Ultracef Tablet

Generic Name(s): Cefadroxil

Why it's used

Ultracef Tablet is used to treat certain types of infection which includes bacterial urinary tract infections such as inflammation of the kidney, and bladder, skin and skin structure related infections such as painful collection of pus, pus-filled bumps, presence of red sores on the face, infection of the upper layer of skin, lymph nodes enlargement (lymphadenitis) and lung infection (bacterial pneumonia). This medicine is also used to treat inflammation of the airway passage, pharynx, or tonsils. It is a prescription medicine. This medicine works by killing the bacteria.
When not to use
Ultracef Tablet will not work to treat colds, flu, or other viral infections. Ultracef should not be used to treat inflammation of the brain and spinal cord (meningitis).
Cephalosporin Antibacterials
Ultracef belongs to a class of medicines called Cephalosporin Antibacterials. Cephalosporins are antibacterial medicines that kill bacteria by interfering with how bacteria build their cell walls.

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How to use

Read the medicine guide provided by your pharmacist, your doctor, or the medicine company. If you have any questions related to Ultracef, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Use Ultracef Tablet as per the instructions provided by your doctor.
Ultracef is consumed with or without food. To prevent nausea and stomach upset, take this medicine with food.

Typical Dosage

The typical dose of Ultracef for adults is 1000-2000 mg/day in a single or divided doses. The usual dose for children is 30-50 mg/kg (13.6-22.7 mg/lb)/day divided into two daily doses. The maximum dose for adult patients of Ultracef is 4000 mg per day. This medicine is generally used for a period of 10 days for inflammation of the pharynx (streptococcal pharyngitis), and 10 days for inflammation of tonsils (streptococcal tonsillitis). Ultracef is commonly used at the same time every day. This medicine is not known to be addictive or habit-forming.
This medicine is to be used for longer periods of time. Ultracef may be prescribed for long-term use to treat the severe conditions of urinary tract infections. Ultracef should be used as directed by the doctor even if you feel well, or even if you think that there is no need for you to use your medicine.
If using the liquid form of this medicine, measure the dose using the provided measuring cup, spoon, or dropper. Before pouring the medicine into the measuring device, you should check the measurement markings carefully. Then, pour the dose amount into the device. After use, clean and store the measuring device in a safe place for your next use. You should not use a tablespoon or teaspoon as the dose measuring devices since it can result in an incorrect dose. If indicated on the product package, shake the medicine before use.

Talk to Your Doctor

Discuss with your doctor if your condition does not improve or worsens. If you have any kidney disease, the dosage of Ultracef should be adjusted according to kidney parameters such as creatinine clearance rate to prevent the drug build-up in the body in patients with abnormal functioning of the kidneys.

Use in Children

If you are giving Ultracef Tablet to a child, be sure to use a product that is for use in children. Use the child's weight or age to find the right dose from the product package or medicine label. You can also read the dosage section of this page to know the correct dose for your child. Else, consult with your doctor and follow their recommendation.

Lab Tests

Your doctor may request that specific lab tests be performed before you start using Ultracef Tablet. Your doctor may ask you to undergo Antibiotic Susceptibility test. Your doctor may request Culture Test test.
Medicines may be recommended for uses other than those listed in the medicine guide. You should not use Ultracef Tablet for conditions or symptoms for which it was not prescribed. Do not give Ultracef Tablet to other people, even if they have the same conditions or symptoms that you have. The use of this medicine without the advice of a doctor may cause harm.

Storage

Follow storage instructions on the product package if available. Store Ultracef Tablet at room temperature 15-30° C (59-86° F), and away from moisture. Store this medicine away from children and pets.

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How to take Ultracef

The dose and frequency of using Ultracef will depend on the following factors:
  • age of the patient
  • the weight of the patient
  • patient's health
  • the health of the patient's liver
  • medicines recommended by the doctor
  • any other medicines being used
  • herbal supplements being used
  • response to the medicine

Ultracef Dosage

Dosage for urinary tract infections

Adult (adults and children with more than 40 kg (18.2lb) with the normal functioning of the kidney)
  • Recommended: 1000-2000 mg/day in a single or divided doses
  • Maximum: 4000 mg/day
Children (children less than 40 kg (18.2 lb) with the normal functioning of the kidney)
  • Recommended: 30-50 mg/kg/day (13.6-22.7 mg/lb/day) divided into two daily doses
  • Maximum: 100 mg/kg/day (45.4 mg/lb/day)

