CEPHALOSPORINS

Brand & Generic Names

Anspor	CEPHRADINE
Apo-Cephalex	C-Lexin
Ceclor	Ceporex
CEFACLOR	Duricef
CEFADROXIL	Entacef
Cefanex	Keflet
CEFIXIME	Keflex
Cefotan	Keftab
CEFOTETAN	Novolexin
CEFPODOXIME	Nu-Cephalex
CEFPROZIL	Ro-ceph
Ceftin	Suprax
CEFUROXIME	Ultracef
Cefzil	Vantin
CEPHALEXIN	Velosef

Basic Information

• Habit forming? No
• Prescription needed? Yes
• Available as generic? Yes
• Drug class: Antibiotic (cephalosporin)

Uses

Treatment of bacterial infections. Will not cure viral infections such as cold and flu.

Dosage & Usage Information

How to take:
Capsule--Swallow with liquid. If you can't swallow whole, open capsule and take with liquid or food.
Liquid--Use measuring spoon.

When to take:
At same times each day, 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating.
Take until gone or as directed.

If you forget a dose:
Take as soon as you remember or double next dose. Return to regular schedule.

What drug does:
Kills susceptible bacteria.

Time lapse before drug works:
May require several days to affect infection.

Don't take with:
Any other medicine without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.

Overdose

SYMPTOMS:
Abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, severe diarrhea with mucus or blood in stool, convulsions.

WHAT TO DO:

Overdose unlikely to threaten life. If person takes much larger amount than prescribed, call doctor, poison-control center or hospital emergency room for instructions.

Possible Adverse Reactions or Side Effects

Life-threatening:

Hives, rash, intense Seek emergency itching, faintness treatment immediately. soon after a dose (anaphylaxis); difficulty breathing.

Common:

• Rash, redness, itching.
• Diarrhea (mild).

Infrequent:

Rectal itching, oral or vaginal white spots.

Rare:

Mild nausea, vomiting, cramps, severe diarrhea with mucus or blood in stool, unusual weakness, tiredness, weight loss, fever, bleeding or bruising, abdominal cramping pain, increased thirst, joint pain, appetite loss.

Warnings & Precautions

Don't take if:
You are allergic to any cephalosporin antibiotic.

Before you start, consult your doctor:

• If you are allergic to any penicillin antibiotic.
• If you have a kidney disorder.
• If you have colitis or enteritis.

Over age 60:
Adverse reactions and side effects may be more frequent and severe than in younger persons. More likely to itch around rectum and genitals.

Pregnancy:
No proven harm to unborn child. Avoid if possible.

Breast-feeding:
Drug passes into milk. Avoid drug or discontinue nursing until you finish medicine. Consult doctor for advice on maintaining milk supply.

Infants & children:
No special warnings.

Prolonged use:

• Kills beneficial bacteria that protect body against other germs. Unchecked germs may cause secondary infections.
• Talk to your doctor about the need for follow-up medical examinations or laboratory studies to check prothrombin time.

Skin & sunlight:
No problems expected.

Driving, piloting or hazardous work:
No problems expected.

Discontinuing:
Don't discontinue without doctor's advice until you complete prescribed dose, even though symptoms diminish or disappear.

Others:
No problems expected.

Possible Interaction with Other Drugs

GENERIC NAME	COMBINED EFFECT
-------------------------	-----------------------
Anticoagulants*	Increased anticoagulant effect.
Erythromycins*	Decreased antibiotic effect of
	cephalosporin.
Chloramphenicol	Decreased antibiotic effect of
	cephalosporin.
Clindamycin	Decreased antibiotic effect of
	cephalosporin.
Non-steroidal	Increased risk of peptic ulcer.
Probenecid	Increased cephalosporin effect.
Tetracyclines*	Decreased antibiotic effect of
	cephalosporin.

Possible Interaction with Other Substances

INTERACTS WITH	COMBINED EFFECT
Alcohol:	Increased kidney toxicity, likelihood
	of disulfiram-like* effect.
Beverages:	None expected.
Cocaine:	None expected, but cocaine may slow
	body's recovery. Avoid.
Foods:	Slow absorption. Take with liquid
	1 hour before or 2 hours after eating.
Marijuana:	None expected, but marijuana may slow
	body's recovery. Avoid.
Tobacco:	None expected.