Why is this medication prescribed?

Cefditoren is used to treat infections such as community acquired pneumonia (a lung infection that developed in a person who was not in the hospital), flare-ups of chronic bronchitis (infection of the tubes that lead to the lungs), strep throat (sore throat caused by bacteria), tonsillitis (infection of the glands in the back of the throat), and some types of skin infections. Cefditoren is in a class of antibiotics called cephalosporins. It works by killing bacteria. Antibiotics will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.

How should this medicine be used?

Cefditoren comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken twice a day with the morning and evening meals for 10 to 14 days. To help you remember to take cefditoren, take it at around the same times every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take cefditoren exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Swallow the tablets with a full glass of water.

You should begin to feel better during your first few days of treatment with cefditoren. If you do not, call your doctor.

Take cefditoren until you finish the prescription, even if you feel better. If you stop taking cefditoren too soon or skip doses, your infection may not be completely cured and bacteria may become resistant to antibiotics.

Other uses for this medicine

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking cefditoren,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to cefditoren or any other medications. It is especially important to tell your doctor if you are allergic to any other antibiotics because this may increase the chance that you will have an allergic reaction to cefditoren. Also tell your doctor if you are allergic to milk protein.

• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to mention any of the following: antacids (Maalox, Mylanta, Tums, others); anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin); medications that block stomach acid such as cimetidine (Tagamet), famotidine (Pepcid), nizatidine (Axid) and ranitidine (Zantac); or probenecid (Probalan).Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.

• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had carnitine deficiency (a rare condition in which the body does not have enough of a certain substance that is needed for energy production), or kidney or liver disease.

• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking cefditoren, call your doctor.

• you should know that cefditoren may cause a serious type of diarrhea during or after your treatment. Call your doctor if you have diarrhea at these times. Do not treat this diarrhea with over the counter medications.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Cefditoren may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• upset stomach

• vomiting

• stomach pain

• heartburn

• headache

• swelling, redness, irritation, burning, or itching of the vagina

• white vaginal discharge

Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:

• hives

• rash

• itching

• difficulty breathing or swallowing

• closing of the throat

• fever

• seizures

Cefditoren may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Protect this medication from light. Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Symptoms of overdose may include:

• upset stomach

• vomiting

• stomach pain

• diarrhea

• seizures

What other information should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor

Before having any laboratory test, tell your doctor and the laboratory personnel that you are taking cefditoren.

If you are diabetic, use Clinistix or TesTape (not Clinitest) to test your urine for sugar while taking this medication.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Your prescription is probably not refillable. If you still have symptoms of infection after you finish the cefditoren, call your doctor.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.