Bg pattern

SPECTRACEF 400 mg FILM-COATED TABLETS

Prescription review online

Prescription review online

A doctor will review your case and decide whether a prescription is medically appropriate.

Talk to a doctor about this medicine

Talk to a doctor about this medicine

Discuss your symptoms and possible next steps in a quick online consultation.

This page is for general information. Consult a doctor for personal advice. Call emergency services if symptoms are severe.
About the medicine

How to use SPECTRACEF 400 mg FILM-COATED TABLETS

Translated with AI

This page provides general information and does not replace a doctor’s consultation. Always consult a doctor before taking any medication. Seek urgent medical care if symptoms are severe.

Show original

Introduction

Package Leaflet: Information for the User

SPECTRACEF 400 mg film-coated tablets

Cefditoren

Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start taking this medicine because it contains important information for you.

  • Keep this leaflet, you may need to read it again.
  • If you have any further questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
  • This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not pass it on to others. It may harm them, even if their signs of illness are the same as yours.
  • If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. See section 4.

Contents of the pack

  1. What SPECTRACEF 400 mg film-coated tablets are and what they are used for
  2. What you need to know before you take SPECTRACEF 400 mg film-coated tablets
  3. How to take SPECTRACEF 400 mg film-coated tablets
  4. Possible side effects
  5. Storage of SPECTRACEF 400 mg film-coated tablets
  6. Contents of the pack and other information

1. What SPECTRACEF 400 mg film-coated tablets are and what they are used for

SPECTRACEF belongs to a group of antibiotics called cephalosporins, which work by inhibiting the synthesis of the bacterial cell wall.

Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections and do not work for viral infections such as the flu or the common cold.

It is important that you follow the instructions regarding dosage, administration interval, and treatment duration as indicated by your doctor.

Do not store or reuse this medication. If you have any leftover antibiotic after completing treatment, return it to the pharmacy for proper disposal. Do not throw away medications via wastewater or trash.

SPECTRACEF is used in adult patients for the treatment of moderate community-acquired pneumonia.

Doctor consultation

Not sure if this medicine is right for you?

Discuss your symptoms and treatment with a doctor online.

2. What you need to know before you take SPECTRACEF 400 mg film-coated tablets

Do not take SPECTRACEF

  • if you are allergic to antibiotics, particularly penicillin or other beta-lactam antibiotics, or to any of the other components of this medication (listed in section 6)
  • if you have a casein allergy, you should be aware that this medication contains sodium caseinate
  • if you have a condition called primary carnitine deficiency.

Warnings and precautions

Consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting to take SPECTRACEF

  • if you have any liver and/or kidney disease
  • if you are receiving anticoagulant therapy
  • if you have a history of gastrointestinal disease, particularly colitis
  • if you are receiving treatment with nephrotoxic agents such as aminoglycoside antibiotics or potent diuretics (such as furosemide), as these combinations may have undesirable effects on renal function and have been associated with ototoxicity.

Consult your doctor if you experience any of the following effects during treatment:

  • If during treatment you present any allergic reaction characterized by symptoms such as itching, redness, skin rash, swelling, or difficulty breathing.
  • If you present diarrhea while taking this medication or once treatment is finished.

As with other antibiotics, prolonged treatment with SPECTRACEF may lead to an overgrowth of non-susceptible microorganisms, which requires the interruption of treatment and the establishment of suitable therapy.

Treatment with SPECTRACEF may interfere with the results of some analytical tests, which may lead to false positives in:

  • The direct Coombs test.
  • Glucose determination in urine.

And false negatives in:

  • Glucose determination in blood or plasma.

Other medications and SPECTRACEF

Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken, or may take any other medication.

Between the administration of antacids and SPECTRACEF, it is recommended to wait at least two hours.

The concomitant administration of SPECTRACEF with probenecid increases the amount of cefditoren in the blood.

Concomitant administration of SPECTRACEF with intravenous famotidine is not recommended because it may hinder the achievement of the necessary amount in the blood.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant, or plan to become pregnant, consult your doctor or pharmacist before using this medication.

SPECTRACEF is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Driving and using machines

SPECTRACEF may cause dizziness and drowsiness, which can interfere with your ability to drive or operate any tool or machine.

SPECTRACEF 400 mg film-coated tablets contain sodium

This medication contains 26.2 mg of sodium (main component of table salt) per tablet. This is equivalent to 1.3% of the maximum recommended daily sodium intake for an adult.

Medicine questions

Started taking the medicine and have questions?

