Cefuroxime Highlights

1. Cefuroxime oral tablets are available in both generic and brand-name versions. Ceftin is the brand name.
2. Cefuroxime is also available as a liquid suspension. The suspension or tablet can be taken by mouth.
3. Cefuroxime is an oral tablet that treats certain bacteria-related infections. These infections include bronchitis, otitis media, and sinusitis.

Cefuroxime side effect

Cefuroxime oral tablets don’t cause drowsiness, but they can cause side effects.

Side effects more common

Cefuroxime oral tablets can cause the following side effects:

• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Jarisch/Herxheimer reaction. This is a temporary reaction that can be seen following antibiotic treatment for some diseases. This can cause fever, muscle pain, and chills.

These effects may disappear in a few days, or even weeks, if they are mild. Talk to your pharmacist if they persist or become more severe.

Side effects can be severe.

If you experience severe side effects, call your doctor immediately. If your symptoms are life-threatening or feel you may have a medical emergency, call 911 immediately. Side effects can have serious consequences and symptoms.

• Allergy reactions. These symptoms can include:
  • Hives
  • Trouble breathing
  • Swelling of the lips, throat, tongue, and cheeks

Disclaimer We aim to give you the most current and relevant information. We cannot guarantee that all side effects will be covered because everyone reacts differently to drugs.

This information should not be taken as a substitute for professional medical advice. Discuss possible side effects with your healthcare provider who is familiar with your medical history.

Important warnings

• Allergy to medicines similar to cefuroxime Cefuroxime should not be taken if you are allergic to any medications similar to cefuroxime. An allergic reaction can cause serious reactions and even death. To determine if you are at risk for an allergic reaction, talk to your doctor.
• Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea Diarrhea can be caused by high doses or prolonged use of cefuroxime for more than 14 days. The organism is responsible for this diarrhea—Clostridium difficile. The diarrhea is usually mild to moderate. Rarely, it can cause severe inflammation of the colon (large intestinal tract).
• PhenylketonuriaCefuroxime oral suspension contains phenylalanine. This amino acid is present in various foods such as meat and eggs. If you are allergic to this medication, you should not take it. Phenylketonuria. This disease prevents the body from breaking down phenylalanine.

What’s cefuroxime?

Cefuroxime oral tablets are a prescription drug available under the brand-name name Ceftin. Generic versions are also available.

Generic drugs are usually cheaper. Generic drugs may not always be available in the same strength or form as brand-name versions.

Cefuroxime is also available in liquid suspension. Both can be taken orally.

It’s useful and why it’s important

Cefuroxime can be used to treat some infections caused by bacteria. These infections include bronchitis, otitis media, and sinusitis. These include gonorrhea and Lyme disease, impetigo, and urinary tract infections.

How it works

Cefuroxime is part of a group of drugs known as cephalosporins. A class of drugs refers to a group of medications that function in the same way. These drugs are frequently used to treat similar conditions.

Cefuroxime interferes with the formation of bacteria’s cell walls. The cell walls then burst (or break). This causes the death of bacteria.

Cefuroxime can interact with other medicines

Cefuroxime oral tablets can interact with vitamins and other medications. Interactions are when a substance alters the way that a drug works. This could be dangerous or stop the drug from working properly.

Your doctor should carefully manage your medications to avoid any interactions. Your doctor should be familiar with any medications, vitamins, and herbs you are taking. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor to find out if this drug could interact with other medications.

Below are few examples of drugs that could interact with cefuroxime.

Oral contraceptives

Cefuroxime may cause oral contraceptives (birth control pills) to not be well absorbed by the body. They may not be as effective. Your doctor might suggest you use another method of birth control during treatment with cefuroxime. These drugs are:

• Drospirenone/Ethinyl estradiol
• levonorgestrel/Ethinyl estradiol
• norethindrone/Ethinyl estradiol
• desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol
• norgestrel/Ethinyl estradiol

Stomach acid drugs

Cefuroxime can not be absorbed by the body if taken with drugs that lower stomach acid. It may not work as well. These drugs are examples of such:

• Anti-inflammatories, such as:
  • Calcium carbonate
  • Magnesium hydroxide
  • Aluminum hydroxide
• H2-Antagonists include:
  • Famotidine
  • Cimetidine
  • ranitidine
• Proton pump inhibitors include:
  • lansoprazole
  • Omeprazole
  • Pantoprazole

Cefuroxime should not be taken more than an hour before any antacids and no less than two hours after.

H 2 Antiagonists and Proton Pump Inhibitors should be avoided while receiving cefuroxime treatment.

Other drugs

Probenecid is used to treat gout and kidney stone conditions. Cefuroxime is increased when you take probenecid and cefuroxime. Side effects can be more likely if you take this combination. If you take cefuroxime with other drugs, your doctor will likely keep an eye on you for side effects.

