Cefuroxime for infection

About cefuroxime

Cefuroxime is a broad-spectrum antibiotic, which means that it is active against a wide variety of bacteria. It is used to treat bacterial infections such as urinary tract infections, skin infections, chest infections, ear infections and sinusitis. It is also given as an injection during some surgical operations, such as for cataracts, to prevent an infection from occurring. Cefuroxime treats an infection by killing the bacteria that are causing it.

Cefuroxime is suitable for adults and children, and can be taken during pregnancy. Some people who are allergic to penicillin antibiotics may not be able to take cefuroxime, so make sure your doctor knows if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any other antibiotic.

Before taking cefuroxime

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking cefuroxime it is important that your doctor knows:

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine. It is particularly important that you tell your doctor if you have had a bad reaction to a penicillin or cephalosporin antibiotic.

• If you have any problems with the way your kidneys work.

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breastfeeding. (Although cefuroxime is not known to be harmful to babies, it is still important that you tell your doctor if you are expecting or breastfeeding a baby.)

• If you are taking or using any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.

How to take cefuroxime

• Before you start taking cefuroxime, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside your pack. The manufacturer's leaflet will give you more information about the antibiotic and a full list of side-effects which you may experience from taking it.

• You should take cefuroxime exactly as your doctor tells you to. There are two strengths of cefuroxime tablets available: 125 mg and 250 mg. It is usual to be prescribed either 125 mg or 250 mg to be taken twice a day, although doses can be higher than this for severe infections. Your doctor will tell you what dose is right for you (or your child), and this information will be printed on the label of the pack to remind you. If you have been given liquid medicine, read the directions carefully to make sure you measure out the correct amount of medicine. Your doctor will also tell you how long your course of treatment will last - this is commonly about 5-7 days.

• Take your doses with a snack, or just after eating a meal. Swallow the tablets whole with a drink of water. Do not chew or break the tablets.

• Space your doses out evenly throughout the day. Keep taking the antibiotic until the course is finished unless you are told to stop. Taking the full course is important (even if you feel your infection has cleared up) in order to prevent the infection from coming back.

• If you forget to take a dose, take one as soon as you remember. Try to take the correct number of doses each day, but do not take two doses at the same time to make up.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Some people develop thrush (redness and itching in the mouth or vagina) after taking a course of antibiotics. If you think you have thrush speak with your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

• If you are using oral combined hormonal contraception (the 'pill'), additional contraceptive precautions such as condoms are recommended for a time if you have vomiting or diarrhoea which lasts for more than 24 hours. If you need further advice about this, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

• If you are having an operation or any other medical treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment that you are taking an antibiotic. This is because cefuroxime may interfere with the results of some tests to check for sugar in your urine.

• Cefuroxime may stop the oral typhoid vaccine from working. If you are having any vaccinations, make sure the person treating you knows that you are taking this antibiotic.

Can cefuroxime cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the most common ones associated with cefuroxime. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine. The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

Important: if you develop an itchy rash, or a swollen face or mouth, or have difficulty breathing, these can be signs that you are allergic to the antibiotic. Do not take any more cefuroxime and speak with your doctor or go to your local accident and emergency department straightaway.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

How to store cefuroxime

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.

• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

• If you have been given liquid medicine, store it in a refrigerator. It will have been made up by the pharmacy and lasts for 10 days, so remember to check the expiry date on the bottle and do not use it after this date.
  

Important information about all medicines