Discuss your symptoms and treatment with a doctor online.

3. How to take SPECTRACEF 400 mg film-coated tablets

Follow exactly the administration instructions of this medication as indicated by your doctor or pharmacist. In case of doubt, consult your doctor or pharmacist again. Remember to take your medication. Your doctor will indicate the duration of treatment with SPECTRACEF.

Swallow the tablets whole, with a sufficient amount of liquid (a glass of water) during meals.

The recommended dose of this medication and the frequency of administration is as follows:

Adults and adolescents (over 12 years)

It is recommended to take 1 tablet (400 mg of cefditoren) every 12 hours for 14 days.

Use in children

The use of SPECTRACEF has not been studied in patients under 12 years of age, so its administration is not recommended.

Elderly patients

In elderly patients, no dose adjustments are necessary except in cases of advanced hepatic and/or renal impairment.

Patients with renal insufficiency

No dose adjustment is necessary in patients with mild renal impairment. In patients with moderate renal insufficiency, do not exceed the dose of 200 mg of cefditoren (SPECTRACEF 200 mg) every 12 hours. In patients with severe renal insufficiency, a single dose of 200 mg of cefditoren (SPECTRACEF 200 mg) per day is recommended. The appropriate dose has not been determined in patients undergoing dialysis.

Patients with hepatic insufficiency

In mild or moderate hepatic insufficiency, it is not necessary to modify the treatment regimen. In cases of severe hepatic insufficiency, there is no data available to make a dose recommendation.

If you take more SPECTRACEF than you should

If you have taken more SPECTRACEF than recommended, consult your doctor or pharmacist immediately, or call the Toxicology Information Service, phone 91 562 04 20, indicating the medication and the amount ingested. It is recommended to bring the packaging and leaflet of the medication to the healthcare professional.

If you forget to take SPECTRACEF

In case you have forgotten a dose, take another as soon as possible and continue with the usual schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for forgotten doses.

If you stop treatment with SPECTRACEF

Do not stop treatment before the duration indicated by your doctor, as there is a risk of relapse of the disease.

4. Possible side effects

Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Side effects can occur mainly of a gastrointestinal nature.

Very common (more than 1 in 10 people):

  • diarrhea.

Common (1 to 10 in 100 people):

  • headache, nausea, abdominal pain, feeling of indigestion, and vaginal infection.

Uncommon (1 to 10 in 1,000 people):

  • fungal infection
  • anorexia
  • nervousness, dizziness, and sleep disorders
  • pharyngitis, rhinitis, and sinusitis
  • constipation, flatulence, vomiting, oral candidiasis, eructation, dry mouth, and loss of taste
  • liver function alteration
  • skin rash, itching, and urticaria
  • vaginal inflammation and vaginal discharge
  • fever, weakness, and sweating
  • alterations in blood cell count (leukopenia and thrombocytosis), liver function test disorders (elevation of ALT).

Rare (1 to 10 in 10,000 people):

  • hemolytic anemia and lymph node alteration
  • dehydration
  • dementia, depersonalization, emotional weakness, euphoria, hallucinations, and increased libido
  • memory loss, discoordination, increased muscle tone, meningitis, and tremor
  • photosensitivity, visual acuity loss, eye pain, and eyelid inflammation
  • tinnitus
  • heart rhythm alterations, heart failure, and fainting
  • low blood pressure
  • asthma
  • oral ulcers, stomatitis, hemorrhagic colitis, ulcerative colitis, gastrointestinal bleeding, hiccups, tongue inflammation and discoloration, diarrhea associated with Clostridium difficile
  • acne, hair loss, eczema, exfoliative dermatitis (cracked and scaly skin), and herpes simplex
  • muscle pain
  • urination pain, kidney inflammation, alterations in urination frequency, incontinence, and urinary tract infection
  • breast pain, menstrual disorders, and erectile dysfunction
  • body odor and chills
  • alterations in blood cell count (eosinophilia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia), coagulation disorders (prolongation of coagulation time, decrease in thromboplastin time, platelet alteration), liver function test disorders (increase in AST, alkaline phosphatase), alterations in certain blood components (hyperglycemia, hypokalemia, bilirubinemia, elevation of LDH, hypoproteinemia, elevation of creatinine), or urine (albuminuria).