Dosage for skin and skin structure related infections

Adult (adults and children with more than 40 kg (18.2lb) with the normal functioning of the kidney)
  • Recommended: 1000 mg/day in a single or divided doses
  • Maximum: 4000 mg per day
Children (children less than 40 kg (18.2 lb) with the normal functioning of the kidney)
  • Recommended: 30-50 mg/kg/day (13.6-22.7 mg/lb/day) divided into two daily doses
  • Maximum: 100 mg/kg/day (45.4 mg/lb/day)

Dosage for inflammation of the pharynx or tonsils

Adult (adults and children with more than 40 kg (18.2 lb) with the normal functioning of the kidney)
  • Recommended: 1000 mg per day in single or divided doses for 10 days
  • Maximum: 4000 mg/day
Children (children less than 40 kg (18.2 lb) with the normal functioning of the kidney)
  • Recommended: 30 mg/kg/day (13.6 mg/lb/day) per day in a single dose or in equally divided doses every 12 hours for 10 days
  • Maximum: 100 mg/kg/day (45.4 mg/lb/day)

Dosage for inflammation of the airway passage (bronchopneumonia)

Adult (adults and children with more than 40 kg (18.2 lb) with the normal functioning of the kidney)
  • Recommended: 1000 mg twice a day
  • Maximum: 4000 mg per day
Children (children less than 40 kg (18.2 lb) with the normal functioning of the kidney)
  • Recommended: 30-50 mg/kg/day (13.6-22.7 mg/lb/day) divided into two daily doses
  • Maximum: 100 mg/kg/day (45.4 mg/lb/day)

Dosage for lungs inflammation due to bacterial infection

Adult (adults and children with more than 40 kg (18.2 lb) with the normal functioning of the kidney)
  • Recommended: 1000 mg twice a day
  • Maximum: 4000 mg per day
Children (children less than 40 kg (18.2 lb) with the normal functioning of the kidney)
  • Recommended: 30-50 mg/kg/day (13.6-22.7 mg/lb/day) divided into two daily doses
  • Maximum: 100 mg/kg/day (45.4 mg/lb/day)

Dosage for red sores on the face (impetigo)

Children
  • Recommended: 30 mg/kg/day (13.6 mg/lb/day) in a single dose or in equally divided doses every 12 hours

Dosage calculation for children

To calculate the dosage for children please use the weight based dose calculator to calculate the appropriate dosage as per the weight of your child.

Forms

Film-coated tablet
Strength: 1000 mg
Capsule
Strength: 500 mg
Oral Suspension
Strength: 125 mg/5 mL, 250 mg/5 mL, and 500 mg/5 mL

Special Instructions

Oral suspension
Shake the suspension well before use and keep the container tightly closed. Discard the unused portion of suspension after 14 days.

Missed Dose

A missed dose should be taken as early as you remember it. However, if the time for the next dose is almost there, then the missed dose should be skipped, and the regular dosing schedule should be continued. Avoid taking a repeated dose to make up for a missed dose.

Overdose

What to do if you overdose on Ultracef?
If you have taken more than the recommended dose of Ultracef, the harmful effect can be reduced by inducing vomiting or cleaning out the toxic substances of the stomach (gastric lavage). If necessary, remove excess fluid, salt, and wastes from the blood (hemodialysis). Proper monitoring of the functioning of the kidney, water, and electrolyte balance is required in certain cases.
Symptoms of an overdose of Ultracef
If you use too much of this medicine, it could lead to dangerous levels of the medicine in your body. In such cases, symptoms of an overdose may include:
  • abnormal functioning of the kidney
  • blurred (clouded) consciousness
  • coma
  • hallucinations
  • muscle pain, muscle contraction, rigidity, irregular, jerky, slowness of movements (extrapyramidal symptoms)
  • nausea
  • overactive response (hyperreflexia)
If you think you have overdosed on Ultracef Tablet, call a poison control center immediately. You can look up the poison control center information from the Poison Center Finder at TabletWise.com.

