Generic Vantin

Common use

Vantin is a semi-synthetic broad-spectrum antibiotic of cephalosporin group with bactericidal effect. It is active against many gram positive, aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms. Vantin is resistant to to beta-lactamase. Insusceptible to the medication are Streptococcus of D group; Staphylococcus resistant to meticyllin; Corynebacterium of J and K group; Pseudomonas (Pseudomonas aeruginosa); Listeria monocytogenes, Acinetobacter baumanii, Clostridium difficile and Bacteroides. Vantin is used to treat illnesses of upper respiratory system caused by the susceptible bacteria including tonsillitis, pharyngitis, acute sinusitis, acute bronchitis, pneumonia, exacerbation of chronic pneumonia especially in alcohol abusers, smokers and adults older than 65 y.o. Vantin is sometimes given with other antibiotics and as injections to prevent infections before, during, and after surgery.



Dosage and directions

This medication should be taken with food and big glass of water. Shake well the liquid suspension form of this medication before using and take it with or without food. Do not take Vantin in larger amounts or longer than it was recommended to you. Continue to take the drug even if you feel fine and your symptoms became better as the infection may not be completely treated.



Precautions

Vantin is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby though it is important to notify your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Let your doctor know if you have kidney or colitis or other intestinal diseases in history. This medication may cause false positive result in urine glucose tests.



Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to cephalosporins. Vantin should be prescribed with cautiousness in patients how had allergy to penicillin antibiotics in history.



Possible side effect

Most common possible side effects besides allergy (hives, rash, swelling of face and tongue) are diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, cough, wheezing, unusual bleeding or bruising, seizure, jaundice, confusion. In rare cases rash, itching, transient temporary moderate increase of liver transaminases and phosphotase activity.



Drug interaction

Medications blocking histamine H2-receptors (Ranitidine and others), antacids (aluminum hydroxide, sodium bicarbonate) diminish Vantin effect.



Missed dose

If you missed a dose of Vantin take it as soon as you remember in case it is almost time of your next dose. Skip the next dose and return to your regular schedule. Do not take up extra dose of the medication to compensate the missed dose.



Overdose

Symptoms of overdose may be nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and diarrhea. Seek for immediate medical help if you have serious signs listed above.



Storage

Store at room temperature between 59-77 degrees F (15-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture, kids and pets. Keep the suspension liquid in a refrigerator not longer than 14 days but do not freeze it.



Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications which does not cover all directions, possible drug integrations, or precautions. Information at the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your health care adviser or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim reliability of this information and mistakes it could contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for consequences of self-treatment.

Clinical Verification

Last Clinically Updated: August 15, 2026

Written By

Dr. Elena Vance, PharmD

Clinical Specialist in Neuropharmacology

Fact Checked By

Marcus Thorne, MS

Biomedical Data & FDA Label Verification

Medically Reviewed By

Dr. Arthur Campbell, MD

Board-Certified Psychiatrist (ABPN)