Indications
- Cefuroxime is a cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections.
- It functions by halting the growth of bacteria.
- This antibiotic is effective only against bacterial infections and is not effective for viral infections like the common cold or flu.
- The misuse of antibiotics when not needed can lead to reduced effectiveness in future infections.
Dosage and administration
- Take this medication orally as prescribed by your doctor, usually every 12 hours (twice daily).
- Take cefuroxime with food to enhance absorption and reduce stomach upset.
- The dosage is determined by your medical condition and response to treatment.
- Swallow the tablets whole; do not crush or chew due to a strong bitter taste. Use the liquid suspension if swallowing tablets is challenging.
- Take the antibiotic at evenly spaced times to maximize effectiveness. To aid memory, take it at the same time(s) daily.
- Complete the full prescribed amount even if symptoms improve; stopping early may lead to infection recurrence.
- Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.
Side effects
- Common side effects of this medication may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach pain. Dizziness and drowsiness are less common, especially with higher doses. Inform your doctor or pharmacist if these effects persist or worsen.
- The prescribed medication is deemed beneficial by your doctor, with the benefits outweighing potential risks for most users.
- Report serious side effects promptly, including unusual tiredness/weakness, signs of liver problems (persistent nausea/vomiting, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine), signs of kidney problems (changes in urine amount), signs of new infection (persistent sore throat, fever), easy bruising/bleeding, jerky movements, and mental/mood changes (such as confusion).
- Rarely, this medication may cause a severe intestinal condition (C. difficile). Contact your doctor immediately if you experience persistent diarrhea, abdominal or stomach pain/cramping, or blood/mucus in stool.
- Avoid using anti-diarrhea or opioid products if experiencing these symptoms, as they may worsen the condition.
- Prolonged or repeated use of this medication may result in oral thrush or a new yeast infection. Notify your doctor if you observe white patches in your mouth or experience changes in vaginal discharge.
- Seek immediate medical help if you notice symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, such as rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.
- This is not an exhaustive list of possible side effects; contact your doctor or pharmacist for unlisted effects.
Precautions
- Inform your doctor or pharmacist about any allergies to cefuroxime, penicillin, cephalosporin antibiotics, or other substances. Inactive ingredients may also trigger allergic reactions; consult your pharmacist for details.
- Share your medical history with your doctor or pharmacist, especially if you have kidney disease, intestinal disease (colitis), liver disease, or poor nutrition.
- Cefuroxime may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can enhance these effects. Avoid activities requiring alertness until you can do them safely. Limit alcohol consumption, and discuss marijuana use with your doctor.
- Notify your healthcare professional about cefuroxime use before receiving live bacterial vaccines (e.g., typhoid vaccine).
- Inform your doctor or dentist about all products you use, including prescriptions, non prescriptions, and herbal products, before surgery.
- Older adults may be more sensitive to this drug’s side effects.
- Use this medication during pregnancy only if clearly needed; discuss risks and benefits with your doctor.
- Consult your doctor before breastfeeding, as the medication passes into breast milk.