Precautions while using Ultracef

Before you use Ultracef, tell your doctor of your medical and health history including the following:
  • abnormal functioning of the kidney
  • allergic to penicillins, cephalosporins, and beta-lactam drugs
  • shortness of breath (asthma)
  • stomach or intestinal diseases like inflammation of the digestive tract (colitis)
Patients with a history of allergy to penicillins, cephalosporins, and beta-lactam drugs are at increased risk of allergic reactions. Patients with abnormal functioning of the kidney are at increased risk of seizures.
Before you use Ultracef Tablet, discuss with your doctor if you are allergic to it or its ingredients. Your doctor may prescribe an alternative medicine and update your medical records to record this information. Tell your doctor if you are allergic any of the following substances: cephalosporins, penicillins, or beta-lactam drugs.
The use of this medicine may change blood count. Use of this medicine may alter the levels of blood count parameters.
The use of this medicine may change Urinary sugar test. Patients may experience an increase in urine sugar levels during the treatment with Ultracef.
The use of Ultracef Tablet may change Coombs' test. Patients may experience a positive Coombs test during or after the Ultracef therapy.
The use of this medicine may change blood clotting time (prothrombin time). Patients using Ultracef may experience prolonged blood clotting time. Blood coagulation parameters should be check frequently.
The use of Ultracef Tablet may change liver enzymes. Patients using Ultracef may experience an increased levels of liver enzymes.

Seizures

Ultracef Tablet can make you feel sleepy. Be careful when using any machinery, driving a vehicle, or doing any other activity that needs you to be fully alert. The consumption of alcohol with Ultracef Tablet can worsen the sleepiness. Ultracef Tablet may cause rarely seizures in some people. If you perform any activities where a loss of consciousness may cause harm to you (or others), you should discuss with your doctor.

Use in Pregnancy

The use of Ultracef during pregnancy should only be when required. Ultracef should be used in pregnancy only if it is needed because no adequate and well-controlled studies have been carried out.

Use while Breastfeeding

Ultracef may pass into breast milk in a small amount and may further lead to several side effects such as diarrhea, fungal infection, sensitivity, and increased risk of infection among the children. Therefore, Ultracef should be taken with precaution in breastfeeding mothers.

Use while Conceiving

Consult with your doctor on the use of Ultracef, if you are trying to conceive.

Long-term Use

Long-term use of Ultracef may cause harmful effects such as fungal superinfection, an increased number of eosinophils in the blood (eosinophilia), low levels of thrombocytes, white blood cells, neutrophils, and agranulocyte in the blood.

What precautions should be taken during Pregnancy and Nursing, and administering Ultracef to Children or the Older Adults?

Pregnant Women

Only When Necessary
Warning: Ultracef should be used in pregnancy only if it is clearly needed because no adequate and well-controlled studies have been carried out.

Breastfeeding

Precaution
Warning: The use of Ultracef in breastfeeding mothers should be handled very strictly with necessary precautions.

Younger Adults Population

Only When Necessary
Warning: Coombs test should be carried out in newborns whose mothers have taken the treatment with cephalosporins before the delivery.

Older Adults Population

Precaution
Warning: Proper dose selection is needed in elderly patients with abnormal functioning of the kidneys.

Ultracef Side-effects

The following side-effects may commonly occur when using Ultracef Tablet. If any of these side-effects worsen or last for a long time, you should consult with your doctor:
Rarely, the use of Ultracef Tablet may cause the following side-effects:
The following severe side-effects may also occur when using Ultracef Tablet:
  • Immune system disorders
    Symptoms: allergic reaction to an injection of foreign protein life-threatening allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
  • Blood and lymphatic system disorders
    Symptoms: low count of neutrophils in the blood, low levels of thrombocytes in the blood, decrease in the number of white blood cells, deficiency of blood cells (aplastic anaemia), deficiency of red blood cell (hemolytic anemia), bleeding (hemorrhage), deficiency of agranulocytes, deficiency of red cells, white cells, and platelets (pancytopenia) increased levels of eosinophils in the blood
  • Liver disorders
    Symptoms: blocked or reduced flow of bile from the liver (cholestasis), increased aspartate aminotransferase (AST), increased alanine aminotransferase (ALT), liver failure, drug-induced liver failure (idiosyncratic liver failure) increased in the level of liver enzymes
  • Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorder
    Symptoms: life-threatening skin reaction (Stevens-Johnson Syndrome), skin allergic reaction caused by infection (erythema multiforme), life-threatening drug-induced skin reaction (harmful epidermal necrolysis) swelling of the lower layer of the skin
    If any of these symptoms occur, discontinue the use of this medicine.
  • Stomach and intestinal disorder
    Symptoms: inflammation of the colon (pseudomembranous colitis)
  • Nervous system disorder
    Symptoms: seizure
    If symptom like seizures occurs, avoid the use of Ultracef, and use of anticonvulsant therapy should be recommended.
  • Genital tract infections
    Symptoms: inflammation of the vagina (vaginitis)
  • General disorders
    Symptoms: fever
  • Kidney disorders
    Symptoms: kidney failure, increased bilirubin levels, abnormal functioning of the kidneys increased creatinine levels
Your doctor has prescribed this Ultracef because they have judged that the benefits outweigh the risks posed by side-effects. Many people using this medicine do not have serious side-effects. This is not a complete list of possible side-effects for Ultracef.
If you experience side-effects or notice other side-effects not listed above, contact your doctor for medical advice. You may also report side-effects to your local food and drug administration authority. You can look up the drug authority contact information from the Drug Authority Finder at TabletWise.com.

