$Unique_ID{BRK03070}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{cefuroxime}
$Subject{Ceftin Allen Hanburys Cephalosporin antibiotic cefuroxime axetil
bacterial infections middle ear upper lower respiratory tract skin urinary
injuring cell walls bacteria}
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Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd.


cefuroxime
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BRAND NAME (Manufacturer)

     Ceftin (Allen & Hanburys)

TYPE OF DRUG

     Cephalosporin antibiotic

INGREDIENT

     cefuroxime axetil

DOSAGE FORM

     Tablets (125 mg, 250 mg, and 500 mg)

STORAGE

     Cefuroxime tablets should be stored at room temperature in a tightly
closed container.

USES

     This medication is used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections,
including those of the middle ear, upper and lower respiratory tract, skin,
and urinary tract.  This drug acts by severely injuring the cell walls of the
infecting bacteria, thereby preventing them from growing and multiplying.
Cefuroxime kills susceptible bacteria, but it is not effective against
viruses, parasites, or fungi.

TREATMENT

     Cefuroxime can be taken either on an empty stomach or with food or milk
(in order to avoid an upset stomach).  The tablets may be crushed and mixed
with food (such as applesauce or ice cream); however, a strong, persistent,
bitter taste may be noted.
     Cephalosporin antibiotics work best when the level of medicine in your
bloodstream is kept constant.  It is best, therefore, to take the doses at
evenly spaced intervals day and night.  For example, if you are to take two
doses a day, the doses should be spaced 12 hours apart.
     If you miss a dose of this medication, take the missed dose immediately.
If you do not remember to take the missed dose until it is almost time for
your next dose, take it; space the following dose halfway through the regular
interval between doses; then return to your regular dosing schedule.  Try not
to skip any doses.
     It is important to continue to take this medication for the entire time
prescribed by your doctor (usually seven to 14 days), even if the symptoms
disappear before the end of that period.  If you stop taking this drug too
soon, resistant bacteria are given a chance to continue growing, and the
infection could recur.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Abdominal pain, diarrhea, dizziness, fatigue, headache, heartburn, loss
of appetite, nausea, or vomiting.  These side effects should disappear as your
body adjusts to the medication.
     If you feel dizzy, sit or lie down for a while; get up slowly from a
sitting or reclining position, and be careful on stairs.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
darkened tongue, difficulty in breathing, fever, itching, joint pain, rash,
rectal or vaginal itching, severe diarrhea, sore mouth, stomach cramps,
tingling in the hands or feet, or unusual bleeding or bruising.  Also, if your
symptoms of infection seem to be getting worse rather than improving, you
should contact your doctor.

INTERACTIONS

     Cefuroxime interacts with several other types of medications:
     1. Probenecid can increase the blood concentrations and side effects of
this medication.
     2. The side effects, especially effects on the kidneys, of furosemide,
bumetanide, ethacrynic acid, colistin, vancomycin, polymyxin B, and
aminoglycoside antibiotics can be increased by cefuroxime.
     BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently
taking, especially any listed above.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about any unusual or allergic reactions you have had
to any medication, especially to cefuroxime or other cephalosporin antibiotics
(such as cefaclor, cefamandole, cephalexin, cephradine, cefadroxil, cefazolin,
cefoperazone, cefotaxime, ceftizoxime, cephalothin, cephapirin, and
moxalactam) or to penicillin antibiotics.
     * Tell your doctor if you now have or if you have ever had kidney
disease.
     * This medication has been prescribed for your current infection only.
Another infection later on, or one that someone else has, may require a
different medicine.  You should not give your medication to other people or
use it for other infections, unless your doctor specifically directs you to do
so.
     * Diabetics taking cefuroxime should know that this drug can cause a
false-positive sugar reaction with a Clinitest urine glucose test.  To avoid
this problem while taking cefuroxime, you should switch to Clinistix or
Tes-Tape to test your urine sugar content.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Although the
cephalosporin antibiotics appear to be safe during pregnancy, extensive
studies in humans have not been conducted.  Also, tell your doctor if you are
breast-feeding an infant.  Small amounts of this medication pass into breast
milk and may temporarily alter the bacterial balance in the intestinal tract
of the nursing infant, resulting in diarrhea.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.