Cefpodoxime is a third-generation oral cephalosporin antibiotic developed in the late 1980s and introduced in the 1990s to offer a convenient alternative to injectable cephalosporins, targeting a broad spectrum of bacterial infections. It works by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis through binding to penicillin-binding proteins, leading to cell lysis, and is effective against many Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms, though less active against certain resistant strains like Pseudomonas or ESBL-producing bacteria. Its oral bioavailability, favorable safety profile, and once- or twice-daily dosing made it a key option for outpatient treatment of respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, skin infections, and other community-acquired infections. Over time, cefpodoxime became widely prescribed due to its balance of efficacy and convenience, reflecting the broader 1980s–1990s trend of developing antibiotics that combine broad-spectrum activity with practical oral administration, bridging the gap between hospital-based therapy and effective outpatient care.
