Cefuroxime is an antibiotic. It is used to treat certain bacterial infections of the nose, throat, ears, skin, bladder and bones.
This medicine is also used to treat a sexually transmitted disease known as gonorrhoea, and Lyme disease (bacterial infection spread by ticks).
Take Cefuroxime exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instruction on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Cefuroxime must be taken together with food or immediately after a meal.
This medicine is available as tablet or oral suspension.
If you are taking the tablet, swallow them whole. Do not divide, chew or crush the tablet.
If you are taking the 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.
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.
Alert your doctor if you have a history of allergic reactions (rash, breathlessness, swollen mouth or eyes) to similar antibiotics such as cefalexin, cefaclor, cefixime, ceftibuten 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:
- gastric disease
- history of epilepsy (seizure or fits)
- kidney disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
If you are being treated with Cefuroxime for gonorrhoea, 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.
Cefuroxime may cause any of the following side effects: headache, stomach pain and vomiting, diarrhoea, nausea, stomach discomfort and headache.
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 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:
- warfarin (blood-thinning medicine)
- probenecid (medicine for gout)
- water pill or medicine for water retention e.g. furosemide
- birth control pills
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 at least 2 hours after you have taken Cefuroxime.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal medicines 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 any unused portion after 10 days.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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