Generic name: Cefpodoxime Tablets [ sef-pode-OKS-eem ]
Other brand names of Cefpodoxime Tablets include: Vantin
Drug class: Third generation cephalosporins

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 10, 2024.

Uses of Vantin:

• It is used to treat bacterial infections.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Vantin?

• If you have an allergy to cefpodoxime or any other part of Vantin (cefpodoxime tablets).
• If you are allergic to Vantin (cefpodoxime tablets); any part of Vantin (cefpodoxime tablets); or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
• If you are breast-feeding or plan to breast-feed.

This medicine may interact with other drugs or health problems.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take Vantin (cefpodoxime tablets) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Vantin?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take Vantin (cefpodoxime tablets). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Have your blood work checked if you are on Vantin (cefpodoxime tablets) for a long time. Talk with your doctor.
• This medicine may affect certain lab tests. Tell all of your health care providers and lab workers that you take Vantin (cefpodoxime tablets).
• Do not use longer than you have been told. A second infection may happen.
• If you are allergic to tartrazine, talk with your doctor. Some products have tartrazine.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using Vantin (cefpodoxime tablets) while you are pregnant.

How is this medicine (Vantin) best taken?

Use Vantin (cefpodoxime tablets) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• Take with food.
• Keep taking Vantin (cefpodoxime tablets) as you have been told by your doctor or other health care provider, even if you feel well.
• If antacids are used, they may need to be taken at some other time than Vantin (cefpodoxime tablets). Talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

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.
• Seizures.
• 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.

Related/similar drugs

What are some other side effects of Vantin?

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:

• 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.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Vantin?

• Store tablets at room temperature.
• Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer