Cefixime (H 2 cefixi) reacts with transition metal(II) ions to give [M(cefixi)(H 2 O) 2 ] complexes (M = Mn, Co, Ni and Cd) and [Fe(cefixi)Cl(H 2 O)], which were characterized by physicochemical and spectroscopic methods, and an octahedral geometry is suggested for their structure. The complexes are polymers with high temperature decomposition points and are insoluble in water and common organic solvents. The complexes have been screened for antibacterial activity against several bacteria, and the results are compared with the activity of cefixime.