Brand Names: Ceftin

Generic Name: cefuroxime (Pronunciation: SEF ue ROX eem)

• 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 is cefuroxime (Ceftin)?

Cefuroxime is in a group of drugs called cephalosporin (SEF a low spor in) antibiotics. It works by fighting bacteria in your body.

Cefuroxime is used to treat many kinds of bacterial infections, including severe or life-threatening forms.

Cefuroxime may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Ceftin 250 mg

oblong, blue, imprinted with Glaxo, 387

Ceftin 500 mg

oblong, blue, imprinted with Glaxo, 394

Cefuroxime 250 mg-APO

oblong, white, imprinted with LUPIN, 302

Cefuroxime 250 mg-RAN

oblong, blue, imprinted with RX 751

Cefuroxime 250 mg-UDL

oblong, blue, imprinted with RX 751

Cefuroxime 250 mg-WAT

oblong, white, imprinted with 302, LUPIN

Cefuroxime 250 mg-WOC

oblong, white, imprinted with W921

Cefuroxime 500 mg-APO

oblong, white, imprinted with APO, C500

Cefuroxime 500 mg-LUP

oblong, white, imprinted with LUPIN, 303

Cefuroxime 500 mg-RAN

oblong, blue, imprinted with RX752

Cefuroxime 500 mg-WAT

oblong, white, imprinted with 303, LUPIN

Cefuroxime 500 mg-WOC

oblong, white, imprinted with W 922

Cefuroxime 590 mg-UDL

oblong, blue, imprinted with RX752

What are the possible side effects of cefuroxime (Ceftin)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
• chest pain, fast or pounding heartbeats;
• unusual bleeding;
• blood in your urine;
• seizure (convulsions);
• pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, fever, confusion or weakness;
• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash;
• skin rash, bruising, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness;
• increased thirst, loss of appetite, swelling, weight gain, feeling short of breath; or
• painful or difficult urination, urinating less than usual or not at all.

Less serious side effects may include:

• nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, mild diarrhea, gas, upset stomach;
• cough, stuffy nose;
• stiff or tight muscles, muscle pain;
• joint pain or swelling;
• headache, drowsiness;
• feeling restless, irritable, or hyperactive;
• white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips;
• unusual or unpleasant taste in your mouth;
• diaper rash in an infant taking liquid cefuroxime;
• mild itching or skin rash; or
• vaginal itching or discharge.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Read the Ceftin (cefuroxime axetil) Side Effects Center for a complete guide to possible side effects »

What is the most important information I should know about cefuroxime (Ceftin)?

Do not take this medication if you are allergic to cefuroxime, or to similar antibiotics, such as Cefzil, Keflex, Omnicef, and others.

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs (especially penicillin). Also tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease, diabetes, a history of intestinal problems, or if you are malnourished.

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.

Take 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.

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or has blood in it, call your doctor. Do not use any medicine to stop the diarrhea unless your doctor has told you to.

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.