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Common uses
Duricef is commonly used to fight bacterial infections including but not limited to urinary tract infection, skin infections, ear infections, bronchitis, and tonsillitis. Duricef should be taken even if the initial symptoms are alleviated for as long as the prescribing physician has recommended. The potential for the infection to return is significant for patients who prematurely stop taking their antibiotic.
This drug may also be used before dental procedures in patients with artificial heart valves to prevent serious infection of the heart lining (bacterial endocarditis).
Before using
Do not take Duricef if you have ever had an allergic reaction to another cephalosporin or to a penicillin unless your doctor is aware of the allergy and monitors your therapy.
• Before taking Duricef, tell your doctor if you have
• kidney disease, or
• a gastrointestinal (digestive) disease such as colitis.
• You may not be able to take Duricef, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have either of the conditions listed above.
• The Duricef suspension contains sucrose. Individuals with diabetes may need to be aware of the sucrose contained in this suspension.
• Duricef is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Duricef is generally considered safe for use during pregnancy. Do not, however, take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
• Duricef passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing infant. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Directions
Take this medication exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
• Take each dose with a full glass of water.
• Duricef can be taken on an empty stomach or with food or milk if it causes stomach upset.
• Shake the liquid form of Duricef well before measuring a dose. To ensure that you get a correct dose, measure the suspension with a dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.
• Take Duricef at evenly spaced intervals to keep a constant level of drug in the body. It is important to take Duricef regularly to get the most benefit.
• Take all of the Duricef that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated.
• Store the tablets and capsules at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
• Store the suspension in the refrigerator. Throw away any unused medication after 14 days.
Cautions
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 this medication and can cause a second infection.
Possible side effects
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Duricef and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:
• an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, face, or tongue; hives; or a rash);
• rash, redness, or itching;
• severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea;
• mucous or blood in the stool; or
• unusual bleeding or bruising.
• Other, less serious side effects may also occur. Continue to take the medication and talk to your doctor if you experience
• mild nausea or diarrhea, or
• yeast infection of the mouth or vagina.
• Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
If you take too much
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.
Additional information
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 this medication is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to stop nursing your baby until your treatment time with Duricef is finished.
Drug interactions
• Before taking Duricef, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines
• probenecid (Benemid);
• a loop diuretic (water pill) such as furosemide, bumetanide (Bumex), torsemide (Demadex), or ethacrynic acid (Edecrin);
• warfarin (Coumadin); or
• another antibiotic.
• You may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.
• Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Duricef. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.
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