Generic name: Cefpodoxime
Pregnancy & Lactation: Risk data not available
What is Vantin?
Cefpodoxime is a cephalosporin (SEF a low spor in) antibiotic that is used to treat infections caused by bacteria. This includes infections of the sinus, throat, ear, skin, bladder, or lungs.
Cefpodoxime is also used to treat gonorrhea.
Cefpodoxime may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
You should not take this medicine if you are allergic to cefpodoxime or any other cephalosporin antibiotic (cefdinir, cefalexin, Keflex, Omnicef, and others).
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- kidney disease;
- urination problems;
- a stomach or intestinal disorder such as colitis; or
- an allergy to any type of penicillin.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.
You should not breastfeed while using cefpodoxime.
Cefpodoxime is not approved for use by anyone younger than 2 months old.
How should I use Vantin
Use Vantin (Oral) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Take a cefpodoxime tablet with food.
You may take cefpodoxime oral suspension (liquid) with or without food.
Shake the liquid before you measure a dose. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).
Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms quickly improve. Skipping doses can increase your risk of infection resistant to medication. Cefpodoxime will not treat a viral infection (flu or common cold).
This medicine can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using cefpodoxime.
Store the tablets at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Store the liquid in a tightly-closed bottle in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Throw away any unused liquid after 14 days.
Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.
Vantin side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning in your eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling).
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody (even if it occurs months after your last dose);
- fever, chills, sore throat, mouth sores, swollen glands, joint pain, or not feeling well;
- a seizure; or
- liver problems--upper stomach pain, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
Common side effects may include:
- diarrhea;
- nausea, stomach pain;
- headache;
- vaginal itching or discharge; or
- diaper rash in an infant using this medicine.
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.
What other drugs will affect Vantin?
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 before using anti-diarrhea medicine.