This medication description is not meant for treatment prescription without the intervention of a specialist.

Common Uses

Gruencef is a cephalosporin-type antibiotic used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections (e.g., strep throat, skin and urinary tract infections). This drug may also be used before dental procedures in patients with artificial heart valves to prevent serious infection of the heart lining (bacterial endocarditis).

How to Take

Take this medication by mouth usually once or twice a day, or as directed by your doctor. You may take this medicine with food if stomach upset occurs. Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, take this drug at evenly spaced intervals. Continue to take this medication until the full-prescribed amount is finished even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping this medication too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow, which may result in a relapse of the infection.

Warning and Precautions

If you have allergies, particularly to drugs, or often develop diarrhea when taking other antibiotics, you should tell your doctor before taking Gruencef.

Also be sure to let the doctor know if you have a kidney disorder. Gruencef should be used with caution under these circumstances, and the doctor may want to prescribe a lower dose.

Use Gruencef with caution if you have a history of gastrointestinal disease, particularly inflammation of the bowel (colitis).

Missed Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Overdose

Contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include muscle spasms; seizures.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Possible Side Effects

Common side effects persist or become bothersome: diarrhea; nausea; stomach upset; vomiting.

More Information

The information given above is a summary. Your pharmacist can provide more information about Gruencef. Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. If using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.