Side-effects and Allergic Reactions of Ultracef by Severity and Frequency

Common Side-effects

Following are the common side-effects of this medicine:

Infrequent and Rare Side-effects

Following are the infrequent and rare side-effects of this medicine:

Severe Side-effects

Following are the severe side-effects of this medicine:

Mild Allergic Reactions

Following are the symptoms of mild allergic reactions to this medicine:
Treatment should be discontinued if allergic reactions occur.

Serious Allergic Reactions

Following are the symptoms of serious allergic reactions to this medicine:
  • life-threatening allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
  • life-threatening drug-induced skin reaction (toxic epidermal necrolysis)
  • life-threatening skin reaction (Stevens-Johnson Syndrome)
  • skin allergic reaction caused by infection (erythema multiforme)
  • swelling of the skin due to an allergic reaction
If you experience side-effects or notice other side-effects not listed above, contact your doctor for medical advice. You may also report side-effects to your local food and drug administration authority. You can look up the drug authority contact information from the Drug Authority Finder at TabletWise.com.

Warnings

Long-Term Use of Ultracef

Patients who are on long-term use of this medicine are at an increased risk when using this medicine. Fungal superinfections may occur in patients who are receiving long-term Ultracef therapy. Patients are advised to check blood count, liver and kidney test regularly.

Overproduction of Urine (diuresis)

The patients with forced diuresis are at an increased risk when using this medicine. The blood level of Ultracef may be reduced in the patients with overproduction of urine (diuresis).

Allergic

Patients allergic to Ultracef, penicillins and other cephalosporins, are at an increased risk when using this medicine. Such patients may see an increased risk of cross allergic reactions. Patients with allergic reactions may require treatment with epinephrine and other emergency measures such as the airway management by use of oxygen, fluids directly injected into veins, use of corticosteroids and pressor amines. Discontinue the use of Ultracef in severe allergic conditions.

Glucose Determination in the Urine

Patients using reduction tests for glucose determination in urine are at an increased risk of false elevated values of glucose in urine. Use the test strips for determination of glucose in urine during treatment with Ultracef.

Stomach and Intestinal Disturbances

Patients with a history of gastrointestinal disturbances (diarrhea) are at an increased risk when using this medicine. Use of Ultracef in the patient having a history of gastrointestinal disturbances may cause an inflammation of the colon (pseudomembranous colitis), which can be mild or life-threatening. Take necessary precautions in such patients. Discontinue the use of this medicine in mild cases of pseudomembranous colitis. In moderate to severe cases, fluids and electrolytes balance, protein supplementation and antibacterial drug therapy effective against colitis should be considered.

History of Severe Allergies or Asthma

Patients with history of severe allergies or shortness of breath (asthma) are at an increased risk when using this medicine. Special precautions should be considered in such patients.

Abnormal Functioning of the Kidney

Such patients are at an increased risk when using this medicine. The dosage should be adjusted according to kidney condition (creatinine clearance rates) to prevent the build-up of Ultracef in the body.

Interactions with Ultracef

When two or more medicines are taken together, it can change how the medicines work and increase the risk of side-effects. In medical terms, this is called as a Drug Interaction.
This page does not contain all the possible interactions of Ultracef Tablet. Share a list of all medicines that you use with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medicines without the approval of your doctor.

Cholestyramine

Your doctor's guidelines may need to be followed while taking this medicine along with cholestyramine, which is used to treat cholesterol levels. Cholestyramine may reduce the absorption of Ultracef in the body. Patients should take necessary precautions while taking cholestyramine in combination with Ultracef.

Loop Diuretics

Ultracef Tablet interacts with loop diuretics, which are used to treat high blood pressure conditions. The use of Ultracef with the high dose of loop diuretics may increase the risk of kidney damage. Ultracef should not be used with loop diuretics.

