Cedax Side Effects

Generic name: ceftibuten

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 8, 2025.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Cedax Side Effects associated with ceftibuten. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically 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 adverse events

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

• 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]

The onset of pseudomembranous colitis symptoms has been reported during or after antibacterial therapy.^[Ref]

Nervous system

• 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]

Some cephalosporins have been associated with seizures, especially in patients with renal dysfunction whose dose was not reduced.^[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]

Further information

Cedax side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer