Important Note

The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

CEFDITOREN - ORAL

(seff-dih-TOR-en)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Spectracef

Uses

Cefditoren is a cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat a variety of bacterial infections (e.g., respiratory infections, skin infections).

How To Use

Take this medication by mouth usually twice daily with meals, or as directed by your doctor. The dosage and length of treatment is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, take this drug at evenly spaced intervals. Continue to take this medication until the full-prescribed amount is finished even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow, which may result in a relapse of the infection. Inform your doctor if your condition does not improve in 10 days.

Side Effects

Diarrhea, headache, nausea, or vomiting may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: stomach/abdominal pain. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: persistent sore throat or fever, persistent diarrhea, blood in the urine (red or pink-colored urine), unusual weakness, yellowing eyes or skin, seizures. An allergic reaction to this drug in unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in a secondary infection (e.g., oral or vaginal fungal infection). Contact your doctor if you notice white patches in your mouth, a change in vaginal discharge or other new symptoms. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

This medication is not recommended for use if you have the following medical conditions: certain metabolic disorders (e.g., carnitine deficiency), allergy to milk protein (NOT lactose intolerance). Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: kidney problems, blood disorders, any allergies (especially to penicillin or cephalosporin antibiotics). Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this medication. It is not known if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication you may use, especially: other antibiotics, "blood thinners" (e.g., warfarin), antacids, anti- ulcer drugs (e.g., famotidine, ranitidine), probenecid. This product can affect the results of certain lab tests (e.g., blood glucose). Make sure laboratory personnel and your doctors know you use this drug. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe nausea and vomiting, seizures.

Notes

This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another infection unless told to do so by your doctor. A different medication may be necessary in those cases. Do not share this medication with others. Laboratory and/or medical tests may be performed to monitor your progress.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature (77 degrees F) away from light and moisture. Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted.