Cefuroxime Medical Information

• Cefuroxime uses
• Cefuroxime dosage
• Cefuroxime side effects
• Warnings & precautions
• Drug interactions
• Missed dose
• Overdose

Common Brand Names: Ceftin

Generic Name: Cefuroxime

The following product information is not intended to replace the physician's or manufacturer's instructions.

Common Medical Uses:
Cefuroxime is in a class of medications called cephalosporin antibiotics. This drug works by stopping the growth of bacteria. Cefuroxime is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections, including those of the brain, ear, nose, tonsils, and throat, skin and soft tissues, genitourinary tract, respiratory tract, blood, bones, joints, and other organs. Cefuroxime also is used to treat gonorrhea and is given prior to some surgeries to prevent infection. It is effective only against susceptible infections caused by bacteria.

How to Use Cefuroxime:
Follow the directions on the prescription label. Cefuroxime can be taken on an empty stomach or with food or milk if it causes stomach upset. However, Cefuroxime enters the bloodstream and works faster when taken after meals. The tablets should be swallowed whole and taken with a full glass of water. Because the crushed tablet has a strong bitter taste, the tablet should not be crushed. Children who cannot swallow the tablet whole should take the liquid instead. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Finish the full course prescribed by your health care professional even if you think your condition is better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice.

Cefuroxime Possible Side Effects:
Although side effects from Cefuroxime are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• upset stomach
• gas or heartburn
• nausea, vomiting
• diarrhea

Some side effects can be serious. If you notice any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Cefuroxime and call your doctor immediately:

• severe skin rash, itching,
• hives
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• painful sores in the mouth or throat
• severe or watery diarrhea
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusual weakness or tiredness
• vaginal itching and discharge

Cefuroxime Warnings & Precautions:

• Don't take if: you have ever had an allergic reaction to another cephalosporin or to a penicillin antibiotic.
• Before taking Cefuroxime, tell your doctor or/and pharmacist:
• if you have a kidney or liver disease
• if you have a gastrointestinal (digestive) disease such as colitis.
• Driving, piloting or hazardous work: No problems expected
• Pregnancy: Risk category B. Cefuroxime has not been studied in pregnant women. However, studies in animals have not shown that cefuroxime causes problems. Avoid if possible. Consult you doctor.
• Breast feeding: Cefuroxime passes into breast milk. Although most medicines pass into breast milk in small amounts, many of them may be used safely while breast-feeding. Mothers who are taking this medicine and who wish to breast-feed should discuss this with their doctor.
• Discontinuing: Don't discontinue without consulting doctor until you complete prescribed dose, even though symptoms diminish or disappear.
• If you get severe or watery diarrhea, do not treat yourself. Call your health care professional for advice.

Drug Interactions:
The following drugs and foods may interact with Ciprofloxacin:

• Anticoagulants (increased anticoagulant effect)
• Nonsteroidal Ant-inflammatory drugs (NSAID's) (increased risk of peptic ulcer)
• Erythromycins (decreased antibiotic effect of Cefuroxime)
• Chloramphenicol (decreased antibiotic effect of Cefuroxime)
• Probenecid (increased Cefuroxime effect)
• Tetracyclines (decreased antibiotic effect of Cefuroxime)

Tell your health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products.

Possible interactions with other substances:

• Alcohol - increased kidney toxicity, likelihood of disulfiram-like effect

Missed Dose:
Take as soon as you remember. Don't double this dose.

Overdose:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms: seizures, confusion, headache, convulsions, abdominal cranps, severe diarrhea with mucus or blood in stool.

See also:

• Cefuroxime (Ceftin)
• Buy Cefuroxime axetil without prescription