Spectracef is in a group of drugs called cephalosporin (SEF a low spor in) antibiotics. It works by fighting bacteria in your body.

Spectracef is used to treat many different types of bacterial infections that can cause bronchitis, tonsillitis, pneumonia, or skin infection.

Spectracef may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

You should not take Spectracef if you are allergic to milk protein (not lactose intolerance), or if you have a carnitine deficiency (a lack of a certain chemical in the body).

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Spectracef works best if you take it with food.

Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics. Spectracef will not treat a viral infection such as the flu or a common cold.

This medication can cause you to have false results with certain medical tests, including urine glucose (sugar) tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using Spectracef.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

You should not take Spectracef if you have an allergy to milk protein (not lactose intolerance) or a carnitine deficiency (a lack of a certain chemical in the body). Talk with your doctor if you are unsure.

You should not use Spectracef if you are allergic to Spectracef or to other cephalosporin antibiotics, such as:

• cefaclor (Raniclor);

• cefadroxil (Duricef);

• cefazolin (Ancef);

• cefotetan (Cefotan);

• cefpodoxime (Vantin);

• cefprozil (Cefzil);

• ceftibuten (Cedax);

• cefuroxime (Ceftin);

• cephalexin (Keflex); or

• cephradine (Velosef), and others.

To make sure Spectracef is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);

• liver disease;

• if you allergic to any drugs (especially penicillins); or

• if you are malnourished.

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

It is not known whether cefditoren passes into breast milk or if it could affect the nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and seizure (convulsions).

Ask your doctor before using an antacid or stomach acid reducer, and use only the type your doctor recommends. Some stomach medicines can make it harder for your body to absorb Spectracef.

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, call your doctor. Do not use anti-diarrhea medicine unless your doctor tells you to.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Spectracef may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody;

• 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 your feet or ankles, feeling tired or short or 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.

Common side effects of Spectracef may include:

• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;

• indigestion, stomach pain;

• headache; or

• vaginal itching or discharge.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially:

• probenecid; or

• a blood thinner--warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with cefditoren, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.