Introduction
Ridicef is an antibiotic medicine used to treat a variety of bacterial infections. It is effective in infections of the respiratory tract (eg. pneumonia), urinary tract, ear, nasal sinus, throat, and some sexually transmitted diseases.
Ridicef may be taken with or without food. You should take it regularly at evenly spaced intervals as per the schedule prescribed by your doctor. Taking it at the same time every day will help you to remember to take it. The dose will depend on what you are being treated for, but you should always complete a full course of this antibiotic as prescribed by your doctor. Do not stop taking it until you have finished, even when you feel better. If you stop taking it early, some bacteria may survive and the infection may come back. It will not work for viral infections such as flu or the common cold. Using any antibiotic when you do not need it can make it less effective for future infections.
The most common side effects of this medicine include rash, vomiting, nausea, indigestion, and diarrhea. These are usually mild but let your doctor know if they bother you or last more than a few days.
Before using it, you should tell your doctor if you are allergic to any antibiotics or have any kidney or liver problems. You should also let your healthcare team know all other medicines you are taking as they may affect, or be affected by, this medicine. Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should consult their doctor before using it. Avoid consuming alcohol while taking this medicine as it may cause unpleasant side effects like nausea, vomiting, sweating, anxiety, and palpitations.
Side effects of Ridicef
Common
- Rash
- Allergic reaction
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
How to use Ridicef
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Do not chew, crush or break it. Ridicef may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.
How Ridicef works
Ridicef is an antibiotic. It kills the bacteria by preventing them from forming the bacterial protective covering (cell wall) which is needed for them to survive.
What if you forget to take Ridicef?
If you miss a dose of Ridicef, 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 schedule. Do not double the dose.
Indication
Community-acquired pneumonia, Susceptible infections, Sinusitis, Otitis media, Sore throat, Soft tissue infections, Respiratory tract infections, Acute Exacerbations of Chronic bronchitis, Acute Maxillary Sinusitis
Administration
May be taken with or without food.
Adult Dose
Community-Acquired Pneumonia, Skin/Skin Structure Infections
300 mg PO q12hr for 10 days
Respiratory Tract Infections, Acute Maxillary Sinusitis
300 mg PO q12hr or 600 mg PO q24hr for 10 days
Hepatic impairment
No dosage adjustment necessary
Child Dose
<6 months: Safety and efficacy not established
6 months-12 years: 7 mg/kg PO q12hr for 5-10 days or 14 mg/kg PO q24hr for 10 days
>12 years or >43 kg: 300 mg PO q12hr or 600 mg PO q24hr for 10 days
Renal Dose
Renal impairment:
CrCl (ml/min)
<30 300 mg once daily.
Contraindication
Hypersensitivity.
Mode of Action
Cefdinir binds to one or more of the penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) which inhibits the final transpeptidation step of peptidoglycan synthesis in bacterial cell wall, thus inhibiting biosynthesis and arresting cell wall assembly resulting in bacterial cell death.
Precaution
Penicillin-sensitive patients; superinfection; seizure; pseudomembranous colitis; pregnancy, lactation; renal or hepatic insufficiency.
Lactation: Unknown whether drug is excreted in milk
Side Effect
>10%
Diarrhea (8-15%)
1-10%
Vaginal moniliasis (<4%),Nausea (3%),Rash (3%),Headache (2%),Increased urine leukocytes (2%),Increased urine protein (1-2%),Decreased lymphocytes (1%),Glycosuria (1%),Increased alkaline phosphatase (1%),Increased eosinophils (1%),Increased platelets (1%)
Potentially Fatal: Anaphylaxis; renal and hepatic failure.
Pregnancy Category Note
Pregnancy category: B
Lactation: Unknown whether drug is excreted in milk
Interaction
Concomitant admin w/ antacids or Fe supplements reduce the rate and extent of absorption. Admin w/ Fe supplements may cause reddish stools. Decreased renal elimination w/ probenecid.