Vantin (Cefpodoxime)

Description

Vantin is a drug meant for treating mild to moderate illnesses caused as a result of bacterial infections. This antibiotic must not be used to treat viral infections. Misusing this drug can reduce its effectiveness to a significant extent.

How It works

As an antibiotic medication, the drug naturally works by fighting the bacteria in the body. The drug falls under the group of medications known as cephalosporin antibiotics. These medications work by blocking the growth of bacteria within the body. This prevents the condition from deteriorating into a more severe state.

Uses

Vantin is mainly used to treat bacterial infections that occur in multiple parts of the body. The condition eliminates the deterioration of the illness and ensures that it will not return. However, it is important to understand that this medication will not cure conditions such as the common cold that are caused by viral infections.

Dosage

This drug is usually consumed orally, once in every twelve hours. However, your doctor might administer a slightly different dosage to suit your personal health status. For patients under the age of 18, the dosage depends on weight.

Do not make any changes to the dose or the schedule without consulting your healthcare provider. Increasing your dosage will not expedite or improve the treatment process. Instead, it can worsen the influence of the side effects. If you are taking this drug in tablet form, it is preferable to take it with food. This will make it easier for the body to absorb the medication.

Remember that antibiotics are most effective when they are maintained in a constant level in your body. So, you need to take your medication regularly. Do not stop the treatment abruptly, even if you feel normal. If you stop the treatment before the medication has fully destroyed the traces of the infection, the condition can return.

Side Effects

Here are some adverse health effects of this drug you need to be aware about.

 Diarrhea
 Loose stools
 Headaches
 Upset stomach
 Nausea
 Vomiting
 Severe skin allergies

While experiencing the side effects are rare, be sure to look out for them, especially when you start treatment, or if you’ve been asked to increase your dosage.

Precautions

The precautionary methods mentioned below must be strictly followed during the course of the treatment.

 If you miss your dose of Vantin, take it as soon as you remember. Do not double the next one.

 Find out if you are intolerant to any of the components in the drug.

 Inform your pharmacist about your current medications. This includes prescription drugs, non-prescription drugs and herbal supplements.

Self-Care

If you become pregnant while taking the drug, you need to inform your doctor right away. It is not known whether this drug can affect your baby negatively. Thus, it is best to consider the advantages and risks of using this medication with your doctor. The same applies for breastfeeding too.

Follow all your lab test appointments regularly. Using this medication on the long-term can reduce your blood cell count and might even result in liver damage. Thus, you need to monitor your health condition to ensure that the medication does not affect you adversely.