Cefditoren is the brand name for a pharmaceutical drug sold under the trade name of Spectracef, which is prescribed as an antibiotic to treat lung infections like pneumonia and serious cases of bronchitis or strep throat. The uses of Cefditoren are similar to those that were more commonly treated by penicillin-based antibiotics in the past because both drugs belong to a class of compounds that kill bacteria known as cephalosporins. Cephalosporins like Cefditoren are useful for treating skin infections as well. This class of drugs has been part of medical treatments since the mid 1960s, and was first discovered by the Italian scientist Giuseppe Brotzu in 1948.
The side effects of Cefditoren tend to be quite limited, as the drug acts directly on the cell wall of bacteria, though it may cause mild ailments such as digestive upset and related conditions like nausea and vomiting. A list of rather rare but significant side effects do exist, however, and include chest pain, fever, allergic reactions, and the potential for a severe case of colitis, an inflammation of the colon. Risks of Cefditoren are related to its close relationship to penicillin drugs, and anyone who is allergic to penicillin is strongly cautioned not to take Cefditoren.
One of the main arenas in which Cefditoren is used is that of surgery, as it is considered effective against a wide variety of bacterial infections that can arise during surgical procedures. As of 2011, Cefditoren is most often prescribed as a third generation cephalosporin antibiotic. This means that the drug has been selectively bred since its discovery to have a broader spectrum of effects on different gram-negative bacteria and less harmful effects on often beneficial gram-positive bacteria. The first generation of the drug was considered only a moderate spectrum treatment for infection, and the fourth generation available as of 2011 has a broad spectrum activity where it can cross the blood-brain barrier and treat serious infections like meningitis.
Some additional cautions that doctors take before prescribing the drug include avoiding Cefditoren drug interactions with other antibiotics like Ceftin, Cephalexin, and Cefdinir. Individuals who are allergic to milk protein or who may possess a carnitine deficiency that reduces fatty acid transport in cells are not given Cefditoren because of possible adverse effects. As well, people who are malnourished or have kidney or liver disease can take the drug, but require special dosages to accommodate their conditions.