Disclaimer We aim to give you the most current and relevant information. We cannot guarantee that all interactions between drugs and people will be covered. 

This information should not be taken as a substitute for professional medical advice. Talk to your healthcare provider about potential interactions with any prescription drugs, vitamins, and herbs, as well as over-the-counter medications.

Cefuroxime Warnings

Warnings are included with this drug.

Allergy warning

Cefuroxime can trigger severe allergic reactions. These symptoms can include:

• Hives
• Trouble breathing
• Swelling of the lips, throat, tongue, and cheeks

Call your doctor now if you experience an allergic reaction. If you have severe symptoms, dial 911 immediately or visit the nearest emergency room. If you have ever undergone an allergic reaction, don’t take the drug again. It could prove fatal to try it again.

Certain groups are at risk

For those with kidney problems: Your kidneys remove cefuroxime from your body. High levels of cefuroxime can build up in the body if your kidneys are not working well. Your doctor may recommend that cefuroxime be taken less frequently than usual to prevent this.

For pregnant women: Cefuroxime falls under the pregnancy category B drugs. This means that there are two things.

1. The drug has not been shown to pose a risk to the fetus in animal studies.
2. Studies in humans have not been sufficient to determine if the drug is dangerous for the unborn baby.

If you are childbearing or intend to become pregnant, talk to your doctor. Studies done on animals do not always predict how humans will respond. This drug should not be used during pregnancy unless it is absolutely necessary.

If you become pregnant while on this drug, call your doctor immediately.

Breastfeeding women: Cefuroxime can pass into breast milk, and may cause side effects in breastfed children. If you breastfeed your child, tell your doctor. It may be necessary to decide whether you want to stop breastfeeding or if you should stop taking the medication.

Seniors: Older adults might have less functioning kidneys. This could cause your body’s ability to process drugs slower. This means that more drug remains in your body for longer periods of time. This increases your chance of side effects.

For children: Cefuroxime should never be given to children under 3 months old.

How do I take cefuroxime?

Cefuroxime oral tablet dosage information. This information may not include all possible drug forms and dosages. It will depend on the dosage, drug form, as well as how often you take it.

• Your age
• The condition being treated
• How severe your condition may be
• Other medical conditions that you may have
• What was your reaction to the initial dose?

Forms and strengths

Generic: Cefuroxime

• Formula: Oral tablet
• Strengths 250 mg, 125 mg and 500 mg

Brand: Ceftin

• Formula: Oral tablet
• Strengths 250 mg, 500 mg

Dosage of pharyngitis/tonsillitis (mild-moderate)

Adult dosage for those 18 and over:

For a period of 10 days, the usual dosage is 250mg every 12 hours.

Children dosage (ages 13-17 years)

For a period of 10 days, the usual dosage is 250mg every 12 hours.

Children from 3 months to 12 Years of age who can swallow whole tablets.

For a period of 10 days, the usual dosage is 250mg every 12 hours.

Children dosage (ages 0-2 months):

Cefuroxime should never be given to children under 3 months old.

Considerations

• For those with kidney disease: If your creatinine clearance is less than 30mL/min, you may need to adjust the dosage of cefuroxime. Your kidney function is measured by your creatinine clearance. A lower level indicates a reduced kidney function.
• Seniors (65 years old and over): Older adults might have less functioning kidneys. This can lead to a slower metabolism. This means that more drug remains in your body for longer periods of time. This increases your chance of side effects. Your doctor might recommend a lower dosage or a different schedule. This will help prevent your body from accumulating too high levels of the drug.

Warnings

• Cefuroxime suspension and tablets cannot be interchanged at a milligram per milligram level. This means that you cannot substitute the same doses for one.
• Cefuroxime suspension should be given to children who are unable to swallow the tablets. Do not give them crushed tablets. When crushed, the tablet will have a bitter taste that lasts for a long time.

Dosage of acute otitis media

Children dosage (ages 14-17 years)

For a period of 10 days, the usual dosage is 250mg every 12 hours.

Children from 3 months to 13 Years old able to swallow whole tablets.

For a period of 10 days, the usual dosage is 250mg every 12 hours.

Children dosage (age 0-2 months):

Cefuroxime should never be given to children under 3 months old.

Considerations

• For those with kidney disease: If your creatinine clearance is less than 30mL/min, you may need to adjust the dosage of cefuroxime. Your kidney function is measured by your creatinine clearance. A lower level indicates a reduced kidney function.
• For those on hemodialysis, Each dialysis session should end with a single standard dose.

Warnings

• Cefuroxime suspension and tablets cannot be interchanged at a milligram per milligram level. This means that you cannot substitute the same doses for one.
• Cefuroxime suspension should be given to children who are unable to swallow the tablets. Do not give them crushed tablets. When crushed, the tablet will have a bitter taste that lasts for a long time.

