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Cefuroxime |
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What is Cefuroxime and why is it prescribed? Cefuroxime is a cephalosporin antibiotic prescribed for mild to moderately severe bacterial infections of the throat, lungs, ears, skin, sinuses, and urinary tract, and for gonorrhea. Cefuroxime tablets are also prescribed in the early stages of Lyme disease. If you are allergic to either penicillin or cephalo-sporin antibiotics such as Ceclor, Cefzil, or Keflex, consult your doctor before taking Cefuroxime. There is a possibility that you are allergic to both types of medication. If a reaction occurs, it could be extremely severe. If you take Cefuroxime and develop shortness of breath, a pounding heartbeat, a skin rash, or hives, seek medical attention immediately. How should you take Cefuroxime? Follow your doctors directions for taking Cefuroxime. Cefuroxime tablets can be taken on a full or empty stomach. Cefuroxime enters the bloodstream and works faster when taken after meals. Cefuroxime oral suspension must be taken with food. Shake the suspension well before each use. It is important that you finish taking all of this medication to obtain the maximum benefit. The crushed Cefuroxime tablet has a strong, persistent, bitter taste. Children who cannot swallow the tablet whole should take the oral suspension. Shake the oral suspension well before each use. If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose skip the one you missed and go back to the regular schedule. Do not take two doses at once. Store tablets at room temperature in a tightly closed container. Protect from moisture. The oral suspension may be stored either in the refrigerator or at room temperature. Replace the cap securely after each use. Discard any unused suspension after 10 days. Are there any Cefuroxime side effects? Cefuroxime side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Cefuroxime side effects may include diaper rash in infants, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Rare Cefuroxime side effects of the tablets include abdominal pain or cramps, chest pain, chills, gas, headache, hives, indigestion, itch, loss of appetite, mouth ulcers, rash, shortness of breath, sleepiness, swollen tongue, thirst, urinary problems, and vaginitis. Rare Cefuroxime side effects of the oral suspension include abdominal pain, cough, drooling, fever, gas, gastrointestinal infection, hyperactivity, inflamed sinuses, irritability, joint pain and swelling, rash, upper respiratory infection, urinary infection, vaginal irritation, virus infection, and yeast infection. Cefuroxime has also been reported to occasionally cause allergic reactions, blood disorders, colitis, kidney and liver problems, jaundice, peeling skin, seizures, severe blisters in the mouth and eyes, and impaired blood clotting. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Cefuroxime? If Cefuroxime is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. It is important to consult your doctor before taking Cefuroxime with probenecid, a gout medication. If diarrhea occurs while taking Cefuroxime, consult your doctor before taking an antidiarrhea medication. Certain drugs, such as Lomotil, may cause your diarrhea to become worse. Be cautious if you are taking potent water pills such as Lasix while on Cefuroxime since the combination could affect your kidneys. Are there any special warnings about Cefuroxime? Inflammation of the bowel has been reported with the use of Cefuroxime. If you develop diarrhea while taking this medication, notify your doctor. Continued or prolonged use of Cefuroxime may result in an overgrowth of bacteria that do not respond to this medication and can cause a second infection. You should take this drug only when it is prescribed by your doctor. Tell your doctor if you have any kidney problems. If you do, the drug must be used cautiously. If you are allergic to penicillin you may also be allergic to Cefuroxime. Make sure your doctor is aware of any allergies you have. Cephalosporin antibiotics such as Cefuroxime sometimes trigger a tendency to bleed, especially in people with liver or kidney damage, individuals who are malnourished, those on long courses of antibiotic therapy, and people taking blood-thinning medications. If you fall into one of these categories, the doctor will monitor you carefully. |
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Information on this website is provided for educational purposes and should not replace discussions with your doctor. |
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