Other Brands/Names

Anbacim, Cefurox, Cefuroxime Sodium, Celocid, Cethixim, Kalcef, Oxtercid, Sefure, Sharox, Situroxime, Soxime, Trocef, Zegen, Zinacef, Zinnat.

How It Works

Cefuroxime is a cephalosporin antibiotic that works by stopping the growth of bacteria and ultimately causing bacterial cell death. It is an effective antibacterial medication.

Indications

Cefuroxime is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections, including:

• Bronchitis (infection of the airways leading to the lungs)

• Gonorrhea (a sexually transmitted infection)

• Skin infections

• Ear, throat, and tonsil infections

• Urinary tract infections

Contraindications

Cefuroxime should not be used by individuals with a history of allergy to cefuroxime or other cephalosporin antibiotics.

Side Effects

Common side effects may include:

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Stomach pain

• Dizziness or drowsiness

Seek medical attention immediately if you experience serious side effects, including:

• Unusual tiredness or weakness

• Persistent nausea or vomiting

• Yellowing of the eyes or skin

• Dark urine

• Changes in the amount of urine

• Signs of infection (fever, persistent sore throat)

• Easy bruising or bleeding

• Mental/mood changes (e.g., confusion)

Cefuroxime may cause severe intestinal upset caused by a bacteria called Clostridium difficile. Symptoms include persistent diarrhea, abdominal pain or cramps, and blood or mucus in your stool.

Prolonged use of this medication can lead to yeast infections in the mouth or genitals. If you notice white patches in your mouth or unusual vaginal discharge, contact your doctor.

Types

Cefuroxime is available in:

• 250 mg and 500 mg tablets

• 500 mg caplets

• 750 mg and 1 gram injectable powder

Dosage

Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections (Oral Medications)

• Adults: 250 mg every 12 hours for 7-10 days
• Children
  • >3 months to 2 years old: 10 mg/kg twice daily, maximum dose: 125 mg twice daily
  • >2 years old: 15 mg/kg twice daily, maximum dose: 250 mg twice daily

Respiratory Tract Infections

• Adults: 250-500 mg every 12 hours for 7-10 days
• Children >3 months old: 10 mg/kg every 12 hours, maximum dose: 125 mg every 12 hours for 7-10 days

Safety

• Cefuroxime may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you are sure you can do so safely.

• Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the side effects, and closer monitoring is necessary when administering the medication to them.

• Cefuroxime may reduce the effectiveness of live bacterial vaccines, such as the typhoid vaccine. Inform your healthcare provider if you are using this medication before any immunizations.

• During pregnancy, this medication should only be used if clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

• Cefuroxime is excreted in breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Drug Interactions

• Cefuroxime may increase the nephrotoxic (kidney damage) effects of aminoglycoside antibiotics.

• It may increase the effects and side effects of anticoagulant (blood thinner) medications.

• Cefuroxime may reduce the effectiveness of contraceptive medications.

• It may increase the blood levels of cefuroxime when used with probenecid (a medication to lower uric acid levels).

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