Ceftaroline

Generic name: Ceftaroline
Brand names: Teflaro
Dosage form: intravenous powder for injection (400 mg; 600 mg)
Drug class: Next generation cephalosporins

Usage of Ceftaroline

Ceftaroline is a cephalosporin (SEF a low spor in) antibiotic that is used to treat skin infections caused by bacteria in adults and newborns (at least 34 weeks gestational age and 12 days postnatal age).

Ceftaroline is also used to treat pneumonia caused by bacteria in adults and children 2 months of age and older.

Ceftaroline may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Ceftaroline side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Ceftaroline may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody (even if it occurs months after your last dose);

little or no urination;

a seizure;

drowsiness, tiredness, confusion, thinking problems;

low potassium--leg cramps, constipation, irregular heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, muscle weakness or limp feeling; or

low blood cell counts-- sudden weakness or ill feeling, fever, chills, cold or flu symptoms, mouth sores, skin sores, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, pale skin, cold hands and feet, feeling light-headed or short of breath.

Common side effects of ceftaroline may include:

nausea;

diarrhea; or

rash.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Ceftaroline

You should not take ceftaroline if you are allergic to cefadroxil or other cephalosporin antibiotic (cefdinir, cefalexin, Keflex, Omnicef, and others).

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

a seizure;

an allergy to any drugs (especially penicillins);

kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis); or

intestinal problems, such as colitis.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

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How to use Ceftaroline

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Ceftaroline is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give your first dose and may teach you how to properly use the medication by yourself.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you don't understand all instructions.

Prepare an injection only when you are ready to give it. Ceftaroline should look clear or yellow in color. Do not use if the medicine looks cloudy, has changed colors, or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.

This medicine must be given slowly, and the IV infusion can take up at least 1 hour to complete.

Ceftaroline must be mixed with a liquid (diluent) before using it. When using injections by yourself, be sure you understand how to properly mix and store the medicine. Do not mix ceftaroline in the same injection with other antibiotics.

Do not mix ceftaroline in the same injection with other antibiotics.

Ceftaroline is sometimes given for up to 14 days. Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms quickly improve. Skipping doses can increase your risk of infection that is resistant to medication. Ceftaroline will not treat a viral infection such as the flu or a common cold.

Store unmixed ceftaroline powder at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.

After mixing ceftaroline with a diluent, you may store the mixture for up to 6 hours at room temperature, or up to 24 hours in a refrigerator. Do not freeze.

Use a needle and syringe only once and then place them in a puncture-proof "sharps" container. Follow state or local laws about how to dispose of this container. Keep it out of the reach of children and pets.

Warnings

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

What other drugs will affect Ceftaroline

Other drugs may affect ceftaroline, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Disclaimer

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Drugslib.com is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Drugslib.com information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Drugslib.com does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Drugslib.com's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Drugslib.com's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners.

The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Drugslib.com does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Drugslib.com provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.