Aminoglycoside Antibiotics

There may be an interaction of Ultracef with aminoglycoside antibiotics, polymyxin B, and colistin, which are used to treat bacterial infection. The use of Ultracef with aminoglycoside antibiotics may increase the risk of kidney damage. Avoid the use of these antibiotics with Ultracef.

Bacteriostatic Antibiotics

Ultracef Tablet may interact with bacteriostatic antibiotics (tetracycline, erythromycin, sulfonamides, chloramphenicol), which are used to treat bacterial infections. The use of bacteriostatic antibiotics may oppose the effect of Ultracef. Ultracef should not be used with bacteriostatic antibiotics.

Anticoagulants or Thrombocyte Aggregation Inhibitors

Special instructions need to be followed while taking this medicine along with anticoagulants or thrombocyte aggregation inhibitors, which are used to prevent blood clot formation. The long-term use of anticoagulants or thrombocyte aggregation inhibitors with Ultracef may increase the risk of bleeding complications. Patients should avoid using this combination. But in case, if it is unavoidable, then monitor the blood clotting parameters.

Probenecid

Ultracef Tablet may interact with probenecid, which is used to treat high uric acid levels. The use of probenecid may reduce the removal of Ultracef from the kidney. Therefore the level of Ultracef gets increased in the blood when taken in combination with probenecid. Patients should take necessary precautions while taking probenecid in combination with Ultracef.

Interactions of Ultracef by Severity

Severe

The following medicines are usually not to be taken together without consulting with your doctor or pharmacist.

Serious

The following medicines may interact when taken together and can cause harmful effects in the body. Please consult with your doctor or pharmacist before taking these medicines together.

Moderate

The following medicines may interact when taken together and can increase your risk of harmful effects. Please consult with your doctor or pharmacist before taking these medicines together.

When should Ultracef be not used?

Allergic to Ultracef and Other Cephalosporins

This medicine should not be used in patients who are allergic to Ultracef and other cephalosporins. These patients may have the following symptoms if they use this medicine:

History of Severe Reactions

This medicine should not be used in patients with a history of severe reactions to penicillins or any other beta-lactam drugs.

Use of Ultracef with Bacteriostatic Antibiotics

Ultracef should not be used with bacteriostatic antibiotics such as tetracycline, erythromycin, sulfonamides, and chloramphenicol. The use of bacteriostatic antibiotics may alter the effect of Ultracef.

Combined Use with Ultracef

Avoid the use of aminoglycoside antibiotics, polymyxin B, and colistin or high-dose loop diuretics with Ultracef. The use of Ultracef with aminoglycoside antibiotics, polymyxin B, and colistin or high-dose loop diuretics may increase the risk of kidney damage.

Traveling With Medication

  • Ensure that you carry enough doses of each of your prescription medicines to last the entire trip. The best place to store your medicines is in the carry on baggage. However, while flying, if carrying liquid medicines, make sure you do not go over the limits imposed for carry-on liquids.
  • While traveling overseas, make sure that you can carry each of your prescription medicines legally to your destination country. One way to ensure this is by checking with your destination country's embassy or website.
  • Make sure that you carry each of your medicines in their original packaging, which should typically include your name and address, and the details of the prescribing doctor.
  • If your travel involves crossing time zones, and you are required to take your medicine as per a fixed schedule, make sure that you adjust for the change in time.

Expired Medication

Taking a single dose of expired Ultracef is unlikely to cause a side-effect. However, please discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, if you feel unwell or sick. An expired medicine may become ineffective in treating your prescribed conditions. To be on the safe side, it is important not to use an expired drug. You are much safer by always keeping a fresh supply of unexpired medicines.

Safe Disposal of Medication

  • If there are disposal instructions on the package, please follow the instructions.
  • If there are medicine take-back programs in your country, you should contact the respective authority to arrange for the disposal of the medicine. For example, in the USA, the Drug Enforcement Administration regularly hosts National Prescription Drug Take-Back events.
  • If there are no take-back programs, mix the medicine with dirt and place them in a sealed plastic bag. Throw the plastic bag in your household trash. Separately, remove all personal information including the prescription label from the medicine packaging and then dispose off the container.
  • If specifically indicated on the medicine package that it needs to be flushed down the toilet when no longer needed, perform the required step.
This page provides information for Ultracef Tablet .
Bacterial Infections
Urinary Tract Infections
Pneumonia
Skin Infections

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