ceftibuten

Generic Name: ceftibuten (SEF ti bue ten)

Brand Names: Cedax

What is ceftibuten?

Ceftibuten is in a group of drugs called cephalosporin (SEF a low spor in) antibiotics. It works by fighting bacteria in your body.

Ceftibuten is used to treat many different types of infections caused by bacteria.

Ceftibuten may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about ceftibuten?

Do not take this medication if you are allergic to ceftibuten, or to similar antibiotics, such as Ceftin, Cefzil, Keflex, Omnicef, and others.

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs (especially penicillin). Also tell your doctor if you have kidney disease or a history of intestinal problems.

Take this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Ceftibuten will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or has blood in it, call your doctor. Do not use any medicine to stop the diarrhea unless your doctor has told you to.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking ceftibuten?

Do not take this medication if you are allergic to ceftibuten or to other cephalosporin antibiotics, such as:

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  cefaclor (Raniclor);

  
  


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  cefadroxil (Duricef);

  
  


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  cefazolin (Ancef);

  
  


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  cefdinir (Omnicef);

  
  


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  cefditoren (Spectracef);

  
  


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  cefpodoxime (Vantin);

  
  


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  cefprozil (Cefzil);

  
  


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  cefuroxime (Ceftin);

  
  


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  cephalexin (Keflex); or

  
  


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  cephradine (Velosef).

  
  

Before taking ceftibuten, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs (especially penicillins) or if you have.

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  kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis); or

  
  


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  a history of intestinal problems, such as colitis.

  
  

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take this medication.

FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether ceftibuten passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

The ceftibuten suspension (liquid) contains sucrose. Talk to your doctor before using this form of ceftibuten if you have diabetes.

How should I take ceftibuten?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Take this medicine with a full glass of water. Shake the oral suspension (liquid) well just before you measure a dose. To be sure you get the correct dose, measure the liquid with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

Ceftibuten oral liquid should be taken at least 2 hours before or 1 hour after eating a meal.

This medication can cause you to have false results with certain medical tests, including urine glucose (sugar) tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using ceftibuten.

Take ceftibuten for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Ceftibuten will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu. Store the tablets and capsules at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Store ceftibuten oral liquid in the refrigerator. Do not allow it to freeze. Throw away any unused medication that is older than 14 days.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medication as soon as you remember the missed dose. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and use the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

Overdose symptoms may include seizure (convulsions).

What should I avoid while taking ceftibuten?

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or has blood in it, call your doctor. Do not use any medicine to stop the diarrhea unless your doctor has told you to.

Ceftibuten side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

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  diarrhea that is watery or bloody;

  
  


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  fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;

  
  


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  unusual bleeding;

  
  


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  blood in your urine;

  
  


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  seizure (convulsions);

  
  


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  pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, fever, confusion or weakness;

  
  


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  jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);

  
  


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  fever, swollen glands, rash or itching, joint pain, or general ill feeling;

  
  


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  fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash; or

  
  


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  increased thirst, loss of appetite, swelling, weight gain, feeling short of breath, urinating less than usual or not at all.

  
  

Less serious side effects may include:

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  nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, upset stomach, belching, constipation, mild diarrhea;

  
  


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  stiff or tight muscles;

  
  


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  numbness or tingly feeling;

  
  


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  headache, dizziness, drowsiness, tired feeling;

  
  


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  feeling agitated, irritable, restless, or hyperactive;

  
  


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  dry mouth;

  
  


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  white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips;

  
  


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  unusual or unpleasant taste in your mouth;

  
  


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  stuffy nose, noisy breathing;

  
  


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  sleep problems (insomnia);

  
  


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  mild itching or skin rash;

  
  


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  vaginal itching or discharge;

  
  

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Ceftibuten Dosing Information

Usual Adult Dose for Otitis Media:

400 mg orally every 24 hours for 10 days

Usual Adult Dose for Tonsillitis/Pharyngitis:

400 mg orally every 24 hours for 10 days

Usual Adult Dose for Bronchitis:

400 mg orally every 24 hours for 10 days

Usual Adult Dose for Cystitis:

400 mg orally every 24 hours for 7 days

Usual Adult Dose for Pneumonia:

200 mg orally every 12 hours for 7 to 14 days

Usual Adult Dose for Sinusitis:

400 mg orally every 24 hours for 10 to 14 days

Usual Pediatric Dose for Bronchitis:

>12 years: 400 mg orally every 24 hours for 10 days

Usual Pediatric Dose for Cystitis:

>12 years: 400 mg orally every 24 hours for 7 days

Usual Pediatric Dose for Pneumonia:

>12 years: 200 mg orally every 12 hours for 7 to 14 days

Usual Pediatric Dose for Sinusitis:

>12 years: 400 mg orally every 24 hours for 10 to 14 days

Usual Pediatric Dose for Otitis Media:

>6 months: 9 mg/kg/day (maximum 400 mg) every 24 hours for 10 days

Usual Pediatric Dose for Tonsillitis/Pharyngitis:

>6 months: 9 mg/kg/day (maximum 400 mg) every 24 hours for 10 days

What other drugs will affect ceftibuten?

Before taking ceftibuten, tell your doctor if you are taking any medication that reduces stomach acid, such as:

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  cimetidine (Tagamet);

  
  


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  famotidine (Pepcid);

  
  


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  omeprazole (Prilosec); or

  
  


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  ranitidine (Zantac), and others.

  
  

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with ceftibuten. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start taking a new medication without telling your doctor.

More ceftibuten resources

• Ceftibuten Side Effects (in more detail)
• Ceftibuten Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Ceftibuten Drug Interactions
• Ceftibuten Support Group
• 3 Reviews for Ceftibuten - Add your own review/rating

• ceftibuten Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information


• Ceftibuten Professional Patient Advice (Wolters Kluwer)


• Ceftibuten Monograph (AHFS DI)


• Ceftibuten MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)


• Cedax Prescribing Information (FDA)

Compare ceftibuten with other medications

• Bladder Infection
• Bronchitis
• Otitis Media
• Pneumonia
• Sinusitis
• Strep Throat
• Tonsillitis/Pharyngitis

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist can provide more information about ceftibuten.

See also: ceftibuten side effects (in more detail)