Ceftin

The active ingredient in Ceftin is cefuroxime. Cefuroxime is an antibacterial agent belonging to the second generation of cephalosporins. By stopping bacteria from enveloping themselves in another layer of defense in the cell wall, it destroys them.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Ceftin. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Ceftin:

• Ceftin tablets and oral suspension are taken by mouth, typically twice a day. Do not chew, break, or crush the tablet; instead, swallow the tablet whole. The tablet can be taken with or without food.
• To treat gonorrhea, a single dose of Ceftin oral may be administered. Ceftin oral is typically administered for 7–10 days for the majority of other infections, or for 20 days to treat early Lyme disease. Pay close attention to your doctor's dosage recommendations.
• Ceftin can be infused into a vein or injected into a muscle by a healthcare professional.

The most common side effects of Ceftin include:

• Nausea or vomiting.
• Diarrhea.
• Abdominal pain or stomach cramps.
• Low appetite.
• Skin rash or itching.
• Chills.
• Diaper rash in infants.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Ceftin. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Allergic reaction: hives, rash, lip or tongue swelling, and shortness of breath.
• C. difficile diarrhea: frequent bowel movements (up to 15 times a day), fever, nausea, and foul-smelling diarrhea.
• Liver problems: nausea and vomiting that doesn't stop, abdominal pain, jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin), and dark urine.
• Severe skin reaction: fever, sore throat, burning in your eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Ceftin. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Ceftin, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

• If you have had adverse reactions to Ceftin or any other cephalosporin antibiotic (such as cefdinir, cephalexin, and others), or any kind of penicillin, you should not use Ceftin.
• Birth control pills may become less effective when taken with certain antibiotics. To avoid getting pregnant, ask your doctor about non-oral birth control options. Implants, skin patches, vaginal rings, condoms, diaphragms, cervical caps, injections, and contraceptive sponges are examples of this.
• Pediatric patients under three months old should not use Ceftin.
• As directed by your physician, take this medication for the full prescribed duration. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is fully treated. A viral infection like the flu or the common cold cannot be treated with Ceftin.
• Diarrhea brought on by antibiotics may indicate the onset of a new infection. Contact your physician if you have blood in your diarrhea or if it is watery. Unless instructed to do so by your physician, avoid taking any medication to stop the diarrhea.
• Certain medical tests, such as urine glucose (sugar) tests, may give you false results if you take Ceftin. Inform any medical professional you see about your use of this medication.
• Tell your healthcare provider if you have ever experienced gastrointestinal or stomach disorders like colitis, kidney or liver disease, or malnourishment to ensure Ceftin is safe for you.
• If you are taking antacids that contain magnesium or aluminum, take them at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after Ceftin.
• Phenylketonuria (PKU)—The oral liquid form of this medicine contains phenylalanine, which can make this condition worse.

Certain medical conditions or circumstances are known as contraindications, and they raise safety concerns about a medication's use. Please inform your healthcare provider if you suffer from any of the following conditions, as Ceftin will not be safe for you to take.

• Severe sensitivity to beta-lactam antibiotics, including cephalexin (Keflex), amoxicillin (Amoxil), or penicillin.

Your symptoms usually go away a few days after you start taking antibiotics like Ceftin. Remember that the severity of the infection and the amount of time it takes for you to recover after starting antibiotics can also affect how long it takes.

When Ceftin is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Probenecid.
• A "water pill" or diuretic.
• A blood thinner, such as Jantoven, Coumadin, or Warfarin;.
• Esomeprazole, famotidine, Prevacid, Prilosec, Tagamet, Zantac, and other medications that lower stomach acid.

Ceftin is available in several dosage forms: tablets, suspension, and an injection. The typical dosing is as follows.

13 years of age and up:

For the majority of infections, 250 mg taken orally every 12 hours for seven to ten days is the usual dosage. You may require a higher dosage (500 mg) for certain infections, such as those associated with chronic bronchitis or skin infections.

The usual oral dosage for gonorrhea is 1,000 mg taken all at once.

500 mg taken orally every 12 hours for 20 days is the usual dosage for Lyme disease.

Under 13 years old:

Only sinus or ear infections: For ten days, the usual dosage is 250 mg taken orally every twelve hours.

If you have kidney issues, your dosage may change.

Store Ceftin in a dry place at room temperature and out of reach of children.

The pharmaceutical company that manufactured Ceftin was GlaxoSmithKline.

There are several lower-cost generic versions of Ceftin available such as cefuroxime axetil. Brand-name Ceftin is no longer available.

Even if you feel better, you should continue taking Ceftin until the end of the prescribed course. If you stop taking Ceftin too soon or miss doses, the bacteria may develop antibiotic resistance and your infection may not be fully treated.

Ceftin is generally considered safe to use while pregnant. It doesn't seem to harm unborn children during the first trimester, according to the research that is currently available. However, to be safe, discuss the advantages and disadvantages of taking Ceftin during pregnancy with the doctor.

Ceftin is found in breast milk but it is not known thee effects the drug has on a breastfed infant or your milk production. Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.