Frequency not known (cannot be estimated from the available data):

  • pneumonia
  • Stevens-Johnson syndrome (blisters and erosion of the skin and mucous membranes)
  • skin redness
  • toxic epidermal necrolysis (severe form of Stevens-Johnson syndrome followed by skin pain and peeling of the upper layer of the skin)
  • acute kidney failure
  • anaphylactic shock
  • serum sickness-like reaction (late allergic skin reaction)
  • decrease in blood cells (agranulocytosis)
  • decrease in carnitine values in the blood
  • cholestasis (the flow of bile from the liver is obstructed)
  • aplastic anemia (decrease in the number of blood cells)
  • liver damage
  • hepatitis.

Reporting of side effects

If you experience any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist, even if it is possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report them directly through the Spanish Pharmacovigilance System for Human Use Medicines: https://www.notificaRAM.es. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medication.

5. Storage of SPECTRACEF 400 mg film-coated tablets

Keep this medication out of sight and reach of children.

Store in the original packaging.

Do not store above 30°C.

Do not use SPECTRACEF after the expiration date stated on the packaging. The expiration date is the last day of the month indicated.

Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Place the packaging and any unused medication in the pharmacy's SIGRE collection point. If in doubt, ask your pharmacist how to dispose of the packaging and any unused medication. This will help protect the environment.

6. Contents of the pack and other information

Composition of SPECTRACEF 400 mg film-coated tablets
  • The active substance is cefditoren. Each tablet contains 400 mg of cefditoren (as cefditoren pivoxil).
    • Other components are:

core: sodium caseinate, sodium croscarmellose, mannitol E421, sodium tripolyphosphate, and magnesium stearate.

coating: opadry Y-1-7000 (hypromellose, titanium dioxide E171, macrogol 400) and carnauba wax.

printing ink Opacode S-1-20986 blue: shellac, brilliant blue lacquer, titanium dioxide E171, propylene glycol, and concentrated ammonia solution.

Appearance of the product and contents of the pack

SPECTRACEF 400 mg is presented in the form of film-coated tablets. Each pack contains 10 tablets. Other presentations:

SPECTRACEF 200 mg film-coated tablets: pack with 16 or 20 tablets.

Marketing authorization holder and manufacturer:

Meiji Pharma Spain, S.A.

Avda. de Madrid, 94.

28802 Alcalá de Henares, Madrid (Spain)

Date of the last revision of this leaflet:November 2020.

Detailed and updated information on this medication is available on the website of the Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products (AEMPS) http://www.aemps.gob.es

Online doctors for SPECTRACEF 400 mg FILM-COATED TABLETS

Discuss questions about SPECTRACEF 400 mg FILM-COATED TABLETS, including use, safety considerations and prescription review, subject to medical assessment and local regulations.

5.0 (37)
Doctor

Dmytro Horobets

Family medicine 7 years exp.

Dr. Dmytro Horobets is a licensed family medicine physician in Poland, specialising in endocrinology, diabetology, obesity management, gastroenterology, pediatrics, general surgery, and pain medicine. He offers online consultations for adults and children, providing personalised medical support for a wide range of acute and chronic health concerns.

Areas of expertise:

  • Endocrinology: diabetes type 1 and type 2, prediabetes, thyroid disorders, metabolic syndrome, hormonal imbalance.
  • Obesity medicine: structured weight management plans, nutritional counselling, obesity-related health risks.
  • Gastroenterology: acid reflux (GERD), gastritis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), liver and biliary conditions.
  • Pediatric care: infections, respiratory symptoms, digestive issues, growth and development monitoring.
  • General surgery support: pre- and post-surgical consultations, wound care, rehabilitation.
  • Pain management: chronic and acute pain, back pain, joint pain, post-traumatic pain syndromes.
  • Cardiovascular health: hypertension, cholesterol control, risk assessment for heart disease.
  • Preventive medicine: regular check-ups, health screenings, long-term management of chronic conditions.

Dr. Horobets combines evidence-based medicine with a patient-centred approach. He carefully evaluates each patient’s medical history and symptoms, offering clear explanations and structured treatment plans adapted to individual needs.

Whether you need help managing diabetes, tackling weight-related health issues, interpreting lab results, or receiving general family medicine support, Dr. Horobets provides professional online care tailored to your specific health goals.

Camera Book a video appointment
€60
5.0 (5)
Doctor

Tomasz Grzelewski

Dermatology 21 years exp.

