What is Cefuroxime Axetil: Uses, Warnings & Interactions
Cefuroxime is a cephalosporin antibiotic. It’s a generic medication that was previously sold under the brand names Ceftin and Zinacef. Cefuroxime may be prescribed for treating bacterial infections like tonsillitis, middle ear infections, sinusitis, and bronchitis.
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Cefuroxime Axetil overview
BRAND NAMES:
Ceftin (discontinued), Zinacef (discontinued)
Generic Names:
Cefuroxime axetil
Uses:
Treats bacterial infections:
What is Cefuroxime Axetil used for?
Cefuroxime is an antibiotic used to treat certain bacterial infections, including pharyngitis, tonsillitis, middle ear infections, sinusitis, bronchitis, early Lyme disease, as well as uncomplicated skin infections, urinary tract infections, and gonorrhea.
What form(s) does Cefuroxime Axetil come in
Liquid
125 mg/5 mL
250 mg/ 5 mL
Tablet
125 mg
250 mg
500 mg
What are common Cefuroxime Axetil doses?
Common Cefuroxime Axetil prescriptions
Cefuroxime Axetil
250mg tabletCefuroxime Axetil
500mg tablet
How to take Cefuroxime Axetil
Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
Tablet:
Swallow whole. Do not break, crush, or chew it. The medicine tastes bitter when it is broken or crushed. If you cannot swallow the tablet whole, tell your doctor.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Oral liquid:
Shake well just before you measure each dose.
Measure the medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.
Store in the refrigerator. Do not freeze.
Throw away any unused medicine after 10 days.
It is best to take this medicine with food or milk.
If you change from one form of this medicine to another, make sure you understand how much medicine to take. The dose for the tablet is not the same as the dose for the oral liquid form.
Take all of the medicine in your prescription to clear up your infection, even if you feel better after the first few doses.
What to do if you miss a dose of Cefuroxime Axetil
Take a dose as soon as you remember.
If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose.
Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Cefuroxime Axetil contraindications
Do not use cefuroxime axetil if you have had an allergic reaction to cefuroxime or similar medicine, including penicillin antibiotics.
Cefuroxime Axetil warnings
Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
Tell your doctor if:
You are pregnant or breastfeeding
You have kidney disease
You have liver disease
You have allergies
You have phenylketonuria (PKU). The oral liquid contains phenylalanine.
This medicine can cause diarrhea. Call your doctor if the diarrhea becomes severe, does not stop, or is bloody. Do not take any medicine to stop diarrhea until you have talked to your doctor. Diarrhea can occur 2 months or more after you stop taking this medicine.
Cefuroxime Axetil interactions
Some food and medicines can affect how cefuroxime works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
Probenecid
Birth control pills
Acid reducer medicine for the stomach
If you take an antacid, take this medicine at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after the antacid.
Cefuroxime Axetil side effects
Serious side effects:
Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
Severe diarrhea
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Less serious side effects:
Mild diarrhea
Vomiting
Sources:
Cephalosporin antibiotic formulation discontinued, Medical Professionals Reference (2017)
Cefuroxime sodium injection, American Society of Health System Pharmacists (2020)
Cefuroxime axetil, National Library of Medicine (2020)
Cefuroxime axetil for oral suspension, National Library of Medicine (2013)
4.8 calificación promedio4.8 calificación
