Learn more about usage, cautions, and possible side effects .
Chemical Name: CEFUROXIME (se-fyoor-OX-eem)
This medicine is a cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. This medicine will not treat infections caused by viruses.
INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions or allergies.
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. SHAKE WELL before taking a dose. Use a measuring device marked for medicine dosing. Ask your pharmacist for help if you are unsure of how to measure this dose. This medicine works best when taken with food. If you are using this medicine from a multiple dose bottle, store the bottle in the refrigerator between 36 and 46 degrees F (2 and 8 degrees C). If you are using this medicine from individual packets (sachets), take the dose immediately after mixing. Do not store packets after mixing. TO CLEAR UP YOUR INFECTION COMPLETELY, continue taking this medicine for the full course of treatment even if you feel better in a few days. Do not miss any doses. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, 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.
IF YOU HAVE HAD A SEVERE ALLERGIC REACTION to a cephalosporin antibiotic (such as Ceclor, Keflex, Ceftin, Duricef) or a penicillin antibiotic (such as amoxicillin, ampicillin), contact your doctor or pharmacist BEFORE TAKING THIS MEDICINE. A severe reaction includes a severe rash, hives, breathing difficulties, or dizziness. If you have a question about whether you are allergic to this medicine or if a certain medicine is a cephalosporin, contact your doctor or pharmacist. IF YOU EXPERIENCE difficulty breathing or tightness of chest; swelling of eyelids, face, or lips; or develop a rash or hives, tell your doctor immediately. Do not take any more of this medicine unless your doctor tells you to do so. If your symptoms do not improve within a few days or if they become worse, check with your doctor. MILD DIARRHEA IS COMMON with antibiotic use. However, a more serious form of diarrhea (pseudomembranous colitis) may rarely occur. This may develop while you use the antibiotic or within several months after you stop using it. 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. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. IF YOU HAVE DIABETES, this medicine may cause false test results with some urine glucose tests. Check with your doctor before you adjust the dose of your diabetes medicine or change your diet.
SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away during treatment, include nausea, vomiting, or mild diarrhea. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience vaginal irritation or discharge. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience easy bruising or bleeding, seizures, change in the amount of urine, severe stomach pain or cramping, severe diarrhea, bloody stools, yellowing of the eyes or skin, dark urine, fever, or fatigue. An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your healthcare provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your medicines interact with each other. Check drug interactions
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include seizures.
DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children.