Cefditoren

Cefditoren is a prescription medication used to treat the many different types of bacterial infections that can cause bronchitis, tonsillitis, pneumonia, or skin infection. 

• Cefditoren is available under the following different brand names: Spectracef

Adult dosage

Tablet

• 200mg
• 400mg

Chronic Bronchitis

Adult dosage

• 400 mg orally every 12 hours for 10 days

Pneumonia

Adult dosage

• 400 mg orally every 12 hours for 14 days

Other Infections

Adult dosage

Pharyngitis, Tonsilitis, Uncomplicated Skin, and Skin Structure Infections

• 200 mg orally every 12 hours for 10 days

Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows: 

• See “Dosages”

Common side effects of Cefditoren include:

• diarrhea,
• headache, 
• nausea, 
• vomiting, 
• stomach pain or upset,
• constipation, 
• belching,
• dry mouth, 
• appetite changes,
• dizziness, 
• restlessness,
• hyperactivity, 
• muscle stiffness or tightness, 
• muscle pain, 
• white patches or sores inside the mouth or on the lips, 
• unusual or unpleasant taste in the mouth, 
• trouble sleeping (insomnia), strange dreams,
• runny or stuffy nose,
• itching or skin rash, 
• vaginal itching or discharge.

Serious side effects of Cefditoren include:

• severe stomach pain, 
• watery or bloody diarrhea;
• pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, fever, confusion, or weakness;
• a seizure (convulsions);
• fever, swollen glands, rash or itching, joint pain, or general ill feeling;
• swelling in the feet or ankles, feeling tired or short of breath;
• easy bruising or bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums); or
• severe skin reaction--fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling

Rare side effects of Cefditoren include:

• none 

This is not a complete list of side effects and other serious side effects or health problems that may occur as a result of the use of this drug. Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may report side effects or health problems to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

If your medical doctor is using this medicine to treat your pain, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, health care provider, or pharmacist first.

• Cefditoren has severe interactions with no other drugs
• Cefditoren has serious interactions with the following drugs
  • argatroban
  • BCG vaccine live
  • bivalirudin
  • cholera vaccine
  • dalteparin
  • enoxaparin
  • fondaparinux
  • heparin
• Cefditoren has moderate interactions with at least 26 other drugs.
• Cefditoren has minor interactions with the following drugs
  • chloramphenicol
  • choline magnesium trisalicylate
  • furosemide
  • rose hips
  • Willow bark

This information does not contain all possible interactions or adverse effects. Visit the RxList Drug Interaction Checker for any drug interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist about all your products. Keep a list of all your medications with you and share this information with your doctor and pharmacist. Check with your health care professional or doctor for additional medical advice, or if you have health questions or concerns.

Contraindications

• Documented hypersensitivity to the drug, penicillin, related compounds, or milk protein sodium caseinate; carnitine deficiency or inborn errors of metabolism that may result in clinically significant carnitine deficiency

Effects of drug abuse

• None

Short-Term Effects

• See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Cefditoren?”

Long-Term Effects

• See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Cefditoren?”

Cautions

• May cause diarrhea, nausea, and vaginal moniliasis (yeast infection); pseudomembranous colitis may occur; clinical manifestations of carnitine deficiency may occur with prolonged use; prolonged use may result in the emergence and overgrowth of resistant organisms; caution in breastfeeding

Pregnancy & Lactation

• May be acceptable during prega. 
• Lactation
  • excretion in milk unknown; use with caution