Drug Notes

Ceftibuten (By mouth)

Ceftibuten (sef-ti-BUE-ten)

Treats infections caused by bacteria. This medicine is a cephalosporin antibiotic.

Brand Name(s):

Cedax

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Capsule, Liquid

• Your doctor will tell you how much to take and how often.
• Keep taking your medicine for as long as your doctor has ordered, even if you feel better. If you stop taking the medicine too soon, your infection may come back.
• Shake the oral liquid bottle well each time before taking the medicine.
• Take the oral liquid medicine at least 2 hours before a meal or 1 hour after a meal.
• Measure your dose of oral liquid carefully with a measuring spoon or medicine cup.

If a dose is missed:

• Take your medicine as soon as possible, unless it is almost time for your next dose.
• Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next regular dose.
• You should not use two doses at the same time.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Keep the oral liquid in the refrigerator. Do not freeze.
• Store the capsules at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, or direct light.
• Throw away any unused oral liquid after 14 days.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also taking birth control pills or probenecid (Benemid®, ColBENEMID®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Before taking this medicine, tell your doctor if you have had an allergic reaction to penicillin antibiotics or any other medicines.
• Ceftibuten may cause incorrect results with some tests used by patients with diabetes to check for sugar in urine.
• The liquid form of ceftibuten contains 1 gram of sucrose (table sugar) in each teaspoon, which may be important to patients with diabetes.
• Be sure to tell your doctor if you have kidney disease or bowel problems such as colitis.
• If the medicine gives you diarrhea, talk to your doctor before taking any medicine to stop the diarrhea.
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before taking this medicine.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Rash, hives, or blistering skin
• Swelling in your face or throat
• Wheezing or trouble breathing
• Severe diarrhea (watery or bloody)

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Mild diarrhea
• Nausea, upset stomach
• Headache
• Sore mouth or tongue
• Vaginal itching or discharge

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 1/27/2017