Ceftiben

Indications

Ceftibuten is an oral antibiotic used to treat mild to moderate bacterial infections, including:

• Sore throat and tonsillitis caused by streptococcal bacteria.
• Middle ear infection (otitis media).
• Flare-ups of bacterial infection in chronic bronchitis.
• Urinary tract infections, where approved.

It does not work against viral infections such as colds and flu.

How It Works

Ceftibuten is a third-generation cephalosporin. It stops bacteria from building their cell walls, so the bacteria break down and die.

Dosage and Administration

• Adults and children 12 years and over: usually 400 mg once a day, commonly for 10 days, or as prescribed.
• Children under 12: the oral suspension is given once a day according to body weight, as prescribed, not more than the adult dose.
• Kidney problems: the doctor may lower the dose.

Follow the food instructions on the pack; the oral suspension is usually taken at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Shake the suspension well and measure with the dosing device. Take it at the same time each day and finish the full course, even if you feel better.

Interactions

Few significant interactions are known. Tell the doctor about all medicines you take. Like other cephalosporins, it can affect some laboratory tests, such as the Coombs test and some urine glucose tests; tell the laboratory you are taking it.

Contraindications

• Allergy to ceftibuten or any other cephalosporin antibiotic.
• A previous severe allergic reaction to a penicillin or other beta-lactam antibiotic.

Side Effects

Common: nausea, diarrhoea, stomach pain, headache and dizziness. Less often: vomiting, indigestion, skin rash or itching, and vaginal thrush.

Get urgent medical help for: signs of a severe allergic reaction (swelling of the face, lips or throat, difficulty breathing, widespread hives); a skin rash with blisters, peeling or sores in the mouth; or severe, watery or bloody diarrhoea with stomach cramps, which can happen during or up to several weeks after treatment.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Cephalosporins are generally considered among the safer antibiotics in pregnancy, but ceftibuten should be used only if the doctor judges it necessary. It is not known how much passes into breast milk; ask the doctor before using it while breastfeeding.

Precautions and Warnings

Tell the doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any antibiotic, or if you have kidney disease or a history of bowel problems such as colitis. Using antibiotics when they are not needed, or stopping early, increases the risk of resistant bacteria. The suspension contains sugar; take care in diabetes. See a doctor if you are not better after a few days.

Overdose

An overdose may cause nausea, vomiting, stomach pain and diarrhoea, and in people with kidney problems possibly fits. Seek medical advice; in serious cases it can be removed by dialysis in hospital.

Therapeutic Class

Cephalosporin antibiotic (third generation).

Storage

Capsules and dry powder: store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children. After the suspension is prepared, keep it in a fridge at 2 to 8°C and throw away any unused medicine after 14 days.