Ceftin

Cefuroxime Axetil Drug Information

• Ceftin Overview

  Cefuroxime is used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections. Ceftin is known as a cephalosporin antibiotic. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria. This antibiotic treats only bacterial infections. It will not work for viral infections (such as common cold, flu). Using any antibiotic when it is not needed can cause it to not work for future infections.

• How to Use Ceftin

  Take Ceftin by mouth usually twice daily (every 12 hours), or as directed by your doctor. Take cefuroxime with food to increase absorption and reduce stomach upset. Dosage of Ceftin is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Swallow the tablets whole. Do not crush or chew because the tablets have a strong bitter taste. Use the liquid suspension form of Ceftin if it is difficult to swallow the tablets. For the best effect, take this antibiotic at evenly spaced times. To help you remember, take Ceftin at the same time(s) every day. Continue to take Ceftin until the full-prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow, which may result in a relapse of the infection. Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

• Ceftin Precautions

  Before taking cefuroxime, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to penicillins or other cephalosporin antibiotics (e.g., cephalexin); or if you have any other allergies. Ceftin may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using Ceftin, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history,kidney disease, intestinal disease (colitis), liver disease, poor nutrition. Ceftin may make you dizzy or drowsy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis). Cefuroxime may cause live bacterial vaccines (such as typhoid vaccine) to not work as well. Do not have any immunizations/vaccinations while using Ceftin unless your doctor tells you to. Caution is advised when using Ceftin in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its effects. Ceftin should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risk and benefits with your doctor. Ceftin passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

• Ceftin Misdose

  If you miss a dose of Ceftin, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

• Ceftin Interactions

  Your healthcare professionals (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for it. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first. Before using Ceftin, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use,"blood thinners" (e.g., warfarin). Although most antibiotics are unlikely to affect hormonal birth control such as pills, patch, or ring, a few antibiotics (such as rifampin, rifabutin) can decrease their effectiveness. This could result in pregnancy. If you use hormonal birth control, ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Ceftin may affect the results of certain lab tests. It may cause false positive results with certain diabetic urine testing products (cupric sulfate-type) and false negative results with certain blood glucose tests. Make sure laboratory personnel and your doctors know you use Ceftin. This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using Ceftin, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

• Ceftin Side Effects

  What are Ceftin side effects?

  Side effects are physical, mental or emotional symptoms which occur in addition to or outside of the desired effect of a therapeutic treatment such as an over-the-counter or prescribed drug or medication. Side effects from Ceftin may occur at the beginning or at the end of treatment and may also depend on the length of time an individual remains on the treatment. Side effects, also known as adverse effects, are generally more likely to occur when starting treatment. Individuals may also experience side effects from Ceftin as a result of an interaction with other medications.

  Side Effects of Ceftin

  The side effects of Ceftin may vary in number and intensity for many different reasons. Factors such as age, weight, gender and ethnicity may influence the side effects of Ceftin. Also, an individual’s state of general physical health and seriousness of the disease or illness as well as an increase or decrease in dosage may lead to side effects. Further, side effects from Ceftin may also occur as a result of an interaction with certain herbal supplements, foods or drinks.

  Prescription drug side effects can be serious and may cause patients to stop the treatment. However, when side effects from the use of a prescription drug, such as Ceftin, do occur a patient should consult their physician. A physician may prescribe an additional treatment in order to control the symptoms or an adjustment in the dosage may be made. In addition, changes to diet, exercise or other lifestyle activities may help to lessen the side effects of Ceftin.

  By understanding side effects and the factors which may influence the occurrence of side effects patients are empowered to take an active role in their care. Patients who have specific questions about the side effects of Ceftin, or any other medication, should contact their physician. General information about Ceftin and the side effects associated with Ceftin are described in the following:

  Common Ceftin Side Effects

  Severe

  • Clostridium difficile infection
  • eosinophilia
  • urticaria
  • hypersensitivity drug reaction

  Less Severe

  • vulvovaginal candidiasis
  • diarrhea

  Less Frequent Ceftin Side Effects

  Severe

  • skin rash

  Less Severe

  • oral candidiasis
  • vaginal irritation
  • sialorrhea
  • irritability
  • pruritus of skin
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • abdominal pain with cramps
  • arthralgias
  • flatulence

  Rare or Very Rare Ceftin Side Effects

  Severe

  • hemolytic anemia
  • pancytopenia
  • hypoprothrombinemia
  • thrombocytopenic disorder
  • agranulocytosis
  • leukopenia
  • neutropenic disorder
  • encephalopathy
  • interstitial nephritis
  • drug-induced hepatitis
  • kidney disease with reduction in GFR
  • Erythema Multiforme
  • toxic epidermal necrolysis
  • Stevens-Johnson Syndrome
  • Erythema
  • seizure disorder
  • abnormal hepatic function tests
  • Anaphylaxis
  • angioedema
  • serum sickness
  • tongue swelling
  • cholestatic hepatitis
  • Acute Generalized Exanthematous Pustulosis
  • DRESS syndrome

  Less Severe

  • drug fever
  • anorexia
  • dysgeusia
  • dyspnea
  • aphthous stomatitis
  • dysuria
  • Vulvovaginitis
  • chills
  • drowsy
  • polydipsia
  • dizziness
  • cramps
  • trismus
  • Renal Pain
  • tachycardia
  • candidiasis

• Ceftin Storage

  Store at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard Ceftin when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.