| Pharmacy Drug Brand Name: | Spectracef® |
| Active Ingredient(s): | cefditoren pivoxil |
| Strength(s) / Dose(s): | 200 mg |
| Delivery / Dosage Form(s): | Tablets |
| Company Manufacturer Name: | Purdue Pharmaceutical Products L.P. |
| Availability / Prescription: | Prescription only |
| Date Approved by FDA *: | August 28, 2001 |
* Approval by the FDA does not necessarily mean that this drug is available for consumers at this time.
What is Spectracef used for?
Spectracef is an antibiotic used to treat adults and adolescents (12 years of age or older) with certain bacterial infections of the lungs, throat, and skin. Spectracef does not work for viral infections (for example, the common cold).
Who should not take Spectracef?
You should not take Spectracef if you:
- are allergic to Spectracef or to any of the ingredients in Spectracef
- have ever had a severe allergic reaction to any of the antibiotics known as "cephalosporins"
- have a milk protein allergy (not lactose intolerance); Spectracef tablets contain sodium caseinate, a milk protein
- have a carnitine deficiency or were born with a condition that may cause a carnitine deficiency
Special Warning with Spectracef:
Tell your health care (healthcare) provider if you have ever had a severe allergic reaction to other antibiotics called cephalosporins and penicillins, or to other medicines.
What should I tell my health care (healthcare) provider?
Tell your health care (healthcare) provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Some medicines may affect how Spectracef works or Spectracef may affect how other medicines work. Especially tell your doctor if you are taking:
- blood thinners, such as Coumadin or warfarin
- antacids and other medicines that reduce acid in the stomach
- probenecid
Tell your health care (healthcare) provider if you are trying to become pregnant, are already pregnant, or are breast-feeding.
What are some possible side effects of Spectracef? (This is not a comprehensive list of possible side effects assosciated with Spectracef. Your doctor or pharmacist can provide expert advice on the possible side effects of this drug).
The most common side effects with Spectracef are:
- diarrhea
- nausea
- vaginal yeast infection