Cefpodoxime Proxetil
How to use this information
Medication name
CEFPODOXIME PROXETIL - ORAL
(seff-poh-DOX-eem PROX-eh-til)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Vantin
What you should know about Cefpodoxime Proxetil
- This medication is used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections. This medication is known as a cephalosporin antibiotic. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria.
- This antibiotic treats only bacterial infections. It will not work for viral infections (such as common cold or flu). Using any antibiotic when it is not needed can cause it to not work for future infections.
How to take Cefpodoxime Proxetil
- Take this medication by mouth as directed by your medical provider, usually every 12 hours.
- If you are using the tablet form of this medication, take it with food to help increase the absorption of the drug.
- If you are using the suspension form of this medication, take it with or without food. Shake the bottle well before each dose.
- The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. In children, the dose is also based on weight.
- Medications that reduce or block stomach acid (such as proton pump inhibitors/PPIs, H2 blockers or antacids) may reduce the absorption of Cefpodoxime, making it work less well. Ask your medical provider or pharmacist how to use PPIs and H2 blockers safely with Cefpodoxime. If you take antacids, take the antacids at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after this medication.
- For the best effect, take this antibiotic at evenly spaced times. To help you remember, take this medication at the same time(s) every day.
- Continue to take this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may result in a return of the infection.
- Tell your medical provider if your condition lasts or gets worse.
Potential side effects
- Diarrhea, nausea/vomiting or headache may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, request a callback from your medical provider or talk to your pharmacist promptly.
- Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your medical provider has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your medical provider right away if you have any serious side effects, including:
- Nausea or vomiting that doesn't stop
- Swelling of the ankles or feet
- Tiredness
- Fast/pounding heartbeat
- Trouble breathing
- New signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go away or fever)
- Dark urine
- Yellowing eyes/skin
- Easy bruising/bleeding
- Signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine)
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including:
- Vision changes
- Trouble speaking
- Mental/mood changes (such as confusion)
- This medication may rarely cause a severe intestinal condition due to a bacteria called C. difficile. This condition may occur during treatment or weeks to months after treatment has stopped. Tell your medical provider right away if you develop: diarrhea that doesn't stop, abdominal or stomach pain/cramping, blood/mucus in your stool. If you have these symptoms, do not use anti-diarrhea or opioid products because they may make symptoms worse.
- Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in oral thrush or a new vaginal yeast infection. Contact your medical provider if you notice white patches in your mouth, a change in vaginal discharge or other new symptoms.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:
- Rash
- Itching or swelling (especially of the face, tongue or throat)
- Severe dizziness
- Trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, request a callback for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Precautions to be aware of
- Before taking Cefpodoxime Proxetil, tell your medical provider or pharmacist if you are allergic to it, or to penicillins or other cephalosporin antibiotics (such as Cephalexin), or if you have any other allergies.
- This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
- Before using this medication, tell your medical provider or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease or stomach/intestinal disease (such as colitis).
- This medication may cause live bacterial vaccines (such as typhoid vaccine) to not work well. Tell your medical provider that you are using this medication before having any immunizations/vaccinations.
- Older adults may be at greater risk for side effects while using this drug.
- During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your OB/GYN.
- This drug passes into breast milk and could have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your medical provider or child’s pediatrician before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions
- See also “How to take Cefpodoxime Proxetil” section.
- Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. Two medications that can interfere with how this medication works are Warfarin and Furosemide (Lasix). This document does not contain all possible drug interactions.
- Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your medical provider and pharmacist.
- Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medicines without your medical provider's approval.
- This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests (including Coombs' test and certain urine glucose tests), possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your medical providers know you use this drug.
What to do in the event of an overdose
- If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms, such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. If symptoms from taking this medication are less severe, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 right away.
Additional notes
- Do not share this medication with others.
- This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another infection unless your medical provider tells you to.
What to do if you miss a dose
- If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.
How to store this medication
- Store the tablets at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom.
- Store the suspension in the refrigerator away from light and heat. Do not freeze. Keep the container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medication after 14 days.
- Keep all medications away from children and pets.
- Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
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