What is Ceftaroline?
Ceftaroline, a cephalosporin (SEF is low-spore) antibiotic, is used for treating skin infections in adults and infants. Ceftaroline can also be used to treat bacterial pneumonia in children and adults 2 months and older. Ceftaroline can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Ceftaroline
If you experience symptoms indicative of an allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing or swelling of lips, face, tongue and throat - seek medical assistance immediately!
Ceftaroline can cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Severe stomach pain; bloody or watery diarrhoea (even months after the last dose);
- Little or no urination
- A seizure;
- Tiredness, confusion, and thinking problems.
- Low sodium—leg cramps, constipation, irregular heartbeats, fluttering, or a limp feeling in the chest or muscles.
- Low blood counts: sudden weakness, fever, chills or cold symptoms, sores on the lips, skin, or mouth, easy bruising or bleeding, pale or cold skin, hands, or feet, or feeling lightheaded.
Some of the common side effects associated with ceftaroline include:
- Nausea;
- Diarrhoea;
- Rash.
There may be other side effects. Call your physician if experiencing side effects; for FDA reports of side effects contact 1-800-FDA-1088.
Similar/related drugs
Amoxicillin, Doxycycline, Ciprofloxacin, Azthromycin, Metronidazole, Clindamycin, and Augmentin
Warnings
Please read all the instructions on the label or package of your medication. Informing your healthcare provider of any current or past conditions, allergies or medications you are taking is extremely important for maintaining optimal health and achieving long-term benefits.
Before you take this drug
Ceftaroline should not be taken if you have an allergy to cefadroxil (or other cephalosporins such as cefdinir, cefalexin, Keflex, Omnicef, and others).
Inform your physician of any of the following issues:
- A seizure;
- Penicillin is a common allergen.
- If you have kidney disease or are currently on dialysis,
- Colitis is one of the most common intestinal disorders.
Notify your physician immediately if you become pregnant or nursing.
How to take Ceftaroline
Carefully read all instructions or guides accompanying your medication and follow all directions provided. Follow the directions on the label. Ceftaroline can be infused into a vein. Your healthcare provider may give you your first dose and teach you how to use it properly. Make sure that you carefully read and follow any instructions provided with your medication, especially those concerning its administration and dosage. If any part of these instructions do not make sense to you, speak to either your healthcare provider or pharmacist immediately for clarification.
Never attempt to prepare an injection prior to administering it. Ceftaroline is usually clear or yellow. If the medicine is cloudy, looks like it has changed colour, or if there are particles in it, do not use it. For new medicine, call your pharmacist. The IV infusion may take at least an hour. Ceftaroline should be mixed with liquid (diluent) before use. If you are using the injections yourself, make sure that you know how to mix and store them. Ceftaroline should not be mixed with any other anti-biotics in the same injectable. Ceftaroline should not be mixed with any other antibiotics in the same injection.
Ceftaroline can be given for up to 14 consecutive days. Even if you feel better quickly, continue to take this medication for the prescribed time. You can get infections resistant to medications if you skip doses. Ceftaroline does not treat viruses such as the flu and the common cold. Ceftaroline powder should be stored at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and moisture.
You can store ceftaroline mixtures at room temperature for up to six hours or in the refrigerator for up to twenty-four hours after mixing with a diluteant. Do not freeze. Only use a needle or syringe once, and then store them in a "sharps container" that is puncture-proof. Be sure to follow local or state laws on how to properly dispose of the container. Keep the container out of reach of pets and children.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are almost due for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Never take two doses of the same medicine at once.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
Antibiotics can cause diarrhea. This could be an indication of a new illness. Call your doctor if you have bloody or watery diarrhoea before taking anti-diarrhoea medication.
Interaction with other drug
Ceftaroline can be affected by other drugs, such as vitamins and herbal products. Inform your doctor of all the medicines you are taking and those that you stop or start using.
