to multiply and become resistant to the drug.
7. Does Cef 3 cause stomach upset?
Yes, it can. To minimize this, it is often recommended to take the capsule with a meal or plenty of water.
8. What should I do if I miss a dose?
Take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one. Do not double the dose to catch up.
9. Can I take Cef 3 if I’m allergic to Penicillin?
You must inform your doctor. While many people with a mild penicillin allergy can take Cefixime, those with a history of severe reactions (like anaphylaxis) may need to avoid it.
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes based on January 2026 data. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified physician before starting or switching any antibiotic treatment.
