Drug Notes

Cefuroxime (By mouth)

Cefuroxime Axetil (sef-ue-ROX-eem AX-e-til)

Treats infections. This medicine is a cephalosporin antibiotic.

Brand Name(s):

Ceftin

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Liquid, Tablet

• 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.
• Oral liquid: Shake well just before you measure each dose. Measure the medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup. 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.
• Missed dose: 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.
• Tablets: Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Oral liquid: Store in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Throw away any unused medicine after 10 days.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• 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.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, or allergies.
• Tell your doctor if 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.
• 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.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
• Severe diarrhea

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Mild diarrhea or vomiting

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 1/27/2017