Acute sinusitis: Mild to Moderate Dosage

Adult dosage for those 18 and over:

For a period of 10 days, the usual dosage is 250mg every 12 hours.

Children dosage (ages 13-17 years old):

For a period of 10 days, the usual dosage is 250mg every 12 hours.

Children from 3 months to 12 Years who can swallow whole tablets.

For a period of 10 days, the usual dosage is 250mg every 12 hours.

Children dosage (age 0-2 months):

Cefuroxime should never be given to children under 3 months old.

Considerations

• For those with kidney disease: If your creatinine clearance is less than 30mL/min, you may need to adjust the dosage of cefuroxime. Your kidney function is measured by your creatinine clearance. A lower level indicates a reduced kidney function.

Warnings

• Cefuroxime suspension and tablets cannot be interchanged at a milligram per milligram level. This means that you cannot substitute the same doses for one.
• Cefuroxime suspension should be given to children who are unable to swallow the tablets. Do not give them crushed tablets. When crushed, the tablet will have a bitter taste that lasts for a long time.

Dosage of acute bronchitis (mild-moderate)

• Acute bronchitis (mild-moderate):
  • Adult dosage for those 18 and over: For a period of 10 days, the usual dosage is 250 to 500 mg per 12 hours.
  • Children’s dosage (ages 13-17 years old): For a period of 10 days, the usual dosage is 250 to 500 mg per 12 hours.
  • Children dosage (ages 0-12 years old who can swallow whole tablets): Children younger than 13 years should not take this medication.
• Secondary infection with acute bronchitis (mild or moderate)
  • Adult dosage for those 18 and over: For 5-10 days, the usual dosage is 250 to 500 mg per 12 hours.
  • Children’s dosage (ages 13-17 years old): For 5-10 days, the usual dosage is 250 to 500 mg per 12 hours.
  • Children of 3 months to 12 Years old who can swallow whole tablets.250 mg is the usual daily dosage for 10 days.
  • Children dosage (ages 0-2 months): Cefuroxime should never be given to children under 3 months old.

Considerations

• For those with kidney disease: If your creatinine clearance is less than 30mL/min, you may need to adjust the dosage of cefuroxime. Your kidney function is measured by your creatinine clearance. A lower level indicates a reduced kidney function.
• Seniors (65 years old and over): Older adults might have less functioning kidneys. This can lead to a slower metabolism. This means that more drug remains in your body for longer periods of time.
• This increases your chance of side effects. Your doctor might recommend a lower dosage or a different schedule. This will help prevent your body from accumulating too high levels of the drug.

Dosage of uncomplicated skin infections or under the skin

Adult dosage for those 18 and over()

For a period of 10 days, the usual dosage is 250 to 500 mg per 12 hours.

Children dosage (ages 13-17 years old):

For a period of 10 days, the usual dosage is 250 to 500 mg per 12 hours. Children from 3 months – 12 Years old who can swallow whole tablets.

Children younger than 13 years should not be given this medication.

Children dosage (ages 0-2 months):

Cefuroxime should never be given to children under 3 months old.

Considerations

• For those with kidney disease: If your creatinine clearance is less than 30mL/min, you may need to adjust the dosage of cefuroxime. Your kidney function is measured by your creatinine clearance. A lower level indicates a reduced kidney function.
• Seniors (65 years old and over): Older adults might have less functioning kidneys. This can lead to a slower metabolism. This means that more drug remains in your body for longer periods of time. This increases your chance of side effects. Your doctor might recommend a lower dosage or a different schedule. This will help prevent your body from accumulating too high levels of the drug.

Dosage of uncomplicated infections of the urinary tract

Adult dosage for those 18 and over:

For 7-10 days, the average daily intake is 250 mg per 12 hours.

Children dosage (ages 13-17 years old):

For 7-10 days, the average daily intake is 250 mg per 12 hours.

Children from 3 months – 12 Years old who can swallow whole tablets.

There is no dosage information. This condition is uncommon in children this age.

Children dosage (ages 0-2 months):

Cefuroxime should never be given to children under 3 months old.

Considerations

• For those with kidney disease: If your creatinine clearance is less than 30mL/min, you may need to adjust the dosage of cefuroxime. Your kidney function is measured by your creatinine clearance. A lower level indicates a reduced kidney function.
• Seniors (65 years old and over): Older adults might have less functioning kidneys. This can lead to a slower metabolism. This means that more drug remains in your body for longer periods of time. This increases your chance of side effects. Your doctor might recommend a lower dosage or a different schedule. This will help prevent your body from accumulating too high levels of the drug.

Uncomplicated gonorrhea

Adult dosage for those 18 and over:

1000 mg is the usual daily dosage.

Children dosage (ages 13-17 years)

1000 mg is the usual daily dosage.

