Uses
Ceftibuten is used to treat certain infections caused by bacteria such as bronchitis (infection of the airway tubes leading to the lungs); and infections of the ears, throat, and tonsils. Ceftibuten is in a class of medications called cephalosporin antibiotics. It works by killing bacteria.
Antibiotics such as ceftibuten will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections. Using antibiotics when they are not needed increases your risk of getting an infection later that resists antibiotic treatment.
Side Effects Of Ceftibuten
Ceftibuten may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- diarrhea
- stomach pain
- nausea
- vomiting
- heartburn
- headache
- dizziness
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately, or get emergency medical treatment:
- watery or bloody stools, stomach cramps, or fever during treatment or for up to two or more months after stopping treatment
- rash
- itching
- hives
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
- wheezing
- a return of fever, sore throat, chills, or other signs of infection
Warnings & Precautions
Before taking ceftibuten:
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to ceftibuten; other cephalosporin antibiotic such as cefaclor (Ceclor), cefadroxil cefazolin (Ancef, Kefzol), cefdinir, cefditoren (Spectracef), cefepime (Maxipime), cefixime (Suprax), cefotaxime (Claforan), cefotetan, cefoxitin (Mefoxin), cefpodoxime, cefprozil, ceftaroline (Teflaro), ceftazidime (Fortaz, Tazicef, in Avycaz), ceftriaxone (Rocephin), cefuroxime (Zinacef),and cephalexin (Keflex); penicillin antibiotics; or any other medications. Also, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any of the ingredients in ceftibuten capsules or suspension.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking, or plan to take. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had the gastrointestinal disease (GI; affecting the stomach or intestines), especially colitis (a condition that causes swelling in the lining of the colon [large intestine]), or kidney disease.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while taking ceftibuten, call your doctor.
- If you have diabetes, you should know that ceftibuten suspension solution contains sucrose (sugar).
Ceftibuten Dosage
Ceftibuten comes as a capsule and suspension (liquid) to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day for 10 days. Take the suspension on an empty stomach, at least 2 hours before or 1 hour after eating; the capsules can be taken with or without food. Take ceftibuten at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take ceftibuten exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Shake the suspension well before each use to mix the medication evenly.
You should begin to feel better during the first few days of treatment with ceftibuten. If your symptoms do not improve or get worse, call your doctor.
Continue to take ceftibuten even if you feel better. If you stop taking ceftibuten too soon or skip doses, your infection may not be completely treated and the bacteria may become resistant to antibiotics.
Other
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your response to ceftibuten.
Before having any laboratory test, tell your doctor and the laboratory personnel that you are taking ceftibuten.
If you are diabetic and test your urine for sugar, use Clinistix or TesTape (not Clinitest) to test your urine while taking this medication.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Your prescription is probably not refillable.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Source
All information has been provided courtesy of MedLinePlus from the National Library of Medicine and from the FDA.
