Drug Name

Ceftin (Cefuroxime)

Drug Uses

Ceftin is used for treating bacterial infections (sinus, skin, lung, urinary tract, ear, and throat). It may also be used to treat Lyme disease and gonorrhea.

How to use

Use Ceftin as directed by your doctor.

• Take Ceftin by mouth with or without food.
• Swallow Ceftin whole. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing.
• Ceftin works best if it is taken at the same time each day.
• To clear up your infection completely, take Ceftin for the full course of treatment. Keep taking it even if you feel better in a few days.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Ceftin is a cephalosporin antibiotic. It works by interfering with the formation of the bacteria's cell wall so that the wall ruptures, resulting in the death of the bacteria.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Ceftin, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage

Store Ceftin at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Keep Ceftin out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not use Ceftin if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Ceftin or to any other cephalosporin antibiotic (eg, cephalexin, cefprozil).

• Contact your doctor right away if stomach pain or cramps, severe diarrhea, or bloody stools occur. Do not treat diarrhea without first checking with your doctor.
• The tablet and oral suspension forms of Ceftin are not equivalent. Do not substitute one for the other.
• Ceftin only works against bacteria; it does not treat viral infections (eg, the common cold).
• Be sure to use Ceftin for the full course of treatment. If you do not, the medicine may not clear up your infection completely. The bacteria could also become less sensitive to this or other medicines. This could make the infection harder to treat in the future.
• Long-term or repeated use of Ceftin may cause a second infection. Tell your doctor if signs of a second infection occur. Your medicine may need to be changed to treat this.
• Diabetes patients - Ceftin may cause the results of some tests for urine glucose to be wrong. Ask your doctor before you change your diet or the dose of your diabetes medicine.
• Hormonal birth control (e.g., birth control pills) may not work as well while you are using Ceftin . To prevent pregnancy, use an extra form of birth control (e.g., condoms).
• Lab tests, including liver function, kidney function, and complete blood cell count, may be performed while you use Ceftin . These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Ceftin should not be used in children younger than 3 months old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Ceftin while you are pregnant. Ceftin is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Ceftin.

Possible Side Effects

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• diarrhea/loose stools; nausea; vomiting.

• severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); bloody stools; change in the amount of urine; dark urine; easy bruising or bleeding; fatigue; fever; seizures; severe diarrhea; stomach cramps/pain; vaginal irritation or discharge; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

More Information

Ceftin is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.