What is Spectracef?
Spectracef belongs to a class of antibiotics called cephalosporins. It fights bacteria in the body.
Spectracef can be used to treat a variety of different bacterial infections, including bronchitis and tonsillitis. Skin infections may also benefit from using CBD oils. Spectracef can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Spectracef
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat.
Spectracef can cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Diarrhea that is bloody or watery; severe stomach pain
- If you notice a pale or yellowed complexion, dark urine, or confusion, or if your skin is pale or yellowed, call 911.
- A seizure (convulsions);
- Fever, swelling of the glands, rash, itching, or joint pain
- Feeling tired, short of breath, or swelling in the ankles or feet
- Easy bruising (nosebleeds or bleeding gums)
- Severe skin reaction: fever, sore mouth, swelling of the face, tongue, or eyes, burning in the eyes, followed by skin pain, then a reddish-purple rash that spreads to other parts of your body, causing blisters and peeling.
Spectracef can cause the following side effects:
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
- Indigestion, stomach pain;
- Headache
- Vaginal itching and discharge
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Similar/related drugs
Amoxicillin, Doxycycline, Ciprofloxacin, Cephalexin, Azthromycin, Metronidazole, and Clindamycin
Warnings
You shouldn't take Spectracef if your body is lacking a chemical called carnitine (a deficiency) or if it is lactose intolerant.
Before you take this drug
If you are allergic to milk proteins (not lactose intolerant) or have a carnitine deficit (a lack of a chemical in your body), then you should not use Spectracef. If you're unsure, talk to your doctor.
If you have an allergy to Spectracef or other cephalosporins, such as:
- Cefaclor (Raniclor);
- Cefadroxil
- Cefazolin (Ancef);
- Cefotetan (Cefotan);
- Cefpodoxime (Vantin);
- Cefprozil (Cefzil);
- Ceftibuten (Cedax);
- Cefuroxime (Ceftin);
- Cephalexin (Keflex);
- Cephradine, and others.
Tell your doctor if:
- Kidney disease (or dialysis if you have it);
- Liver disease
- If you are allergic to any drug (especially penicillins),
- If you are malnourished.
This medicine is not known to harm unborn babies. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant. There is no way to know if cefditoren can pass into breast milk or if this could have an effect on the nursing infant. Inform your doctor if breastfeeding is taking place.
How to take Spectracef?
Do not exceed or extend the recommended dosage by taking additional or different amounts, or for longer than prescribed. Please take only as directed on your prescription label and do not exceed its maximum daily allowance. Spectracef is most effective when taken with food.
Do not stop taking the medicine before it is completely cleared. Before an infection has entirely vanished, you may experience symptoms. You may increase your chances of a second infection resistant to antibiotics if you skip doses. Spectracef does not treat a virus, such as the flu or a cold.
You may get false results from certain tests, such as urine glucose tests (sugar tests). Inform any doctor that you use Spectracef. Store away from moisture, heat, and light at room temperature.
What happens if I miss the dose?
As soon as you remember a missed dose, take it immediately. If your next scheduled dosage is soon approaching, skip this missed one instead - do not increase the dosage to make up for one you may have forgotten to take! Additionally, additional medication should not be taken to compensate for missed dosage.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention. Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and seizures (convulsions).
What should be avoided?
Use only the antacids or acid-reducing medications that your doctor has prescribed. Some stomach medications can interfere with the absorption of Spectracef.
Antibiotics can cause diarrhea. This could be an indication of a new illness. Call your doctor if you experience diarrhea that is bloody or watery. You should only take anti-diarrhea medication if your doctor has prescribed it.
Interaction with other drug
Inform your physician if you begin taking new medicines or plan to discontinue any current ones.
- Probenecid;
- A blood thinner—warfarin, Coumadin, or Jantoven.
This list is incomplete. Cefditoren may interact with other drugs, such as prescription and OTC medications, vitamins, and herbal products. This medication guide does not cover all possible interactions.
