Spectracef

Spectracef (Cefditoren) is used in the treatment of infections caused by bacteria. It works by killing bacteria or preventing their growth. Spectracef belongs to a class of antibiotics called cephalosporins. Cephalosporins work against a wide range of infectious bacteria.

Doctors prescribe Spectracef to treat certain throat and lung infections, including bronchitis and tonsillitis. It is also used to treat some skin infections.

Spectracef is available only with doctor's prescription.

Spectracef is an antibiotic, so it will not work for diseases caused by viruses. You should use Spectracef only with doctor’s supervision. 

There are several important conditions to consider before taking Spectracef.

Allergies

Tell to the doctor all of your allergies before taking Cefditoren. You cannot use Cefditoren if you have allergies to milk protein (not lactose intolerance), to Penicillin and other cephalosporins such as Cefuroxime, Ceftriazone, or Cefaclor.

Use on children

Spectracef can be given to children at least 12 years of age and older.

Use on elderly

Care should be taken when giving Spectracef to elderly due to the risk of kidney complications.

Health conditions

Make sure to tell all your health problems to the doctor before starting treatment with Spectracef. You cannot use Spectracef if you have carnitine deficiency and sensitivity to milk.

The doctor should know if you have any of the following conditions:

• Liver disease
• Kidney disease
• If you are malnourished

Pregnancy

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant befor taking Spectracef. Spectracef is an FDA pregnancy category B drug, which means it can be given to pregnant patients only if clearly needed.

Breastfeeding

Do not breastfeed if you are having treatmentwith Spectracef. Spectracef may be expressed into breastmilk.

Use of birth control pills

Note that Spectracef may reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills in some women patients. Tell the doctor if you are using birth control pills before taking Spectracef.

Drug interactions

Spectracef may interact with certain medicines, so make sure to tell the doctor all the medicines you take before starting treatment. Notify the doctor if you take the following medicines:

• Antacids and other medicines for hyperacidity
• Bumetanide
• Cimetidine
• Chloramphenicol
• Didanosin
• Dexlansoprazole
• Entecavir
• Esomeprazole
• Ethacyrinic acid
• Famotidine
• Furosemide
• Lansoprazole
• Magaldrate
• Mycophenolic acid
• Omeprazole
• Nizatidine
• Mycophenolate mofetil
• Pantoprazole
• Pemetrexed
• Ranidine
• Rabeprazole
• Torsemide
• Live typhoid vaccine

Spectracef is available in tablets that you take by mouth. Make sure to follow your doctor’s prescription in taking Spectracef.

Spectracef is usually taken twice a day for 10 to 14 days. Make sure to finish the prescribed treatment course to ensure good effect against infection.

Take Spectracef with a glass of water, preferably with food. Taking Spectracef with food enhances absorption.

If you take other medicines along with Spectracef, ask your doctor for instructions.

If you missed a dose of Spectracef, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the original dosing schedule. Do not double or take more dose of Spectracef to make up for the missed dose.

You can overdose on Spectracef, which can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and seizures. If you took too many Spectracef tablets, call emergency hotlines right away.

Store Spectracef in its original container away from moisture and heat.

It is very important to complete treatment course of Spectracef. Discontinuing or skipping doses can make the bacteria resistan to Spectracef and thus more difficult to treat.

Note that antibiotics like Spectracef may cause watery or bloody diarrhea, which can be a sign of new infection. If this happenss, call the doctor right away and head to the nearest hospital. 

Spectracef may cause serious side effects. Call the doctor if you experienced the following:

• Serious allergic reaction symptoms such as hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, mouth, lips, throat, or tongue.
• Symptoms of infection such as fever, body aches, chills, and flu-like symptoms
• Symptoms of severe skin reaction such as fever, sore throat, headache, appearance of skin redness, blistering or peeling of skin
• Increased thirst, loss of appetite, swelling, gaining weight, shortness of breath, and passing too little urine
• Any unusual bleeding
• Having  seizures
• Pale or yellowed skin, passing out dark urine, fever, confusion, or weakness
• Jaundice

Spectracef may cause minor side effects such as:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Stomach upset
• Mild diarrhea
• Constipation
• Gas
• Headache and dizziness
• Restlessness or hyperactivity
• Stiffness of muscles
• Muscle pain
• Appearance of white patches or sores inside the mouth or the lips
• Unusual taste in the mouth
• Insomnia
• Having strange, vivid dreams
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Mild itching or skin rash
• Vaginal itching or discharge