Cefuroxime is an antibiotic. It is used to treat certain bacterial infections of the nose, throat, ears, skin, lungs or chest, and bladder.
This medicine is also used to treat Lyme disease (a bacterial infection spread by ticks) and sexually transmitted disease known as gonorrhoea.
Take Cefuroxime exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Cefuroxime is best taken after meals.
This medicine is available as a tablet or oral suspension.
If you are taking the tablet, swallow it whole with a glass of water. Do not divide, chew or crush the tablet.
If you are taking an oral suspension, shake the bottle well before you take it to ensure that the liquid is evenly mixed. Use the measuring spoon or cup provided to measure your dose.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the type and severity of your infection.
Take Cefuroxime at regular intervals. Do not skip any doses. You must complete the entire course of this medicine. If you don't, the infection will not be properly controlled.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Do not take this medicine if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to Cefuroxime or any similar antibiotics such as cefalexin, cefpodoxime, cefixime, or any other cephalosporin antibiotics.
Alert your doctor if you are allergic to penicillin antibiotics, such as amoxicillin, ampicillin and cloxacillin. Penicillins are related to cephalosporins and if you are allergic to one, you may be allergic to the other too.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- history of bowel disease e.g. colitis (inflammation of the lining of the colon or large intestine)
- history of epilepsy (fits or seizure)
- kidney disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving this medicine to a child. Children may be more sensitive to the side effects.
If you are going to have certain laboratory tests (e.g. tests for urine/blood glucose, Coomb’s test), inform your doctor that you are taking Cefuroxime.
If you are being treated with Cefuroxime for sexually transmitted disease, you should follow your doctor's advice on ways to prevent passing the disease to others. You should also avoid sexual contact until the doctor certifies that you are cleared of the infection.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Routine tests (e.g. liver and kidney function, blood-clotting time) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Monitoring of signs and symptoms of severe allergic reaction during first dose may also be needed.
Cefuroxime may cause dizziness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects include any of the following: headache, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and rash.
If you develop rashes, breathlessness, swollen mouth or eyes, stop the medicine and inform your doctor quickly. These could be signs of an allergic reaction.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- rashes with skin peeling or blisters/rashes with peeling of the skin or blistering of the lips, mouth or eyes accompanied by fever or yellowing of the skin and/or eyes.
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- probenecid (medicine for gout)
- medicines to treat stomach and intestinal ulcer e.g. ranitidine
- birth control pills
- water pill or medicine for water retention e.g. furosemide
- blood-thinning medicines
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Cefuroxime.
Cefuroxime should not be taken with antacids as antacids could reduce the effectiveness of this medicine. If you must take antacids, take between meals at least 2 hours after you have taken this medicine.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Refrigerate the oral suspension (between 2-8°C) once you have mixed the powder with water. Do not freeze it otherwise it will become less effective. Throw away unused portion after 10 days.
Keep tablets in their original package to protect from light.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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