Medications and Drugs
GENERIC NAME: CEFUROXIME - ORAL (seff-you-ROX-eem)
BRAND NAME(S): Ceftin
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage
USES: This medication is a cephalosporin antibiotic and is used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections.
HOW TO USE: Take this medication with food as directed by your doctor. Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Do this by taking the medication at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day and night. Continue to take this medication 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 resulting in a relapse of the infection. Swallow the tablets whole. Do not crush or chew; they have a strong bitter taste. Use the liquid suspension form of this medication if it is difficult to swallow the tablets.
SIDE EFFECTS: This medication may cause stomach upset, diarrhea, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting. Take with food or milk to minimize these effects. If they continue or become severe, inform your doctor promptly. Inform your doctor promptly if any of these effects occur: headache, dizziness, fatigue, muscle aches, strange taste in the mouth, persistent fever, easy bruising or bleeding, persistent sore throat. Though occurring rarely, seek immediate medical attention if you experience: seizures, jerky movements, severe drowsiness, yellowing of the eyes or skin, dark urine, change in the amount of urine. In the unlikely event you have a serious allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: kidney problems, stomach/intestinal problems, any allergies. Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in a secondary infection (e.g., oral, bladder or vaginal yeast infection). Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this drug. Cefuroxime is excreted into breast milk. Though there have been no reports (to date) of harm to nursing infants, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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