Children from 3 months – 12 Years old who can swallow whole tablets.

There is no dosage information. This condition is uncommon in children this age.

Children dosage (ages 0-2 months):

Cefuroxime should never be given to children under 3 months old.

Considerations

• For those with kidney disease: If your creatinine clearance is less than 30mL/min, you may need to adjust the dosage of cefuroxime. Your kidney function is measured by your creatinine clearance. A lower level indicates a reduced kidney function.
• Seniors (65 years old and over): Older adults might have less functioning kidneys. This can lead to a slower metabolism. This means that more drug remains in your body for longer periods of time. This increases your chance of side effects. Your doctor might recommend a lower dosage or a different schedule. This will help prevent your body from accumulating too high levels of the drug.

Lyme disease early detection

Adult dosage for those 18 and over:

For 20 days, the average dosage is 500mg every 12 hours.

Children dosage (ages 13-17 years)

For 20 days, the average dosage is 500mg every 12 hours.

Kids of 3 months to 12 Years of age who can swallow whole tablets.

Children younger than 13 years should not be given this medication.

Children dosage (ages 0-2 months):

Cefuroxime should never be given to children under 3 months old.

Considerations

• For those with kidney disease: If your creatinine clearance is less than 30mL/min, you may need to adjust the dosage of cefuroxime. Your kidney function is measured by your creatinine clearance. A lower level indicates a reduced kidney function.
• Seniors (65 years old and over): Older adults might have less functioning kidneys. This can lead to a slower metabolism. This means that more drug remains in your body for longer periods of time. This increases your chance of side effects. Your doctor might recommend a lower dosage or a different schedule. This will help prevent your body from accumulating too high levels of the drug.

Disclaimer We aim to give you the most current and relevant information. We cannot guarantee that the following list will include all possible doses, as each drug has a different effect.

This information should not be taken as a substitute for professional medical advice. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor about the right dosages for you.

Follow the instructions

Cefuroxime oral tablets are used for short-term therapy. Cefuroxime oral tablet should not be used for bacterial infections. It should not be used to treat viruses like the common cold. Cefuroxime can be dangerous if it is not taken as directed.

You can stop suddenly taking the drug or quit using it altogether. You may get worse or your infection could continue.

You may miss doses, or not take your drug as prescribed. You may find that your medication is not working as well, or it may stop working altogether. To ensure that this drug works well, you must have a certain amount in your body at all times.

You can take too much Your body could be exposed to dangerous amounts of the drug. An overdose can cause sudden, irregular movements in any limb or body part. Call your doctor if you feel you have taken too much of the drug. If you have severe symptoms, dial 911 immediately or visit the nearest emergency room.

What to do if you have missed a dose? As soon as possible, take your dose. If you are unable to remember your dose within a few hours, only take one dose. Do not try to catch up with two doses at once. This could lead to dangerous side effects.

How to determine if the drug works: Your symptoms should decrease. The infection should resolve.

Important considerations when taking cefuroxime

These are the things to consider if cefuroxime is prescribed by your doctor.

General

• Your doctor may recommend that you take this drug at the prescribed time.
• Cefuroxime oral tablets can be taken with or without food.
• Cefuroxime oral tablets should not be broken or cut.

Storage

• Cefuroxime tablets should be stored at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15degC or 30degC).
• This medication should not be kept in damp or moist areas such as bathrooms.

Refills

Refillable prescriptions for this medication are available. This medication can be refilled without the need for a new prescription. The number of refills allowed on your prescription will be determined by your doctor.

Travel

Take your medication along when you travel

• Always keep your medication close by. Never check your medication into a bag. It should be kept in your carry-on bag
• Airport X-ray machines are not to be worried about. They won’t harm your medication.
• Airport staff may ask you to show them the prescription label for your medication. Always keep the original prescription-labeled container with you.
• This medication should not be left in the car’s glove box or in its car compartment. Avoid doing this in extreme heat or cold.

Clinical monitoring

Before prescribing cefuroxime or during treatment, your doctor may perform blood tests to assess your kidney function. Your doctor might recommend you stop taking cefuroxime if your kidneys are not working properly.

Hidden costs

During treatment with cefuroxime, you may need to undergo blood tests. These tests are covered by your insurance.

Is there a better alternative?

You may as well be able to use other medications to treat your condition. You may find some more suitable than others. Discuss with your doctor other options for drugs that might work for you.

Disclaimer

MKexpress made every effort to ensure that all information is accurate, complete, and current.

This article should not be considered a substitute for professional healthcare knowledge. Before you take any medication, consult your doctor.

This information is subject to change. It does not cover all possible uses, directions, and precautions.

Warnings and other information about a drug or combination of drugs do not necessarily mean that they are safe, effective, appropriate, or suitable for all patients.