Dr Tomasz Grzelewski is an MD, PhD specialist in allergy, paediatrics, general practice and sports medicine, with a clinical focus on dermatology, endocrinology, allergology and sports-related health. He has more than 20 years of clinical experience and completed his medical training at the Medical University of Łódź, where he defended his PhD thesis with distinction. His doctoral research was recognised by the Polish Society of Allergology for its innovative contribution to the field. Throughout his career, he has gained extensive expertise in diagnosing and managing a wide range of allergic and paediatric conditions, including modern allergen desensitisation techniques. For five years, Dr Grzelewski served as the Head of two paediatric departments in Poland, managing complex clinical cases and leading multidisciplinary teams. He also worked in medical centres in the United Kingdom, gaining experience across both primary care and specialist environments. With over a decade of telemedicine experience, he has provided online consultations across Europe and is valued for his clear, structured and evidence-based medical guidance. Dr Grzelewski is actively involved in clinical programmes focused on modern anti-allergic therapies. As a Principal Investigator, he leads research projects on sublingual and oral allergen desensitisation, supporting evidence-based progress in allergy treatment for both children and adults. In addition to his background in allergology and paediatrics, he completed dermatology studies through the Cambridge Education Group (Royal College of Physicians of Ireland) and a Clinical Endocrinology course at Harvard Medical School. This advanced training enhances his ability to manage skin manifestations of allergies, atopic conditions, urticaria, endocrine-related symptoms and complex immunological reactions. Patients commonly seek his care for: 

  • seasonal and perennial allergies
  • allergic rhinitis and chronic nasal symptoms
  • asthma and breathing difficulties
  • food and medication allergies
  • urticaria, atopic dermatitis and skin reactions
  • recurrent infections in children
  • sports-related health questions
  • general family medicine concerns

Dr Tomasz Grzelewski is known for his clear communication style, structured medical approach and ability to explain treatment options in a concise and accessible way. His multidisciplinary background across allergy, paediatrics, dermatology and endocrinology allows him to provide safe, up-to-date and comprehensive care for patients of all ages.

Camera Book a video appointment
€80
5.0 (181)
Doctor

Yevgen Yakovenko

General surgery 12 years exp.

Dr. Yevgen Yakovenko is a licensed surgeon and general practitioner in Spain and Germany. He specialises in general, paediatric, and oncological surgery, internal medicine, and pain management. He offers online consultations for adults and children, combining surgical precision with therapeutic support. Dr Yakovenko works with patients across different countries and provides care in Ukrainian, Russian, English, and Spanish.

Areas of medical expertise:

  • Acute and chronic pain: headaches, muscle and joint pain, back pain, abdominal pain, postoperative pain. Identifying the cause, selecting treatment, and creating a care plan.
  • Internal medicine: heart, lungs, gastrointestinal tract, urinary system. Management of chronic conditions, symptom control, second opinions.
  • Pre- and postoperative care: risk assessment, decision-making support, follow-up after surgery, rehabilitation strategies.
  • General and paediatric surgery: hernias, appendicitis, congenital conditions, both planned and urgent surgeries.
  • Injuries and trauma: bruises, fractures, sprains, soft tissue damage, wound care, dressing, referral when in-person care is required.
  • Oncological surgery: diagnosis review, treatment planning, and long-term follow-up.
  • Obesity treatment and weight management: a medical approach to weight loss, including assessment of underlying causes, evaluation of comorbidities, development of a personalised plan (nutrition, physical activity, pharmacotherapy if needed), and ongoing progress monitoring.
  • Imaging interpretation: analysis of ultrasound, CT, MRI, and X-ray results, surgical planning based on imaging data.
  • Second opinions and medical navigation: clarifying diagnoses, reviewing current treatment plans, helping patients choose the best course of action.

Experience and qualifications:

  • 12+ years of clinical experience in university hospitals in Germany and Spain.
  • International education: Ukraine – Germany – Spain.
  • Member of the German Society of Surgeons (BDC).
  • Certified in radiological diagnostics and robotic surgery.
  • Active participant in international medical conferences and research.

Dr Yakovenko explains complex topics in a clear, accessible way. He works collaboratively with patients to analyse health issues and make evidence-based decisions. His approach is grounded in clinical excellence, scientific accuracy, and respect for each individual.

If you are unsure about a diagnosis, preparing for surgery, or want to discuss your test results – Dr Yakovenko will help you evaluate your options and move forward with confidence.

Camera Book a video appointment
€50
0.0 (0)
Doctor

Joao Silva

General medicine 6 years exp.

Dr. João Silva is a physician with training and experience in the field of General and Family Medicine, dedicated to providing healthcare focused on the well-being and quality of life of his patients. Throughout his professional career, he has developed broad clinical competencies, striving to maintain a medical practice based on scientific evidence and continuous knowledge updates.

