The cephalosporin antibiotics (cefaclor [CECLOR], cefadroxil [DURICEF], cefixime [SUPRAX], cefpodoxime [VANTIN], cefuroxime [CEFTIN] )are used in the treatment of infections caused by bacteria. They work by killing bacteria or preventing their growth. These drugs are used to treat infections in many different parts of the body. They are sometimes given with other antibiotics. Some cephalosporins given by injection are also used to prevent infections before, during, and after surgery. However, cephalosporins will not work for colds, flu or other virus infections.
Before beginning therapy with a cephalosporin antibiotic, careful inquiry should be made to determine whether the patient has had previous hypersensitivity reactions to cephalosporin, penicillin or other drugs. This product should be given cautiously to penicillin-sensitive patients.
These antibiotics may cause stomach or abdominal cramps and pain; abdominal tenderness; watery diarrhea that may also be bloody; and fever. These drugs may also cause skin reactions, seizures, decrease in urine output, joint pain, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, and a low platelet count (thrombocytopenia).
Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylactic/anaphylactoid reactions (including shock and fatalities), angioedema (hive-like swelling beneath the skin, especially around the eyes and mouth) and facial edema (swelling) have been reported with the use of cefixime (Suprax).
