In this Article

• What is cefuroxime (Ceftin)?
• What are the possible side effects of cefuroxime (Ceftin)?
• What is the most important information I should know about cefuroxime (Ceftin)?
• What should I discuss with my health care provider before taking cefuroxime (Ceftin)?
• How should I take cefuroxime (Ceftin)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Ceftin)?
• What happens if I overdose (Ceftin)?
• What should I avoid while taking cefuroxime (Ceftin)?
• What other drugs will affect cefuroxime (Ceftin)?
• Where can I get more information?

What should I discuss with my health care provider before taking cefuroxime (Ceftin)?

Do not take this medication if you are allergic to cefuroxime, or to other cephalosporin antibiotics, such as:

• cefaclor (Raniclor);
• cefadroxil (Duricef);
• cefazolin (Ancef);
• cefdinir (Omnicef);
• cefditoren (Spectracef);
• cefpodoxime (Vantin);
• cefprozil (Cefzil);
• ceftibuten (Cedax);
• cephalexin (Keflex); or
• cephradine (Velosef).

Before taking cefuroxime, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs (especially penicillins), or if you have:

• kidney disease;
• liver disease;
• a history of intestinal problems, such as colitis;
• diabetes; or
• if you are malnourished.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take cefuroxime.

The oral suspension (liquid) form of cefuroxime may contain phenylalanine. Talk to your doctor before using this form of cefuroxime if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).

FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

Cefuroxime can make birth control pills less effective, which may result in pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are taking birth control pills to prevent pregnancy. You may need to use another form of birth control during treatment with cefuroxime.

Cefuroxime can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take cefuroxime (Ceftin)?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

You may take cefuroxime tablets with or without meals.

Cefuroxime oral suspension (liquid) must be taken with food.

Shake the oral liquid well just before you measure a dose. To be sure you get the correct dose, measure the liquid with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

If you switch from using the tablet form to using the oral suspension (liquid) form of cefuroxime, you may not need to use the same exact dosage in number of milligrams. The medication may not be as effective unless you use the exact form and strength your doctor has prescribed.

Use this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Cefuroxime will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

This medication can cause you to have false results with certain medical tests, including urine glucose (sugar) tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using cefuroxime.

Store cefuroxime tablets at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

Store cefuroxime oral liquid in the refrigerator. Do not allow it to freeze. Throw away any unused medication that is older than 10 days.