Why is Duricef prescribed?
Duricef, a cephalosporin antibiotic, is used in the treatment of nose, throat, urinary tract, and skin infections that are caused by specific bacteria, including staph, strep, and E. coli.
Most important fact about Duricef
If you are allergic to either penicillin or cephalosporin antibiotics in any form, consult your doctor before taking Duricef. An allergy to either type of medication may signal an allergy to Duricef; and if a reaction occurs, it could be extremely severe. If you take the drug and feel signs of a reaction, seek medical attention immediately.
How should you take Duricef?
Take Duricef exactly as prescribed. It is important that you finish all of it to obtain the maximum benefit.
Duricef may be taken with or without food. If the drug upsets your stomach, you may find that taking it with meals helps to relieve the problem.
If you are taking the liquid suspension, shake it thoroughly before each use.
--If you miss a dose...
Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, and you take it once a day, take the one you missed and the next dose 10 to 12 hours later. If you take 2 doses a day, take the one you missed and the next dose 5 to 6 hours later. If you take it 3 or more times a day, take the one you missed and the next dose 2 to 4 hours later. Then go back to your regular schedule.
--Storage instructions...
Store capsules and tablets at room temperature. The liquid form should be kept in the refrigerator in a tightly closed bottle. Discard any unused medication after 14 days.
What side effects may occur?
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Duricef.
• More common side effects may include:
Diarrhea, inflammation of the bowel (colitis), nausea, redness and swelling of skin, skin rash and itching, vaginal inflammation, vomiting
Why should Duricef not be prescribed?
If you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to a cephalosporin antibiotic, you should not take Duricef.
Special warnings about Duricef
If you have allergies, particularly to drugs, or often develop diarrhea when taking other antibiotics, you should tell your doctor before taking Duricef.
Also be sure to let the doctor know if you have a kidney disorder. Duricef should be used with caution under these circumstances, and the doctor may want to prescribe a lower dose.
Use Duricef with caution if you have a history of gastrointestinal disease, particularly inflammation of the bowel (colitis).
Continued or prolonged use of Duricef may result in the growth of bacteria that do not respond to Duricef and can cause a second infection.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking Duricef
No significant interactions have been reported.
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
The effects of Duricef during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Duricef may appear in breast milk and could affect a nursing infant. If Duricef is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to stop nursing your baby until your treatment time with Duricef is finished.
Recommended dosage
ADULTS
Urinary Tract Infections
The usual dosage for uncomplicated infections is a total of 1 to 2 grams per day in a single dose or 2 smaller doses. For all other urinary tract infections, the usual dosage is a total of 2 grams per day taken in 2 doses.
Skin and Skin Structure Infections
The usual dose is a total of 1 gram per day in a single dose or 2 smaller doses.
Throat Infections--Strep Throat and Tonsillitis:
The usual dosage is a total of 1 gram per day in a single dose or 2 smaller doses for 10 days.
CHILDREN
For urinary tract and skin infections, the usual dose is 30 milligrams per 2.2 pounds of body weight per day, divided into 2 doses and taken every 12 hours. For throat infections, the recommended dose per day is 30 milligrams per 2.2 pounds of body weight in a single dose or 2 smaller doses. In the treatment of strep throat, the dose should be taken for at least 10 days.
OLDER ADULTS
Your dose may be reduced by your doctor.
Overdosage
Duricef is generally safe. However, large amounts may cause seizures or the side effects listed above. If you suspect an overdose of Duricef, seek medical attention immediately.