What is cefuroxime?
Cefuroxime is in a group of drugs called cephalosporin (SEF a low spor in) antibiotics. It
works by fighting bacteria in your body.
Cefuroxime is used to treat many kinds of bacterial infections, including severe or
life-threatening forms.
Cefuroxime may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking cefuroxime?
Do not take this medication if you are allergic to cefuroxime, or to other cephalosporin
antibiotics, such as:
-
cefaclor (Raniclor);
-
cefadroxil (Duricef);
-
cefazolin (Ancef);
-
cefdinir (Omnicef);
-
cefditoren (Spectracef);
-
cefpodoxime (Vantin);
-
cefprozil (Cefzil);
-
ceftibuten (Cedax);
-
cephalexin (Keflex); or
-
cephradine (Velosef).
Before taking cefuroxime, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs
(especially penicillins), or if you have:
If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or
special tests to safely take cefuroxime.
The oral suspension (liquid) form of cefuroxime may contain phenylalanine. Talk to your doctor
before using this form of cefuroxime if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).
FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn
baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
Cefuroxime can make birth control pills less effective, which may result in pregnancy. Tell your
doctor if you are taking birth control pills to prevent pregnancy. You may need to use another form of
birth control during treatment with cefuroxime.
Cefuroxime can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this
medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take cefuroxime?
Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger
amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your
prescription label.
You may take cefuroxime
tablets
with or without meals.
Cefuroxime
oral suspension
(liquid) must be taken with food.
Shake the oral liquid well just before you measure a dose. To be sure you get the correct
dose, measure the liquid with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table
spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.
If you switch from using the tablet form to using the oral suspension (liquid) form of
cefuroxime, you may not need to use the same exact dosage in number of milligrams. The medication
may not be as effective unless you use the exact form and strength your doctor has prescribed.
Use this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your
symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Cefuroxime will not treat a viral
infection such as the common cold or flu.
This medication can cause you to have false results with certain medical tests, including urine
glucose (sugar) tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using cefuroxime.
Store cefuroxime tablets at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the
bottle tightly closed when not in use.
Store cefuroxime oral liquid in the refrigerator. Do not allow it to freeze. Throw away any
unused medication that is older than 10 days.
What happens if I miss a dose of cefuroxime?
Take the medication as soon as you remember the missed dose. If it is almost time for your
next dose, skip the missed dose and use the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time.
Do not
use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Where can I get more information about cefuroxime?
Your pharmacist has information about cefuroxime written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of cefuroxime?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these
signs of an allergic
reaction:
hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
-
diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
-
fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
-
chest pain, fast or pounding heartbeats;
-
unusual bleeding;
-
blood in your urine;
-
seizure (convulsions);
-
pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, fever, confusion
or weakness;
-
jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
-
fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering,
peeling, and red skin rash;
-
skin rash, bruising, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle
weakness;
-
increased thirst, loss of appetite, swelling, weight gain,
feeling short of breath; or
-
painful or difficult urination, urinating less than usual or
not at all.
Less serious side effects may include:
-
nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, mild diarrhea, gas, upset
stomach;
-
cough, stuffy nose;
-
stiff or tight muscles, muscle pain;
-
joint pain or swelling;
-
headache, drowsiness;
-
feeling restless, irritable, or hyperactive;
-
white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips;
-
unusual or unpleasant taste in your mouth;
-
diaper rash in an infant taking liquid cefuroxime;
-
mild itching or skin rash; or
-
vaginal itching or discharge.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your
doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about cefuroxime?
Do not take this medication if you are allergic to cefuroxime, or to similar antibiotics, such
as Cefzil, Keflex, Omnicef, and others.
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs (especially
penicillin). Also tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease, diabetes, a history of intestinal
problems, or if you are malnourished.
Cefuroxime can make birth control pills less effective, which may result in pregnancy. Tell your
doctor if you are taking birth control pills to prevent pregnancy. You may need to use another form of
birth control during treatment with cefuroxime.
Take this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your
symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Cefuroxime will not treat a viral
infection such as the common cold or flu.
Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have
diarrhea that is watery or has blood in it, call your doctor. Do not use any medicine to stop the
diarrhea unless your doctor has told you to.
This medication can cause you to have false results with certain medical tests, including urine
glucose (sugar) tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using cefuroxime.
What should I avoid while taking cefuroxime?
Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have
diarrhea that is watery or has blood in it, call your doctor. Do not use any medicine to stop the
diarrhea unless your doctor has told you to.
What other drugs will affect cefuroxime?
Before taking cefuroxime, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following drugs:
-
probenecid (Benemid);
-
a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin);
-
a medication that reduces stomach acid, such as an
antacid, or cimetidine (Tagamet), famotidine (Pepcid), omeprazole (Prilosec), ranitidine
(Zantac), and others; or
-
a diuretic (water pill) such as bumetanide (Bumex),
furosemide (Lasix), indapamide (Lozol), hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, HydroDiuril, Hyzaar,
Lopressor, Vasoretic, Zestoretic), metolazone (Mykrox, Zarxolyn), spironolactone (Aldactazide,
Aldactone), torsemide (Demadex), and others.
This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with
cefuroxime. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This
includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start
taking a new medication without telling your doctor.
What happens if I have an overdose of cefuroxime?
