Three galenic formulations of cefixime (tablet, syrup and dry suspension) containing 200 mg each were compared with respect to their relative bioavailability in twelve healthy volunteers. All three formulations showed reliable absorption. Mean peak plasma concentrations were reached after 3.3-3.5 h, mean terminal half lives were 2.9-3.1 h. 18-24% of the dose administered were recovered unchanged in the urine. Best bioavailability was obtained with the dry suspension (AUC0-infinity = 25.8 +/- 7.0 micrograms/ml h; Cmax = 3.4 +/- 0.9 microgram/ml), followed by the tablet (AUC0-infinity = 20.9 +/- 8.1 micrograms/ml h; Cmax = 3.0 +/- 1.0 micrograms/ml) and the syrup which is based on triglycerides (AUC0-infinity = 17.8 +/- 5.9 micrograms/ml h; Cmax = 2.4 +/- 0.7 micrograms/ml). The statistical analysis resulted in bioinequivalence between dry suspension and syrup. It is concluded that best bioavailability of cefixime after oral administration is guaranteed when taken in an "aqueous medium" either as dry suspension or as tablet with "plenty of liquid".