Ceftin® suspension
This product is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline using the ingredient cefuroxime axetil.
This product is taken orally.
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orally
Why is it prescribed?
Cefuroxime is used to treat infections caused by various bacteria. This material will be limited to infections of the respiratory tract (e.g. pharyngitis, tonsilitis, bronchitis, sinusitis) and the middle ear.
Use exactly as prescribed.
Ceftin® may be taken with or without food.
Ceftin® is more effective if taken after food. It is unacceptable to dilute the medication in large volumes of liquid that will not be consumed immediately (e.g. baby's bottle). If you are having difficulty giving a child the medication, ask your pharmacist for suggestions.
Ceftin® suspension must be shaken well before each use. It should be stored in the refrigerator and never frozen. The suspension expires after 10 days. To measure the prescribed dose, it is important that you have an appropriate measuring device. If you do not already have one, ask your pharmacist to help you select one.
Take Ceftin® at even intervals around the clock as prescribed (e.g. every 12 hours translates to twice a day) until finished. Failure to take the complete course can result in incomplete elimination of the bacteria which can lead to a relapse of the infection. The prescribed course generally lasts a few days longer than symptoms of the infection (e.g. fever). Treatment usually lasts 7 to 10 days.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, do not take 2 doses at once (unless you have been instructed to do so). Contact your pharmacist if you are not sure what to do.
Ceftin® may produce an allergic reaction which can range in severity from a mild rash or itching to a life-threatening reaction. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you experience rash, itching, fever, difficulty breathing, chest tightness or anything else that alarms you.
If diarrhea occurs (severe or persistent), contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Alternatives
Other products that have the same ingredient as Ceftin® suspension are •Apo-Cefuroxime tablets •Auro-Cefuroxime tablets •
See other products used in the treatment of •bronchitis •middle ear infections •pharyngitis •pneumonia •respiratory tract infections •sore throat •tonsilitis •upper respiratory tract infections •
The usual recommended adult dose is 250 mg to 500 mg twice a day.
Dosing for children is dependent on their weight, the infection being treated and the severity of the infection. The dose for treating respiratory tract infections in children can range from 10 mg to 15 mg per kg of body weight twice daily (every 12 hours).
Cefuroxime is an antibiotic medication that kills various bacteria. It works by inhibiting the synthesis of one of the building blocks needed for the bacteria to make its cell wall. This results in a cell wall that is defective and more likely to rupture. The effectiveness of cefuroxime depends on factors such as dose, concentration in the blood as well as other body fluids and tissue, and the susceptibility of the bacteria. Cefuroxime does not kill all types of bacteria, but only those that have a sensitivity to this antibiotic. Infections caused by bacteria that are not sensitive to cefuroxime will not show improvement after taking this medication.
Along with its needed effects, cefuroxime may cause some unwanted or undesirable effects. Generally, cefuroxime is well tolerated and many people will not experience unwanted effects. The frequency and severity of these effects is dependant on many factors including dose, duration of therapy and individual susceptibility. Possible unwanted effects include:
- diarrhea
- nausea
- vomiting
Uncommon:
- headache
- dizziness
- diaper rash in children
- allergic reaction (hives, itching, rash, difficulty breathing)
Rare:
- pseudomembranous colitis (inflammation of the colon caused by the overgrowth and toxin production of bacteria that are not killed by the antibiotic)
Taking the antibiotic repeatedly or for prolonged periods may result in bacterial or fungal overgrowth which can lead to a second infection. When this occurs, the cefuroxime may need to be stopped and another antibiotic prescribed to treat the new infection.
Diarrhea often develops while taking cefuroxime. This is sometimes caused by an overgrowth of bacteria in the gut that are not killed by the antibiotic. In severe cases, this may be life threatening and would require treatment with other antibiotics. In mild cases, symptoms disappear shortly after the drug is discontinued.
There is some evidence to show that people who are allergic to penicillin may also be allergic to cefuroxime and vice versa. Be sure to inform your doctor and pharmacist of any antibiotic allergy or suspected allergy that you may have had in the past.
Drug Interactions: It is important to tell your doctor and pharmacist of any prescription or over-the-counter medications you are taking. In some cases, the dose of one or both drugs may need to be altered or another drug may be prescribed. The following drugs or drug classes have been known to interact with cefuroxime:
- probenecid (e.g. Benemid®)
- diuretics or water pills (e.g. furosemide)
Use is not recommended in the following situations:
- allergy to cephalosporins (e.g. cephalexin)
Caution is recommended in the following situations:
- kidney disease
- allergy to penicillin
- stomach or intestinal disease (e.g. colitis)
- prolonged, repeated therapy
False positive direct Coombs' tests (test used in detecting a type of blood disorder) may be caused by cefuroxime. Cefuroxime may cause false urine test results for glucose.
Use in pregnancy: Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you suspect you are pregnant.
Use while breastfeeding: Cefuroxime does appear in breast-milk. Consult your doctor or pharmacist before you use this medication while breastfeeding.