Ceftibuten Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Sep 6, 2024.

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

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction while taking ceftibuten: 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:

• diarrhea that is watery or bloody;

• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;

• unusual bleeding;

• blood in your urine;

• seizure (convulsions);

• pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, fever, confusion or weakness;

• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);

• fever, swollen glands, rash or itching, joint pain, or general ill feeling;

• fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash; or

• increased thirst, loss of appetite, swelling, weight gain, feeling short of breath, urinating less than usual or not at all.

Less serious side effects of ceftibuten may include:

• nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, upset stomach, belching, constipation, mild diarrhea;

• stiff or tight muscles;

• numbness or tingly feeling;

• headache, dizziness, drowsiness, tired feeling;

• feeling agitated, irritable, restless, or hyperactive;

• dry mouth;

• white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips;

• unusual or unpleasant taste in your mouth;

• stuffy nose, noisy breathing;

• sleep problems (insomnia);

• mild itching or skin rash;

• vaginal itching or discharge;

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 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]

See also:

Further information

Ceftibuten 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