Cefditoren tablets

What are cefditoren tablets?

CEFDITOREN (Spectracef®) is a cephalosporin antibiotic. It is used to treat bronchitis, pharyngitis, tonsilitis, and infections of the skin. Cefditoren may also be used to treat sinus infections. Generic cefditoren tablets are not yet available.

What should my health care professional know before I take cefditoren?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• allergy to milk proteins (not lactose intolerant)

• bleeding problems

• carnitine deficiency

• kidney or liver disease

• stomach or intestinal problems (especially colitis)

• other chronic illness

• an unusual or allergic reaction to cefditoren, other cephalosporin antibiotics, penicillin, penicillamine, other medicines, foods, dyes or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?

Take cefditoren tablets by mouth with food. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Finish the full course prescribed by your prescriber or health care professional even if you think your condition is better. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with cefditoren?

• antacids, including aluminum and magnesium salts

• probenecid

• stomach or ulcer drugs such as nizatidine (Axid®), cimetidine (Tagamet®), famotidine (Pepcid®), or ranitidine (Zantac®)

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking cefditoren?

Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms do not begin to improve in a few days.

If you are diabetic you may get a false-positive result for sugar in your urine. Check with your prescriber or health care professional before you change your diet or the dose of your diabetic medicine.

If you get severe or watery diarrhea, do not treat yourself. Call your prescriber or health care professional for advice.

What side effects may I notice from taking cefditoren?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• difficulty breathing, wheezing

• fever or chills, sore throat

• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

• severe or watery diarrhea

• skin rash, itching

• stomach pain or cramps

• unusual bleeding or bruising

• vaginal yeast infection

• vomiting

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• change in appetite

• constipation or diarrhea

• dry mouth

• gas or heartburn

• headache

• insomnia

• loss of appetite

• nausea

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.