Last updated: February 24, 2026
What is the Drug Identified by NDC 00641-6228?
NDC 00641-6228 corresponds to Vantin (cefpodoxime proxetil) 200 mg tablets. It is an oral cephalosporin antibiotic indicated for the treatment of various bacterial infections, including respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, and skin infections.
Market Size and Demand Drivers
1. Market Overview
The cefpodoxime proxetil market globally is driven by antibiotic prescriptions for outpatient and inpatient settings. The antibiotic's broad-spectrum activity positions it as a preferred empiric therapy for community-acquired infections.
2. Prescription Trends
In the United States:
- Total antibiotic prescriptions in 2022: approximately 251 million.
- Cephalosporins accounted for roughly 10% of antibiotic prescriptions.
- Cefpodoxime prescriptions are estimated at around 5 million annually, representing a significant segment within oral cephalosporins.
Globally:
- The market is expanding due to rising bacterial infections, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
- Increasing antibiotic use correlates with antimicrobial resistance challenges.
3. Competitive Landscape
Major competitors include:
- Amoxicillin-clavulanate
- Cefuroxime
- Cefdinir
- Cefixime
The market's fragmentation is driven by regional prescribing patterns, generic availability, and formulary preferences.
4. Regulatory and Reimbursement Factors
- In the U.S., coverage depends on Medicare and private insurers.
- Many formulations are off-patent, driving generic adoption.
- The drug is included in guidelines for uncomplicated infections, supporting sustained demand.
Price Dynamics and Projections
1. Current Pricing Landscape
| Parameter |
Details |
| Average Wholesale Price (AWP) per 30 tablets |
$45 - $55 |
| Average Pharmacy Selling Price |
$40 - $50 |
| Typical insurance reimbursement |
$35 - $45 (vary by payer) |
| Typical patient co-pay (private plans) |
$10 - $20 |
2. Historical Price Trends
From 2018 to 2022 indicate a decline in generic cephalosporin prices due to increased competition. For cefpodoxime:
- Average price per 30 tablets: decreased from approximately $70 to current levels of $45-$55.
- Price erosion linked to multiple generic manufacturers entering the market.
3. Future Price Forecasts
Over the next five years:
- Prices are expected to stabilize due to patent expiration of branded formulations and increased generic competition.
- Generic prices likely to decline further by 10-15%, reaching approximately $35-$45 per 30 tablets by 2028.
- The price decline may slow if supply chain disruptions or regulatory hurdles limit market entry.
4. Factors Influencing Price Trends
- Increased generic market saturation will continue to suppress prices.
- Policy measures targeting antibiotic stewardship, such as restrictions on overprescribing, could impact demand but not necessarily prices.
- Manufacturing costs are unlikely to fluctuate significantly in the short term, maintaining downward pressure on retail prices.
Financial and Investment Implications
- Generic cefpodoxime is a low-margin segment; profit margins are tight.
- Companies investing in new formulations or delivery methods could command premium prices.
- Contract manufacturing opportunities could offer margins in line with current pricing levels.
Key Takeaways
- NDC 00641-6228 (cefpodoxime 200 mg) is a widely prescribed generic antibiotic with a mature market.
- Market size is driven by outpatient prescriptions for community-acquired infections.
- Prices are trending downward due to increased generic competition, stabilizing around $35-$55 per 30 tablets.
- Future price erosion of approximately 10-15% expected by 2028.
- Demand projections remain stable unless regulatory or antimicrobial resistance factors shift prescribing behaviors.
FAQs
1. How does the availability of generics influence the price of NDC 00641-6228?
The entry of multiple generic manufacturers drives prices downward due to increased competition, reducing profit margins for branded versions and lowering overall costs for providers and patients.
2. Are there regional variations in pricing?
Yes, prices differ significantly by country due to regulatory policies, procurement practices, and formulary preferences. In the U.S., prices are generally higher than in LMICs.
3. What is the impact of antimicrobial resistance on cefpodoxime demand?
Rising resistance could diminish effectiveness, leading to decreased prescribing or shifts toward newer or combination antibiotics, impacting market size more than price.
4. Could patent protections influence future pricing?
Cefpodoxime’s patents have expired or are close to expiration, limiting branded price premiums. Patent protections are unlikely to re-emerge significantly.
5. How might upcoming policy initiatives affect prices?
Policies promoting antibiotic stewardship and limiting overprescription could reduce demand. Conversely, efforts to reduce healthcare costs may sustain generic pricing.
References
- IQVIA. (2022). National Prescription Audit.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2022). Approved Drug Products.
- Evaluate Pharma. (2022). Antibiotics Market Forecast.
- CDC. (2021). Antimicrobial Resistance Data.
- GoodRX. (2023). Drug Price Listings.
