Ceftin

Ceftin

     * Generic Name: cefuroxime axetil
     * Brand Name: Ceftin


     * What is cefuroxime (Ceftin)?
     * What are the possible side effects of cefuroxime (Ceftin)?
     * What is the most important information I should know about
       cefuroxime (Ceftin)?
     * What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
       cefuroxime (Ceftin)?
     * How should I take cefuroxime (Ceftin)?
     * What happens if I miss a dose (Ceftin)?
     * What happens if I overdose (Ceftin)?
     * What should I avoid while taking cefuroxime (Ceftin)?
     * What other drugs will affect cefuroxime (Ceftin)?
     * Where can I get more information (Ceftin)?

What is cefuroxime (Ceftin)?

   Cefuroxime is a cephalosporin (SEF a low spor in) antibiotic.
   It works by fighting bacteria in your body.

   Cefuroxime is used to treat many kinds of bacterial infections,
   including severe or life-threatening forms.

   Cefuroxime may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication
   guide.

What are the possible side effects of cefuroxime (Ceftin)?

   Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction:
   hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or
   throat.

   Call your doctor at once if you have:
     * severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
     * jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
     * skin rash, bruising, severe tingling, or numbness;
     * seizure (black-out or convulsions);
     * kidney problems--little or no urination, painful or difficult
       urination, swelling in your feet or ankles, feeling tired or short
       of breath; or
     * severe skin reaction--fever, sore throat, swelling in your face
       or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain followed by a red or
       purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper
       body) and causes blistering and peeling.

   Common side effects may include:
     * diarrhea;
     * nausea, vomiting;
     * unusual or unpleasant taste in your mouth; or
     * diaper rash in an infant taking liquid cefuroxime.

   This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call
   your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side
   effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about cefuroxime
(Ceftin)?

   You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to cefuroxime or
   to similar antibiotics, such as cefdinir (Omnicef), cefprozil
   (Cefzil), cephalexin (Keflex), and others.

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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking cefuroxime
(Ceftin)?

   Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to cefuroxime, or to
   other cephalosporin antibiotics, such as:
     * cefaclor (Raniclor);
     * cefadroxil (Duricef);
     * cefazolin (Ancef);
     * cefdinir (Omnicef);
     * cefditoren (Spectracef);
     * cefpodoxime (Vantin);
     * cefprozil (Cefzil);
     * ceftibuten (Cedax);
     * cephalexin (Keflex); or
     * cephradine (Velosef).

   To make sure cefuroxime is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
     * an allergy to penicillin;
     * kidney disease;
     * liver disease;
     * a history of intestinal problems, such as colitis;
     * diabetes; or
     * if you are malnourished.

   The liquid form may contain phenylalanine. Talk to your doctor
   before using this form of cefuroxime if you have phenylketonuria
   (PKU).

   This medicine is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor
   if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

   Cefuroxime can make birth control pills less effective. Ask your doctor
   about using a non hormonal birth control (condom, diaphragm with
   spermicide) to prevent pregnancy.

   Cefuroxime can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Tell
   your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

   Cefuroxime is not approved for use by anyone younger than 3 months old.

How should I take cefuroxime (Ceftin)?

   Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this
   medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

   You may take cefuroxime tablets with or without meals. Do not crush the
   tablet or it could have an unpleasant bitter taste.

   Cefuroxime oral suspension (liquid) must be taken with food.

   Shake the liquid well just before you measure a dose. Measure liquid
   medicine with the dosing syringe provided, or with a special
   dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you do not have a
   dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

   If you switch from using the tablet form to using the liquid form of
   cefuroxime, you may not need to use the same exact dosage in number of
   milligrams. This medicine may not be as effective unless you use the
   exact form and strength your doctor has prescribed.

   Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms
   may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses
   may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to
   antibiotics. Cefuroxime will not treat a viral infection such as
   the flu or a common cold.

   This medicine can cause unusual results with certain lab tests for
   glucose (sugar) in the urine. Tell any doctor who treats you that you
   are using cefuroxime.

   Store cefuroxime tablets at room temperature away from moisture and
   heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

   Store cefuroxime liquid in the refrigerator. Do not allow it to freeze.
   Throw away any unused cefuroxime liquid that is older than 10 days.

   Ceftin Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose
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   Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) Slideshow Pictures
   Erectile Dysfunction (ED) Causes and Treatment

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What happens if I miss a dose (Ceftin)?

   Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if
   it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra
   medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose (Ceftin)?

   Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at
   1-800-222-1222.

   Overdose symptoms may include seizure (black-out or convulsions).

What should I avoid while taking cefuroxime (Ceftin)?

   Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new
   infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, call your
   doctor. Do not use anti-diarrhea medicine unless your doctor tells you
   to.

What other drugs will affect cefuroxime (Ceftin)?

   Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or
   stop using, especially:
     * probenecid (Benemid);
     * a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven); or
     * a diuretic or "water pill."

   This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with cefuroxime,
   including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and
   herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this
   medication guide.

Where can I get more information (Ceftin)?

   Your pharmacist can provide more information about cefuroxime.
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