Ceftibuten

What is the most important information I should know about ceftibuten?

Take all of the ceftibuten that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated.

Take ceftibuten on an empty stomach 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Taking ceftibuten with food decreases the effectiveness of the medication.

What is ceftibuten?

Ceftibuten is an antibiotic in a class of drugs called cephalosporins. Ceftibuten fights bacteria in the body.

Ceftibuten is used to treat many different types of bacterial infections such as bronchitis, tonsillitis, and otitis (ear infection).

Ceftibuten may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking ceftibuten?

Do not take ceftibuten if you have ever had an allergic reaction to another cephalosporin or to a penicillin unless your doctor is aware of the allergy and monitors your therapy.

Before taking ceftibuten, tell your doctor if you have

• kidney disease, or
• a gastrointestinal (digestive) disease such as colitis.

You may not be able to take ceftibuten, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have either of the conditions listed above.

The ceftibuten (Cedax) suspension contains sucrose. Individuals with diabetes may need to be aware of the sucrose contained in this suspension.

Ceftibuten is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is unlikely to harm an unborn baby. Do not, however, take ceftibuten without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

It is not known whether ceftibuten passes into breast milk. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take ceftibuten?

Take this medication exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take each dose with a full glass of water.

Take ceftibuten on an empty stomach 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Taking ceftibuten with food decreases the effectiveness of the medication.

To ensure that you get the correct dose, measure the liquid form of ceftibuten with a dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one. Shake the suspension well before measuring a dose.

Take cefaclor s at evenly spaced intervals to keep a constant level of drug in the body.

Take all of the ceftibuten that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated.

Do not take ceftibuten at the same time as antacids (e.g., Tums, Maalox, Rolaids, others) or other medications taken to reduce stomach acid such as cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB, others), famotidine (Pepcid, Pepcid AC, Pepcid RPD, others), ranitidine(Zantac, others), or nizatidine (Axid, others) unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Antacids and stomach acid reducers may reduce the effects of the medication.

Store the capsules at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Store the suspension in the refrigerator. Throw away any unused medication after 14 days.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, then try to evenly space the rest of the doses for that day until you can return to a normal schedule. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of a ceftibuten overdose may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps.

What should I avoid while taking ceftibuten?

Do not take ceftibuten at the same time as antacids (e.g., Tums, Maalox, Rolaids, others) or other medications taken to reduce stomach acid such as cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB, others), famotidine (Pepcid, Pepcid AC, Pepcid RPD, others), ranitidine(Zantac, others), or nizatidine (Axid, others) unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Antacids and stomach acid reducers may reduce the effects of the medication.

What are the possible side effects of ceftibuten?

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking ceftibuten and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:

• an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, face, or tongue; hives; or a rash);
• rash, redness, or itching;
• severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea;
• mucous or blood in the stool; or
• unusual bleeding or bruising.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take ceftibuten and talk to your doctor if you experience

• mild nausea or diarrhea, or
• a yeast infection of the mouth or vagina.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect ceftibuten?

Do not take ceftibuten at the same time as antacids (e.g., Tums, Maalox, Rolaids, others) or other medications taken to reduce stomach acid such as cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB, others), famotidine (Pepcid, Pepcid AC, Pepcid RPD, others), ranitidine(Zantac, others), or nizatidine (Axid, others) unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Antacids and stomach acid reducers may reduce the effects of the medication.

Before taking ceftibuten, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines

• probenecid (Benemid);
• a loop diuretic (water pill) such as furosemide, bumetanide (Bumex), torsemide (Demadex), or ethacrynic acid (Edecrin);
• warfarin (Coumadin); or
• another antibiotic.

You may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with ceftibuten. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist has additional information about ceftibuten written for health professionals that you may read.

What does my medication look like?

Ceftibuten is available with a prescription under the brand name Cedax. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.

• Cedax 400 mg--opaque, white capsules
• Cedax Suspension 90 mg per 5 mL (1 teaspoon)--off-white to cream colored suspension
• Cedax Suspension 180 mg per 5 mL (1 teaspoon)--off-white to cream-colored suspension

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

Copyright 1996-2003 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 4.03. Revision date: 2/13/04.