Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered.

Ceftin® oral liquid works differently than Ceftin® tablets, even at the same dose (number of milligrams). Do not switch from the tablets to the oral liquid unless your doctor tells you to.

The oral liquid form must be taken with meals, while the tablet form may be given with or without food.

Swallow the tablets whole. Do not break, crush, or chew it.

Shake the oral liquid well before each use. Measure the medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup. The average household teaspoon may not hold the right amount of liquid.

Keep using this medicine for the full treatment time, even if you feel better after the first few doses. Your infection may not clear up if you stop using the medicine too soon.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For infections:
    • For oral dosage form (film-coated tablets):
      • Adults and teenagers—250 to 500 milligrams (mg) two times a day for 10 days. Gonorrhea is treated with a single 1-gram (g) dose.
      • Children (who can swallow the tablets)—250 mg two times a day for 10 days.
      • Children (who cannot swallow the tablets)—Use is not recommended.
    • For oral dosage form (suspension):
      • Children 3 months to 12 years of age—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The dose is usually 20 to 30 milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight per day divided into two doses, taken for 10 days. However, the dose is usually not more than 1000 mg.
      • Infants up to 3 months—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Store the oral liquid in the refrigerator. Throw away any unused medicine after 10 days.

Store the tablets in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

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