Cefpodoxime oral suspension

What is cefpodoxime oral suspension?
CEFPODOXIME (Vantinreg;) is a cephalosporin antibiotic. It treats many kinds of infections, including those of the respiratory tract, skin, and ears. Generic cefpodoxime oral suspension is available.

What should my health care professional know before I take cefpodoxime?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
•bleeding problems
•kidney disease
•stomach or intestinal problems (especially colitis)
•other chronic illness
•an unusual or allergic reaction to cefpodoxime, other cephalosporin antibiotics, penicillin, penicillamine, other foods, dyes or preservatives
•pregnant or trying to get pregnant
•breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?
Take cefpodoxime oral suspension by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Shake well before using. Use a specially marked spoon or container to measure your medicine. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one; household spoons are not always accurate. You can take cefpodoxime with or without food. If cefpodoxime upsets your stomach it may help to take it with food. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Finish the full course prescribed by your prescriber or health care professional even if you think your condition is better. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber’s advice.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses. There should be an interval of at least 12 hours between doses.

What drug(s) may interact with cefpodoxime?
•antacids
•stomach or ulcer drugs such as nizatidine (Axidreg;), cimetidine (Tagametreg;), famotidine (Pepcidreg;), or ranitidine (Zantacreg;)
•probenecid

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including nonprescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What side effects may I notice from taking cefpodoxime?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
•difficulty breathing, wheezing
•nosebleed
•redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
•seizures (convulsions)
•severe or watery diarrhea
•skin rash, hives, or itching
•swelling of the lips, tongue or face
•swollen joints
•unusual weakness or tiredness
•vaginal itching
•vomiting

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
•constipation, diarrhea, or other stool changes
•dizziness or drowsiness
•dry mouth
•gas or heartburn
•headache
•insomnia
•loss of appetite
•nausea
•nervousness
•stomach pain

What should I watch for while taking cefpodoxime?
Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms do not begin to improve in a few days.

If you get severe or watery diarrhea, do not treat yourself. Call your prescriber or health care professional for advice.

Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water, will help.

Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store the dry granules for suspension at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). After mixing the suspension store in a refrigerator between 2 and 8 degrees C (36 and 46 degrees F); do not freeze. Throw away unused portion after fourteen days.

[ Updated: December 2007]

NOTE: This information is not intended to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions, or adverse effects for this drug. If you have questions about the drug(s) you are taking, check with your health care professional.

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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.

The drug reference included in this section is provided by Cerner Multum, Inc., of Denver, Colorado. Armenian Medical Network receives monthly updates from Multum.