Between 2013 and 2019, he completed the Integrated Master's Degree in Medicine at the Abel Salazar Institute of Biomedical Sciences in Porto, where he acquired a solid academic and clinical education.

Subsequently, between January 2021 and December 2021, he completed the General Internship at the Entre Douro e Vouga Hospital Center in Santa Maria da Feira, where he had the opportunity to work in different hospital settings and deepen his competencies in several areas of medicine.

From January 2022 until March 2026, he works as a Resident Physician in General and Family Medicine at USF Salvador Machado in Oliveira de Azeméis, developing clinical activities in primary healthcare, follow-up of chronic patients, and health promotion in the community.

Complementing his medical training, Dr. João Silva also completed a Postgraduate Degree in Continuing and Palliative Care at CESPU, strengthening his preparation in the comprehensive approach to patient care, especially in situations requiring prolonged care and multidisciplinary support.

Camera Book a video appointment
€55
0.0 (0)
Doctor

Bulat Garipov

General medicine 15 years exp.

Dr. Bulat Garipov is a radiologist with more than 15 years of experience, specializing in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Throughout his professional career, he has worked in leading diagnostic imaging centers, both in on-site practice and teleradiology, which has allowed him to develop a broad and versatile approach to radiology.

Over the years, he has gained solid experience in interpreting MRI studies in various areas, including:

  •  Neuroimaging
  •  Musculoskeletal system (MSK)
  •  Angiography
  •  Abdomen and pelvis
  •  Soft tissues

Additionally, Dr. Garipov is open to new collaboration opportunities in radiology and teleradiology projects. He offers his expertise in MRI, providing both first and second readings of studies, as well as advanced image interpretation, ensuring accurate and high-quality diagnostics.

You could consult Dr. Bulat Garipov in cases where accurate interpretation of MRI studies or a second expert opinion is required. His expertise is especially valuable in cases of suspected neurological conditions, back and joint pain, vascular disorders, as well as in the diagnosis of abdominal and pelvic diseases. The doctor also provides support in complex or unclear clinical situations, including the review of previously performed studies, which helps improve diagnostic accuracy and determine the optimal treatment strategy. A teleradiology format is available, allowing you to receive a professional opinion remotely.

Camera Book a video appointment
€80

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a prescription required for SPECTRACEF 400 mg FILM-COATED TABLETS?
SPECTRACEF 400 mg FILM-COATED TABLETS requires a prescription in Spain. You can check with a doctor online whether this medicine may be appropriate for your situation.
What is the active substance in SPECTRACEF 400 mg FILM-COATED TABLETS?
The active ingredient in SPECTRACEF 400 mg FILM-COATED TABLETS is cefditoren. This information helps identify medicines with the same composition but different brand names.
How much does SPECTRACEF 400 mg FILM-COATED TABLETS cost in pharmacies?
The average pharmacy price for SPECTRACEF 400 mg FILM-COATED TABLETS is around 40.01 EUR. Prices may vary depending on the manufacturer and dosage form.
Who manufactures SPECTRACEF 400 mg FILM-COATED TABLETS?
SPECTRACEF 400 mg FILM-COATED TABLETS is manufactured by Meiji Pharma Spain S.A.. Pharmacy brands and packaging may differ depending on the distributor.
Which doctors can assess the use of SPECTRACEF 400 mg FILM-COATED TABLETS online?
Doctors such as Family doctors, Psychiatrists, Dermatologists, Cardiologists, Endocrinologists, Gastroenterologists, Pulmonologists, Nephrologists, Rheumatologists, Hematologists, Infectious disease physicians, Allergists, Geriatricians, Paediatricians, Oncologists may assess whether SPECTRACEF 400 mg FILM-COATED TABLETS is appropriate, depending on your situation and local regulations. You can book an online consultation to discuss your symptoms and possible next steps.
What are the alternatives to SPECTRACEF 400 mg FILM-COATED TABLETS?
Other medicines with the same active substance (cefditoren) include MEIACT 200 mg FILM-COATED TABLETS, MEIACT 400 mg FILM-COATED TABLETS, SPECTRACEF 200 mg FILM-COATED TABLETS. These may have different brand names or formulations but contain the same therapeutic ingredient. Always consult a doctor before switching or starting a new medicine.
bg-pattern-dark

Stay informed about Oladoctor

News about new services, product updates and useful information for patients.

Follow us on social media