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Velosef Side Effects

Generic name: cephradine

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 9, 2023.

Note: This document contains side effect information about cephradine. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Velosef.

Applies to cephradine: oral capsule, oral powder for reconstitution.

Warning

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to cephradine, or to similar antibiotics such as Ceftin, Cefzil, Keflex, Omnicef, and others.

Before using cephradine, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs (especially penicillins), or if you have kidney disease, diabetes, or a history of intestinal problems.

Take this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Cephradine is usually given for up to 3 days after lab tests show that the infection has cleared. Very severe infections may need to be treated for several weeks. Cephradine will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction while taking cephradine (the active ingredient contained in Velosef) hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

Less serious side effects of cephradine may include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to cephradine: oral capsule, oral powder for reconstitution.

Gastrointestinal

Gastrointestinal side effects have included nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, and are among the most common side effects associated with cephradine (the active ingredient contained in Velosef) Several cases of pseudomembranous colitis associated with the use of cephradine have been reported.[Ref]

Pseudomembranous colitis has been reported in patients receiving cephradine both orally and intravenously. Diarrhea generally starts 1 to 16 days after starting cephradine therapy. If the diarrhea is unresponsive to discontinuation of the drug and/or standard therapy, a diagnosis of pseudomembranous colitis should be considered.[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

Hypersensitivity reactions have included rash, urticaria, pruritus, and joint pain.[Ref]

Hematologic

Hematologic side effects have included transient and mild eosinophilia, neutropenia and leukopenia.[Ref]

Hepatic

Hepatic side effects have included transient elevations of SGOT, SGPT, and bilirubin. Hepatocellular damage has not been reported.[Ref]

Renal

Renal side effects associated with some cephalosporins have included interstitial nephritis. (Reversible fever, azotemia, pyuria, and eosinophilia are the hallmarks of cephalosporin-induced interstitial nephritis.)[Ref]

Genitourinary

Genitourinary side effects have included vaginal yeast infections.[Ref]

Nervous system

Nervous system side effects have included dizziness.[Ref]

Other

Other side effects have included chest tightness.[Ref]

References

1. Sankarankutty M, McGeorge D, Galasko CS. Pseudomembranous colitis following cephradine prophylaxis. Postgrad Med J. 1982;58:726-8.

2. Klinger D, Radford P, Collin J. Pneumoperitoneum without faecal peritonitis in a patient with pseudomembranous colitis. Br Med J. 1984;288:1271-2.

3. Roberts AP, Hughes AW. Complications with antibiotics used prophylactically in joint replacement surgery. Int Orthop. 1985;8:299-301.

4. Cannon SR, Dyson PH, Sanderson PJ. Pseudomembranous colitis associated with antibiotic prophylaxis in orthopaedic surgery. J Bone Joint Surg Br. 1988;70-B:600-2.

5. Product Information. Velosef (cephradine). Apothecon Inc. 2002;PROD.

6. Kalb RE, Grossman ME. Pustular eruption following administration of cephradine. Cutis. 1986;38:58-60.

7. Filipe P, Almeida RSLS, Rodrigo FG. Occupational allergic contact dermatitis from cephalosporins. Contact Dermatitis. 1996;34:226.

8. Lawson A, McArdle T, Ghosh S. Cephradine-associated immune neutrophenia. N Engl J Med. 1985;312:651.

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.