What is the most important information I should know about Vantin?

• Take all of the Vantin 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.
• Take the Vantin tablets with food to increase absorption by the body.
• The Vantin suspension can be taken with or without food.

What is Vantin?

• Vantin is an antibiotic in a class of drugs called cephalosporins. Vantin fights bacteria in the body.
• Vantin is used to treat many different types of bacterial infections such as bronchitis, pneumonia, tonsillitis, ear infections, sinus infections, skin infections, gonorrhea, and urinary tract infections.
• Vantin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Vantin?

• Do not take Vantin if you have ever had an allergic reaction to another cephalosporin or to a penicillin without first talking to your doctor.
• Before taking Vantin, tell your doctor if you have
  • kidney disease, or
  • a gastrointestinal (digestive) disease such as colitis.
• You may not be able to take Vantin, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have either of the conditions listed above.
• The Vantin suspension contains sucrose. Individuals with diabetes may need to be aware of the sucrose contained in this suspension.
• Vantin is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not, however, take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
• Vantin passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take Vantin?

• 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.
• Take the Vantin tablets with food to increase absorption by the body.
• The Vantin suspension can be taken with or without food.
• Do not take Vantin at the same time as antacids (e.g., Tums, Maalox, Rolaids, others) or other stomach acid reducers (e.g., Tagamet, Axid, Pepcid, Zantac, Prilosec, Prevacid, Aciphex, Nexium, Protonix). This may decrease the absorption of Vantin.
• To ensure that you get a correct dose, measure the liquid form of Vantin 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. Shake the suspension well before measuring a dose.
• Take Vantin at evenly spaced intervals to keep a constant level of drug in the body. It is important to take Vantin regularly to get the most benefit.
• Take all of the Vantin 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 at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
• Store the suspension in the refrigerator between 36 and 46 degrees Fahrenheit (2 and 8 degrees Celsius). Throw away any unused medication after 14 days.

What happens if I miss a dose?

• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, then try to evenly space the rest of the doses for that day until you can return to a normal schedule. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

What happens if I overdose?

• Seek emergency medical attention.
• Symptoms of a Vantin overdose include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps.

What should I avoid while taking Vantin?

• Do not take Vantin at the same time as antacids (e.g., Tums, Maalox, Rolaids, others) or other stomach acid reducers (e.g., Tagamet, Axid, Pepcid, Zantac, Prilosec, Prevacid, Aciphex, Nexium, Protonix). This may decrease the absorption of Vantin.

What are the possible side effects of Vantin?

• If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Vantin 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 be more likely to occur. Continue to take Vantin and talk to your doctor if you experience
  • mild nausea or diarrhea, or
  • a 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.

What other drugs will affect Vantin?

• Do not take Vantin at the same time as antacids (e.g., Tums, Maalox, Rolaids, others) or other stomach acid reducers (e.g., Tagamet, Axid, Pepcid, Zantac, Prilosec, Prevacid, Aciphex, Nexium, Protonix). This may decrease the absorption of Vantin.
• Before taking Vantin, 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 Vantin. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.