Cedax Side Effects
Generic name: ceftibuten
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 15, 2023.
Note: This document contains side effect information about ceftibuten. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Cedax.
Applies to ceftibuten: oral capsule.
Serious side effects of Cedax
WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Any unexplained bruising or bleeding.
- Not able to pass urine or change in how much urine is passed.
- Fever or chills.
- Sore throat.
- Seizures.
- Feeling very tired or weak.
- Vaginal itching or discharge.
- Diarrhea is common with antibiotics. Rarely, a severe form called C diff–associated diarrhea (CDAD) may happen. Sometimes, this has led to a deadly bowel problem (colitis). CDAD may happen during or a few months after taking antibiotics. Call your doctor right away if you have stomach pain, cramps, or very loose, watery, or bloody stools. Check with your doctor before treating diarrhea.
Other side effects of Cedax
All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:
- Upset stomach.
- Diarrhea.
These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
For Healthcare Professionals
Applies to ceftibuten: oral capsule, oral powder for reconstitution.
General
This drug was generally well tolerated. In clinical trials, 2% of patients discontinued medication due to adverse events, primarily diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting, and 0.3% discontinued due to rash or pruritus.[Ref]
Gastrointestinal
The onset of pseudomembranous colitis symptoms has been reported during or after antibacterial therapy.[Ref]
Common (1% to 10%): Nausea, diarrhea, dyspepsia, abdominal pain, vomiting
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Constipation, dry mouth, eructation, flatulence, loose stools
Postmarketing reports: Melena
Cephalosporin-class:
-Frequency not reported: Pseudomembranous colitis[Ref]
Nervous system
Some cephalosporins have been associated with seizures, especially in patients with renal dysfunction whose dose was not reduced.[Ref]
Common (1% to 10%): Headache, dizziness
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Somnolence, taste perversion, paresthesia
Frequency not reported: Hyperkinesia
Postmarketing reports: Aphasia
Cephalosporin-class:
-Frequency not reported: Seizures[Ref]
Hepatic
Common (1% to 10%): Increased ALT, increased bilirubin
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Increased AST
Postmarketing reports: Jaundice
Cephalosporin-class:
-Frequency not reported: Hepatic cholestasis[Ref]
Hematologic
Common (1% to 10%): Increased eosinophils, decreased hemoglobin
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Increased platelets, decreased platelets, decreased leukocytes
Cephalosporin-class:
-Frequency not reported: Aplastic anemia, hemolytic anemia, prolonged prothrombin time, hemorrhage, neutropenia, pancytopenia, agranulocytosis[Ref]
Renal
Common (1% to 10%): Increased BUN
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Increased creatinine
Cephalosporin-class:
-Frequency not reported: Renal dysfunction, toxic nephropathy[Ref]
Dermatologic
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Pruritus, rash, urticaria
Frequency not reported: Diaper dermatitis
Postmarketing reports: Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis
Cephalosporin-class:
-Frequency not reported: Stevens-Johnson syndrome, erythema multiforme[Ref]
Other
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Fatigue, moniliasis, increased alkaline phosphatase
Frequency not reported: Fever, rigors, transient increases in lactate dehydrogenase
Cephalosporin-class:
-Frequency not reported: Drug fever[Ref]
Metabolic
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Anorexia
Frequency not reported: Dehydration
Cephalosporin-class:
-Frequency not reported: False-positive test for urinary glucose[Ref]
Respiratory
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Dyspnea, nasal congestion
Postmarketing reports: Stridor[Ref]
Genitourinary
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Dysuria, vaginitis
Frequency not reported: Hematuria[Ref]
Psychiatric
Frequency not reported: Agitation, irritability, insomnia
Postmarketing reports: Psychosis[Ref]
Hypersensitivity
Postmarketing reports: Serum sickness-like reactions
Cephalosporin-class:
-Frequency not reported: Allergic reactions, anaphylaxis[Ref]
More about Cedax (ceftibuten)
- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
- Reviews (3)
- Drug images
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Drug class: third generation cephalosporins
- Breastfeeding
Patient resources
Professional resources
Related treatment guides
References
1. Product Information. Cedax (ceftibuten). Schering-Plough. 2001;PROD.
2. Owens RC, Nightingale CH, Nicolau DP. Ceftibuten: an overview. Pharmacotherapy. 1997;17:707-20.
3. Aubier MA. Comparison of ceftibuten versus amoxicillin/clavulanate in the treatment of acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis. Chemotherapy. 1997;43:297-302.
4. Sterkers O. Efficacy and tolerability of ceftibuten versus amoxicillin/clavulanate in the treatment of acute sinusitis. Chemotherapy. 1997;43:352-7.
5. McAdoo MA, Rice K, Gordon GR, Sahn SA. Comparison of ceftibuten once daily and amoxicillin-clavulanate three times daily in the treatment of acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis. Clin Ther. 1998;20:88-100.
6. Schatz BS, Karavokiros KT, Taeubel MA, Itokazu GS. Comparison of cefprozil, cefpodoxime proxetil, loracarbef, cefixime, and ceftibuten. Ann Pharmacother. 1996;30:258-68.
7. David RP. Ceftibuten: a new expanded-spectrum oral cephalsporin. Ann Pharmacother. 1997;31:1022-33.
8. Ceftibuten--a new oral cephalosporin. Med Lett Drugs Ther. 1996;38:23-4.
9. Romano A, Mayorga C, Torres MJ, Artesani MC, Suau R, Sanchez F, Perez E, Venuti A, Blanca M. Immediate allergic reactions to cephalosporins: Cross-reactivity and selective responses. J Allerg Clin Immunol. 2000;106:1177-83.
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.