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
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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