Cefpodoxime

Cefpodoxime is a cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat certain infections caused by bacteria such as pneumonia; bronchitis; gonorrhea; and ear, skin, throat, and urinary tract infections. Antibiotics will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections. This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Cefpodoxime comes as a tablet and liquid to take by mouth. It is usually taken every 12 hours (twice a day) for 7-14 days. A single dose is given to treat gonorrhea. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take cefpodoxime exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Shake the liquid well before each use to mix the medication evenly. The tablets should be swallowed whole and taken with a full glass of water. Continue to take cefpodoxime even if you feel well. Do not stop taking cefpodoxime without talking to your doctor.

<p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Cefpodoxime may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

<ul>
<li>
upset stomach</li>
<li>
diarrhea</li>
<li>
vomiting</li>
<li>
mild skin rash</li></ul></p> <p></p> <p>If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

<ul>
<li>
severe skin rash</li>
<li>
itching</li>
<li>
hives</li>
<li>
difficulty breathing or swallowing</li>
<li>
wheezing</li>
<li>
unusual bleeding or bruising</li>
<li>
sore throat</li>
<li>
painful mouth or throat sores</li>
<li>
vaginal infection</li></ul>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 <a href='http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch'>http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch</a>] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].</p>

Before taking cefpodoxime, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to cefpodoxime or any other cephalosporin antibiotic such as cefadroxil (Duricef) or cephalexin (Keflex), penicillin, or any other drugs. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially other antibiotics, anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin), probenecid (Benemid), and vitamins. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney or liver disease, colitis, or stomach problems. if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking cefpodoxime.

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.