What is Cefuroxime?
Cefuroxime is a cephalosporin antibiotic which helps in fighting with the bacteria in the body. The tablets are used for treating various bacterial infections that also includes severe and life-threatening forms. Cefuroxime tablet is a prescription drug which is available in the brand name drug called Ceftin. This is also available in generic form. The medication is also available as a liquid suspension.
Cefuroxime Uses
Cefuroxime is used for treating infections which are caused by bacteria such as bronchitis, gonorrhoea, Lyme disease and various infections in the skin, ears, sinuses, throat, tonsils and urinary tract. Cefuroxime belongs to the class of drug called cephalosporin antibiotics.
Cefuroxime Side Effects
Some of the common side effects of Cefuroxime are
Some of the serious side effects of cefuroxime are
- Rash
- Itching
- Hives
- Difficulty in breathing and swallowing
- Wheezing
- Swelling of face and throat
If you have any of these serious symptoms immediately contact your doctor for further assistance. In any case, due to Cefuroxime if you get any kind of reactions in your body try avoiding it.
A doctor advised you to take the medicines by seeing your problems and the benefits of this medicine are greater than the side effects. Majority of the people who use this medicine don’t show any side effects. Get medical help immediately if you get any serious Cefuroxime side effects.
Precautions
Before taking Cefuroxime talk to your doctor if you’re having any allergic to it or some other medications. The product may contain some inactive ingredients that can cause allergic reactions or some other problems.
Before using Cefuroxime tablets talk to your doctor if you are having any medical history such as:
- Kidney disease
- Intestinal disease
- Liver disease
- Poor nutrition
Cefuroxime dosage can make you feel dizzy and drowsy. Avoid drinking too much alcohol as it can cause some harmful effect on your body.
How to take Cefuroxime?
Cefuroxime comes in the form of tablet and liquids. The medication is taken every 12 hours for 5- 10 days, depends on the severity of the condition to be treated. For treating Gonorrhea Cefuroxime is taken as a single dose and for Lyme disease, Cefuroxime tablets are taken in every 12 hours for 20 days. Take cefuroxime tablets at the same time every day for not getting confused. Follow the direction written on the prescription label and ask the doctor on how to take the medication exactly. Avoid consuming more or fewer Cefuroxime tablets.
Different forms of Cefuroxime are absorbed by the body in various ways and this can’t be substituted for one another.
Cefuroxime tablets should be swallowed whole without crushing or breaking the tablets.
Forms and Strengths
Generic: Cefuroxime (oral tablet 125 mg, 250 mg, 500 mg)
Brand: Ceftin (oral tablet 250 mg, 500 mg)
If you switch from using the tablet form to the liquid form of cefuroxime, you may not need to use the exact same milligram dose. Your symptoms may improve before the infection clears completely.
This medicine can produce unusual results with certain laboratory tests to determine glucose (sugar) in the urine.
Overdose
Overdose of a drug can be accidental. If you have taken more than the prescribed cefuroxime tablets there is a chance of getting a harmful effect on your body’s functions. Overdose of a medicine can lead to some medical emergency.
Missed Dose
Missing one or two-dose of cefuroxime won’t show any effect on your body. The skipped dose causes no problem. But with some medication, it won’t work if you don’t take the dosage on time. If you miss a dose some sudden chemical change may affect your body. In some cases, your doctor would advise you to take the prescribed medicine as soon as possible if you have missed the dose.
Allergy Warnings
- Hives
- Trouble in breathing
- Swelling of the face and lips
Warnings for Serious health conditions
For people with kidney problems
The kidneys remove cefuroxime from your body. If your kidneys are not working well, high levels of cefuroxime may build up in your body.
Breastfeeding
Cefuroxime passes into breast milk and can various cause side effects in a child who is breastfeeding. You may need to decide whether to stop breastfeeding or to stop taking this medicine.
Interactions
Your healthcare professionals (such as your doctor or pharmacist) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and are monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine without first checking with them.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all nonprescription or herbal products you may use, especially: "blood thinners" (such as warfarin).
Your healthcare professionals (such as your doctor or pharmacist) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and are monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine without first checking with them.
Storage
Direct contact with heat, air and light may damage your medicines. The exposure of medicine may cause some harmful effects. The medicine must be kept in a safe place and out of children’s reach.
Mainly the drug should be kept at room temperature between 68ºF and 77ºF (20ºC and 25ºC).
Before taking Cefuroxime consult your Doctor. In case if you face any problems or get any side effects after taking Cefuroxime rush immediately to your nearby hospital or consult your doctor for better treatment. Carry your medications always in your bag while travelling to avoid any immediate emergencies. Follow your prescription and follow your Doctor advice whenever you take Cefuroxime.
Cefuroxime vs Cefixime
| Cefuroxime | Cefixime |
|---|---|
| Cefuroxime is a cephalosporin antibiotic which helps in fighting with the bacteria in the body. The tablets are used for treating various bacterial infections that also includes severe and life-threatening forms. | Cefixime is used to treat infections that are caused by bacteria. There are various bacterial infections like Bronchitis, Gonorrhoea and infections of ears, throat, tonsils and urinary tract. Cefixime is a cephalosporin antibiotic. |
| Cefuroxime is used for treating infections which are caused by bacteria such as Bronchitis, Gonorrhoea, Lyme disease and various infections in the skin, ears, sinuses, throat, tonsils and urinary tract. | Cefixime will only work for bacterial functions. It will not work for viral infections. If the medicines are taken without any proper reason then it can show infections in future. |
Some of the serious side effects of cefuroxime are:
|
Some of the common cefixime side effects are:
|
