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Description
Indications
Cefuroxime is employed in the treatment of a wide variety of bacterial infections, including bronchitis, gonorrhea, Lyme disease, as well as infections affecting the skin, ears, sinuses, throat, tonsils, and urinary tract. Cefuroxime belongs to the class of medications known as cephalosporin antibiotics, acting by inhibiting the growth of bacteria.
Uses and Dosage
Cefuroxime is available in tablet and suspension (liquid) forms for oral consumption. The typical regimen involves taking it every 12 hours for a duration of 5-10 days, depending on the specific condition being treated. For gonorrhea, a single dose is recommended, while Lyme disease necessitates a 12-hour interval dosing for a total of 20 days.
The suspension should be taken with food, and the tablet can be taken with or without food. Adhere to a consistent schedule, taking cefuroxime around the same times each day.
Take cefuroxime precisely as directed, avoiding deviations such as taking more or less than prescribed or increasing the frequency beyond the doctor’s instructions.
Different cefuroxime products have distinct absorption patterns in the body and cannot be substituted interchangeably. If a switch between cefuroxime products is necessary, your doctor may need to make dose adjustments.
Shake the suspension well before each use to ensure even mixing of the medication. Swallow the tablets whole; do not crush them, as the crushed tablet has a strong bitter taste. Children who cannot swallow the tablet whole should opt for the liquid form.
Improvement in symptoms should be noticeable within the initial days of cefuroxime treatment. If symptoms persist or worsen, contact your doctor.
Complete the full course of cefuroxime as prescribed, even if you start feeling better. Abruptly stopping the medication or skipping doses may result in incomplete treatment of the infection, and the bacteria could develop resistance to antibiotics.
Side Effects
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention:
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any serious side effects:
- rash
- itching
- hives
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
- wheezing
- swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, or eyes
- watery or bloody stools, stomach cramps, or fever during treatment or for up to two or more months after stopping treatment
- a return of fever, sore throat, chills, or other signs of infection
Caution
- Before taking cefuroxime, inform your doctor or pharmacist about any allergies you may have, including allergies to penicillins or other cephalosporin antibiotics like cephalexin, or any other allergies. Inactive ingredients in the product may also cause allergic reactions or other complications.
- Provide your medical history to your doctor or pharmacist, especially if you have kidney disease, intestinal disease (colitis), liver disease, or if you have poor nutrition.
- This medicine may contain aspartame. If you have phenylketonuria (PKU) or any other condition requiring a restriction of aspartame (or phenylalanine) intake, consult your doctor or pharmacist for guidance on the safe use of this medicine.
- Be aware that this drug may cause dizziness or drowsiness. The use of alcohol or marijuana can intensify these effects. Refrain from driving, using machinery, or engaging in activities that require alertness until you can do so safely.
- Cefuroxime may impact the efficacy of live bacterial vaccines, such as the typhoid vaccine. Inform your healthcare professional that you are using cefuroxime before undergoing any immunizations or vaccinations.
- Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug.
- During pregnancy, use this medication only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
- This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding to make an informed decision about its use.
Form and Strength
Ceftin Oral Suspension is available in the following forms and strengths:
- Ceftin Oral Suspension suspension:
- 125 mg / 5 mL
FAQ
How fast does Ceftin Oral Suspension work?
For most infections, Ceftin Oral Suspension will start to make you feel better in a few days, but this depends on the type of infection you have.
Can I take Ceftin Oral Suspension if I’m allergic to penicillin?
Possibly. The decision to use Ceftin Oral Suspension to treat your infection usually depends on what your reaction to penicillin was like. For example, if you had a mild reaction to penicillin (e.g., rash or itchiness), your provider will likely still give you cefuroxime and ask you to watch closely for allergic reactions. But if you had a severe reaction to penicillin (e.g., facial swelling, closing of the throat, anaphylaxis), your provider might give you a tiny test dose of Ceftin Oral Suspension to see how you react to it, or they might simply use a different antibiotic.
Resources
- https://www.goodrx.com/cefuroxime-axetil/what-is#faqs
- https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/cefalexin/common-questions-about-cefalexin/
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/cefuroxime-oral-route/proper-use/drg-20073295
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-3770-5269/ceftin-oral/cefuroxime-suspension-oral/details
- https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601206.html
- https://www.drugs.com/mtm/cefuroxime-oral-injection.html
