GENERIC NAME: cefuroxime

BRAND NAME: Ceftin

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Cefuroxime is a semisynthetic cephalosporin antibiotic, chemically similar to penicillin. It is effective against a wide variety of bacteria organisms, such as Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, E. coli, N. gonorrhoeae, and many others.

PRESCRIPTION: yes

GENERIC AVAILABLE: yes

PREPARATIONS: Tablets: 125 mg, 250 mg, 500 mg. Suspension: 125 mg per 5 ml teaspoon.

STORAGE: Tablets should be stored at room temperature in a tightly closed container. The oral suspension should be stored in the refrigerator in a tightly closed container.

PRESCRIBED FOR: Cefuroxime is effective against susceptible bacterias causing infections of the middle ear, tonsillitis, throat infections, laryngitis, bronchitis, and pneumonia. It is also used in treating urinary tract infections, skin infections, and gonorrhea. Additionally, it is useful in treating acute bacterial bronchitis in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

DOSING: Should be taken with food.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Cefuroxime should be avoided by patients with a known allergy to cephalosporin type antibiotics. Since cefuroxime is chemically related to penicillin, an occasional patient can have an allergic reaction (sometimes even anaphylaxis) to both medications. Treatment with cefuroxime and other antibiotics can alter the normal bacteria flora of the colon and permit overgrowth of C. difficile, a bacteria responsible for pseudomembranous colitis. Patients who develop pseudomembranous colitis as a result of antibiotics treatment can experience diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, and sometimes even shock. Probenecid may increase the blood levels of cefuroxime. Cefuroxime can be used by children. It is not habit forming.

SIDE EFFECTS: Cefuroxime is generally well tolerated and side effects are usually transient. Reported side effects include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, headache, rash, hives, vaginitis, headache, and mouth ulcers.

Certain cephalosporins, including cefuroxime axetil (Ceftin) can alter the colon's normal bacteria, leading to overgrowth of a bacterium called Clostridium difficile. Overgrowth of this bacterium leads to the release of toxins that contribute to the development of Clostridium difficile–associated diarrhea, which may range in severity from mild diarrhea to fatal colitis.

Last Editorial Review: 11/13/2007

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