@frooz Drug Index: Cefuroxime Axetil

Cefuroxime Axetil

CEFUROXIME

Uses

Cefuroxime is used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections. This medication is known as a cephalosporin antibiotic. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria.

This antibiotic treats only bacterial infections. It will not work for viral infections (e.g.,common cold, flu). Unnecessary use or overuse of any antibiotic can lead to its decreased effectiveness.

How to use cefuroxime axetil

Take this medication by mouth usually twice daily, or as directed by your doctor. Take cefuroxime with food to increase absorption and reduce stomach upset. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.

Swallow the tablets whole. Do not crush or chew because the tablets have a strong bitter taste. Use the liquid suspension form of this medication if it is difficult to swallow the tablets.

Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, take this drug at evenly spaced intervals.

Continue to take this medication until the full-prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow, which may result in a relapse of the infection.

Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

What conditions does cefuroxime axetil treat?

Side Effects

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach pain may occur. Dizziness and drowsiness may occur less frequently, especially with higher doses. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: unusual tiredness/weakness.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: yellowing of the eyes/skin, severe stomach/abdominal pain, persistent nausea/vomiting, dark urine, change in the amount of urine, signs of new infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat), easy bruising/bleeding, jerky movements, chest pain, mental/mood changes (such as confusion).

This medication may rarely cause a severe intestinal condition (Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea) due to a resistant bacteria. This condition may occur while receiving therapy or even weeks to months after treatment has stopped. Do not use anti-diarrhea products or narcotic pain medications if you have the following symptoms because these products may make them worse. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop: persistent diarrhea, abdominal or stomach pain/cramping,blood/mucus in your stool.

Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in oral thrush or a new vaginal yeast infection (oral or vaginal fungal infection). Contact your doctor if you notice white patches in your mouth, a change in vaginal discharge or other new symptoms.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash,itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

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

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

List cefuroxime axetil side effects by likelihood and severity.

Precautions

Before taking cefuroxime, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to penicillins or other cephalosporin antibiotics (e.g., cephalexin); or if you have any otherallergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, intestinal disease (colitis), liver disease, poor nutrition.

This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.

Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its effects.

This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risk and benefits with your doctor.

This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

What should I know regarding pregnancy, nursing and administering cefuroxime axetil to children or the elderly?

Interactions

Your healthcare professionals (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for it. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: "blood thinners" (e.g., warfarin), live bacterial vaccines, probenecid.

Although most antibiotics probably do not affect hormonal birth control such as pills, patch, or ring, some antibiotics may decrease their effectiveness. This could cause pregnancy. Examples include rifamycins such as rifampin or rifabutin. Be sure to ask your doctor or pharmacist if you should use additional reliable birth control methods while using this antibiotic.

This medication may affect the results of certain lab tests. It may cause false positive results with certain diabetic urine testing products (cupric sulfate-type) and false negative results with certain blood glucose tests. Make sure laboratory personnel and your doctors know you use this drug.

This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

Does cefuroxime axetil interact with other medications?

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include seizures.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others.

This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another infection unless told to do so by your doctor. A different medication may be necessary in those cases.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.