Vantin
Cefpodoxime
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Vantin
Vantin is an antibiotic belonging to a class of drugs called cephalosporins. Vantin acts by killing the bacteria which are sensitive to it. It mainly acts against gram positive bacteria.
Therapeutic Uses of Vantin
It is used for treatment of many different types of bacterial infections such as bronchitis, pneumonia, tonsillitis, ear infections, sinus infections, skin infections, gonorrhea, urinary tract infections etc. Vantin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide, as determined by your doctor.
Direction of use of Vantin
- Vantin should be taken with food to reduce stomach irritation and upset.
- The liquid suspension form of Vantin must be shaken well before using it.
- Keep taking this medicine for the full course of treatment, even if you begin to feel better after a few days, to help clear up your infection completely. If you have a streptococcal infection, Vantin should be taken for at least 10 days. This is especially important since serious heart problem or kidney problems could develop later due to streptococcal infection, if your infection is not cleared up completely. Also, if you stop taking Vantin before completing the full course of treatment, your symptoms may return.
- Vantin works best when a constant amount of the medicine is maintained in the blood or urine. To help keep the amount of medicine constant, you should not miss any doses and 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 approximately 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, consult with your doctor or other health care professional.
If You Miss a Dose of Vantin
- If you miss a dose of Vantin, you should take it as soon as you can remember it. If it is almost time for your next dose, you should skip the missed dose of Vantin and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at a time to compensate the missed dose.
How to Store Vantin
Vantin should be stored at capsules at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C). Store it away from heat, light and moisture in a tightly closed light resistant dark color container. Do not store this medicine in the bathroom. Liquid suspensions should be stored in the refrigerator, but not in the freezer. Check the expiration date and discard any unused medication after that date. Also discard unused suspensions if it not used within a week or two. Keep Vantin out of reach of children.
More Information About Vantin
Vantin should be used by the patient for whom it is prescribed and not shared with others. This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another infection or give it to someone else. If your symptoms do not improve or they become worse, consult your doctor, he may need to change the medicine.
If you have any question about Vantin, ask your doctor or other health care provider.
Precautions to be Taken While Taking Vantin
- Inform your doctor about your medical history, especially of any allergies (especially to penicillin or cephalosporin antibiotics), kidney disease, stomach problems, colitis etc.
- Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in a secondary infection (known as super-infection) which may be oral, bladder or vaginal yeast infection.
- Do not use Vantin if you are pregnant (this drug should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy). Consult your doctor to discuss about the risks and benefits of using Vantin during pregnancy. Small amounts of this medication can be found in breast milk, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Possible Adverse Effects of Vantin
- Common and mild side effects of Vantin are stomach upset, diarrhea, and loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, anxiety, insomnia, dizziness and headache. If any of these common and mild side effects of Vantin become troublesome or persistent you should consult your doctor.
- Fever, easy bleeding or bruising, a change in the amount of urine, seizures etc. are unlikely side effects of Vantin. Consult your doctor immediately if anyn of these side effects occurs.
- An allergic reaction to Vantin is very unlikely, but you should seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction are difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, skin rash, hives, itching, swelling of mouth, lips, face, tongue etc.
- If you experience any other side effect that is not listed above, contact your doctor or other health care provider.