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Cefradine
|
About cefradine
| Type of medicine | Cephalosporin antibiotic |
| Used for | Infections |
| Also called | Nicef® Velosef® |
| Available as | Capsules Oral Syrup Injection |
Cefradine works by killing or stopping the growth of the bacteria that cause infections. It is a broad spectrum antibiotic which means it is active against a wide variety of bacteria.
Before taking cefradine
Before taking cefradine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:
- If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
- If you suffer from kidney problems.
- If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this medicine, penicillin antibiotics or any other medicine.
- If you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
How to take cefradine
- Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor.
- Before beginning treatment read the manufacturer's information leaflet.
- Take cefradine at regular intervals and complete the prescribed course. It is important to take the full course, even if you feel your infection has cleared up, to prevent the infection coming back.
- If you forget to take a dose, take one as soon as you remember even if it is nearly time for your next dose.
Getting the most from your treatment
- Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside cefradine.
- Some people develop thrush (redness and itching in the mouth or vagina) after taking a course of antibiotics. If you think you have thrush speak to your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
- If you have any medical tests while you are taking this medicine tell the person doing the test that you are taking cefradine.
- Important: Oral contraceptives can be less effective when taken with cefradine. To prevent an unwanted pregnancy you should use a barrier method of contraception such as a condom while you are taking cefradine and for at least 7 days after the course of treatment has ended. If the week following the antibiotic course runs into your pill free week, the next pack of oral contraceptives should be started immediately, without a break. If you are taking the form of contraceptive pill which is taken every day or need further advice, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
Can cefradine cause problems
Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.
| Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine | What can I do if I experience this |
| Diarrhoea | Drink plenty of water to replace lost fluids. If the diarrhoea is severe or lasts for more than 24 hours, contact your doctor |
| Feeling or being sick, stomach ache | Eat little and often and stick to simple foods such as dry toast. Taking cefradine after meals may help |
| Headache | Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable pain-killer. If the headache continues, speak with your doctor |
| Thrush | Speak with your doctor or pharmacist for advice |
| Dizziness | Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs that could be dangerous if you were not fully alert. |
How to store cefradine
- Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
- Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
Important information about all medicines
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References
- British National Formulary; 54th Edition (September 2007) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF).
- Manufacturer's PIL, Velosef® Syrup 250mg/5ml, E. R. Squibb & Sons Ltd, electronic Medicines Compendium. Text revised June 2005, accessed 22 January 2008.
- Manufacturer's PIL, Velosef® Capsules 250mg & 500mg, E. R. Squibb & Sons Ltd, electronic Medicines Compendium. Text revised June 2005, accessed 22 January 2008.
- Manufacturer's PIL, Velosef® for Injection, E.R. Squibb & Sons Ltd, electronic Medicines Compendium. Text revised October 2005, accessed 29 January 2008.
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