Cefuroxime (By Mouth)

Cefuroxime (se-fyoor-OX-eem)

Treats infections caused by bacteria. This medicine is a cephalosporin antibiotic.

Brand Name(s):

Ceftin
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to cefuroxime or any other cephalosporin antibiotic (such as cefaclor, cefadroxil, cephalexin, Ceftin®, Keflex®).

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet, Liquid

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• Swallow the tablet whole. Do not break, crush, or chew it. The medicine has a strong bitter taste if broken or crushed. If you cannot swallow the tablet whole, tell your doctor.
• Shake the oral liquid well each time you use it. Measure the medicine with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup. It is best to take the liquid medicine with food or milk.
• If you are switched from one form of this medicine to another, make sure you understand how much medicine to take. The dose for the tablet is not the same as the dose for the oral liquid form.
• Keep using this medicine for the full treatment time, even if you feel better after the first few doses. Your infection may not clear up if you stop using the medicine too soon.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.
• Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the tablets at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Store the oral liquid in the refrigerator or at room temperature. Do not freeze. Throw away any medicine that is leftover after 10 days.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using probenecid (Benemid®, ColBenemid®), other antibiotics, diuretics or "water pills" (such as furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, Aldactazide®, Aldactone®, Dyazide®, Hyzaar®, Lasix®, Maxzide®, Moduretic®), a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin®), or medicine to treat heartburn or an upset stomach.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, a history of colitis or trouble absorbing nutrients from your food, or if you have ever had an allergic reaction to penicillin or other medicines.
• If you have severe diarrhea while taking cefuroxime, check with your doctor before taking medicine to stop the diarrhea.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse, call your doctor.
• Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. Cefuroxime may cause incorrect results with some urine sugar tests used by patients with diabetes.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness in chest, trouble breathing
• Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
• High fever, lightheadedness or fainting
• Seizures
• Severe diarrhea (watery or bloody)
• Severe nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Bad taste in your mouth
• Nausea
• Vaginal itching or discharge

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.