I've been nervous about starting the Ceftin. The Omnicef caused a severe die-off reaction, and I was fairly miserable (in addition to the gastrointestinal side effects). I know that the Ceftin will likely cause a similar response as the L-form bacteria die. (The bacteria that causes Lyme exists in three forms, each requiring a specific type of antibiotic.) But I can't let fear stop me.
During my last visit with my shamanic healer, I went on a power animal journey. I was told very clearly (and loudly) that the one thing I needed to remember was "DON'T BACK DOWN!" And that I must release my fear and stand my ground.
Anyway, I screwed up my courage and took my first dose of Ceftin. Only to discover that the pill is uncoated and has the most foul, bitter taste you can imagine. Now, I knew that the pill could be nasty. The pharmacy information sheet reads: "SWALLOW WHOLE. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing because of the strong bitter taste of the tablets."[Emphasis mine.]
So if the tablet is so nasty as to warrant such a warning, why, oh why--for the love of all that is good and holy--is the tablet uncoated?
Surely, you say, I must be exaggerating. It can't be that bad. Oh, dear reader, I fear I speak the truth. For after swallowing my first dose of Ceftin, I nearly retched. Crying out, I ran for the kitchen, whereupon I grabbed a bottle of lemon juice and drank. Swishing the pure lemon juice in my mouth did little to dull the taste of the Ceftin. I spit, and spit, and spit. And then grabbed the sprayer hose from the sink, and directed the full spray into my mouth, leaning over the sink, hoping that this improvised lavage would remove even a trace of the foul taste. Alas! It was not to be.
I think I will have to purchase empty capsules into which I can place the Ceftin tablets. Otherwise I fear that excessive lemon juice consumption will remove the enamel from my teeth. And possibly, due to such unexpected increased demand, cause undue fluctuations in the lemon futures market.
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oh god, as long as you maintain this sense of humor, i think everything will be all right. lemon futures included! but empty capsules do sound like a good idea.
ReplyDeleteMy doctor prescribed Ceftin for a UTI, and I gotta say, it is horrible. It's the worst thing I've ever tasted. I thought the metronidazole was bad, but this is much much worse. I've found a way to mask the flavor though, if you can believe it. I swallow it with an Indian drink called Lassi which is basically yogurt and water. I add salt because it helps mask the bitterness. I'm horrible at swallowing pills and they usually end up dissolving in my mouth before I can swallow them, so you can imagine how badly I needed to find something to hide the flavor. Somehow, I think the yogurt in the water prevents it from dissolving as fast and I can usually get it down before it melts. In addition, I keep some spice filled Indian food nearby and gobble down a couple bites to get rid of the residual flavor deep in my throat. It was the strongest tasting food I could think of to get rid of the bitterness. Hopefully you never have to take this s*** again, but if anyone else does, hopefully this will help!!
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