Drug Name

Vantin (Cefpodoxime Proxetil)

Drug Uses

Vantin is a cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat a variety of bacterial infections.

How Taken

This medication should be taken with food. The liquid suspension form of this medication must be shaken well before using. To help clear up your infection completely, keep taking this medicine for the full time of treatment , even if you begin to feel better after a few days. If you have a strep infection, you should keep taking this medicine for at least 10 days. This is especially important in strep infections since serious heart or kidney problems could develop later if your infection is not cleared up completely. Also, if you stop taking this medicine too soon, your symptoms may return.This medicine works best when there is a constant amount in the blood or urine. To help keep the amount constant, do not miss any doses. Also, it is best to take the doses at evenly spaced times, day and night . For example, if you are to take four doses a day, the doses should be spaced about 6 hours apart. If this interferes with your sleep or other daily activities, or if you need help in planning the best times to take your medicine, check with your health care professional.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Cefpodoxime is an antibiotic in a class of drugs called cephalosporins. Cefpodoxime fights bacteria in the body. Cefpodoxime is used to treat many different types of bacterial infections such as bronchitis, pneumonia, tonsillitis, ear infections, sinus infections, skin infections, gonorrhea, and urinary tract infections. Cefpodoxime may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store tablets and capsules at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom. Liquid suspensions should be stored in the refrigerator, but not the freezer. Check the expiration date and discard any unused medication after that date.

Warnings/Precautions

Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: any allergies (especially to penicillin or cephalosporin antibiotics), kidney disease, stomach problems, colitis. Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in a secondary infection (e.g., oral, bladder or vaginal yeast infection). This drug should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. Since small amounts of this medication are found in breast milk, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Possible Side Effects

This medication may cause stomach upset, diarrhea, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and headache. If they continue or become severe, inform your doctor promptly. Other side effects reported with this medication include anxiety, insomnia and dizziness. Inform your doctor if any of these effects occur. Unlikely to occur but report promptly: fever, easy bleeding or bruising, a change in the amount of urine, seizures. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: difficulty breathing, skin rash, hives, itching. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

More Information

This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another infection or give it to someone else. A different medication may be necessary.