Cefuroxime
Escherichia coli Infections, Bacterial Meningitis ... show more
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Drug Status
Government Approvals
US(FDA), UK(BNF)
WHO Essential Medicine
NO
Known Teratogen
NO
Pharmaceutical Class
Cephalosporin Antibacterial
Controlled Drug Substance
NO
Cefuroxime
Summary
Cefuroxime is an antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections. These include respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, skin infections, and certain sexually transmitted infections like gonorrhea.
Cefuroxime works by stopping the bacteria from forming a protective cell wall. Without this wall, the bacteria become vulnerable and eventually die, helping to clear the infection.
For adults, the typical dosage is 250-500 mg every 12 hours, depending on the infection. For children, doses are based on weight, generally 10-15 mg/kg every 12 hours, up to a maximum of 500 mg twice daily. Cefuroxime is usually taken orally after meals to enhance absorption.
Common side effects of Cefuroxime include diarrhea, nausea, and rash. Serious side effects, such as allergic reactions or severe diarrhea, are rare. If you experience persistent or severe side effects, consult your doctor.
Avoid Cefuroxime if you're allergic to cephalosporins, penicillins, or similar antibiotics. If you have kidney conditions, consult your doctor for dose adjustments. Cefuroxime can pass into breast milk in small amounts and may interact with certain medications, so always inform your doctor about all the medications you're taking.
Indications and Purpose
How does Cefuroxime work?
Cefuroxime works by inhibiting bacterial enzymes that build cell walls. Without a protective wall, the bacteria become vulnerable and die.
Is Cefuroxime effective?
Clinical studies confirm Cefuroxime is highly effective in treating bacterial infections, showing significant improvement in symptoms like reduced fever and infection-related discomfort.
What is Cefuroxime?
Cefuroxime is a second-generation cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections such as respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, and skin infections. Cefuroxime works by stopping bacteria from forming a protective cell wall, leading to bacterial death.
Directions for Use
For how long do I take Cefuroxime?
Cefuroxime is usually taken for 5–14 days, depending on the severity of the infection. Completing the full course ensures the infection is completely treated.
How do I dispose of Cefuroxime?
If you can, bring unused medicines to a drug take-back program or collection site at a pharmacy or hospital. They will dispose of this medicine properly so it doesn't harm people or the environment. If you can't find a take-back program, you can throw most medicines in the trash at home. But first, take them out of their original containers, mix them with something undesirable like used coffee grounds, seal the mixture in a plastic bag, and throw it away.
How do I take Cefuroxime?
Take Cefuroxime tablets after meals to enhance absorption. Shake the oral suspension well before each dose and measure it using the prescribed device. Avoid acidic drinks like orange juice as they may interfere with the medicine.
How long does it take for Cefuroxime to start working?
Cefuroxime begins working within 24–48 hours to relieve symptoms. Complete relief may take several days based on the infection's severity.
How should I store Cefuroxime?
Store Cefuroxime tablets at room temperature (20–25°C). Keep the suspension refrigerated and discard unused portions after 10 days.
What is the usual dose of Cefuroxime?
For Cefuroxime, adults typically take 250–500 mg every 12 hours, depending on the infection. Children’s doses are calculated based on weight, generally 10–15 mg/kg every 12 hours, with a maximum of 500 mg twice daily. Always follow your doctor's advice.
Warnings and Precautions
Can Cefuroxime be taken safely while breastfeeding?
Cefuroxime passes into breast milk in small amounts but is generally safe. However, watch for mild diarrhea or other side effects in the baby.
Can Cefuroxime be taken safely while pregnant?
Cefuroxime is considered safe during pregnancy (category B). Animal studies show no harm, but always consult your doctor before using it during pregnancy.
Can I take Cefuroxime with other prescription drugs?
Cefuroxime may interact with antacids, diuretics, or blood-thinning medications like warfarin. Always inform your doctor about all medications you’re taking.
Does Cefuroxime have adverse effects?
Adverse effects, which are unwanted reactions to a medicine, can occur with empagliflozin. Common effects include urinary tract infections, affecting up to 9% of users, and genital yeast infections, especially in women. These can cause itching and unusual discharge. The medicine may increase urination, leading to dehydration, which means your body lacks enough fluids and might cause dizziness. A rare but serious effect is ketoacidosis, which is a dangerous acid buildup in the blood and needs immediate medical attention. Severe allergic reactions, kidney problems, or Fournier's gangrene, which is a serious genital infection, are very rare. Always inform your doctor about any new or worsening symptoms while on empagliflozin.
Does Cefuroxime have any safety warnings?
Empagliflozin has important safety warnings you should know about. This medication can increase your risk of diabetic ketoacidosis, which is a dangerous buildup of acids in your blood. This can happen even when your blood sugar is normal, especially if you miss insulin doses or get sick. If you experience nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, or breathing problems, get emergency help. Empagliflozin can cause dehydration, which means your body doesn't have enough fluids. This may lead to low blood pressure or kidney problems. Drink plenty of water while taking this medicine. Serious urinary tract infections, which are infections in the system that removes urine from your body, can occur. Watch for painful urination, fever, or back pain. Although rare, this medication can cause necrotizing fasciitis, which is a serious bacterial infection in the genital area requiring immediate medical attention. Genital yeast infections are common with empagliflozin. Regular foot care is important as this medicine may increase amputation risk in some patients. Stop taking the medicine and seek help if you develop signs of an allergic reaction.
Is Cefuroxime addictive?
Empagliflozin is not addictive or habit-forming. This medication doesn't cause dependency or withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking it. Empagliflozin works by affecting your kidneys to help remove sugar through urine. This mechanism doesn't affect brain chemistry in ways that could lead to addiction. You won't experience cravings for this medication or feel compelled to take more than prescribed. Unlike some medications that can cause psychological or physical dependence, empagliflozin doesn't create these effects. If you have concerns about medication dependence, you can feel confident that empagliflozin doesn't carry this risk while managing your health condition.
Is Cefuroxime safe for the elderly?
Elderly individuals can safely take Cefuroxime, but dose adjustments may be necessary for those with kidney impairment.
Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Cefuroxime?
Alcohol does not interact with Cefuroxime, but it can worsen side effects like nausea or dizziness. Consume in moderation during treatment.
Is it safe to exercise while taking Cefuroxime?
Light to moderate exercise is safe while taking Cefuroxime unless the infection causes fatigue or you experience side effects like dizziness. Listen to your body and avoid overexertion.
Is it safe to stop Cefuroxime?
Stopping empagliflozin suddenly can cause serious problems for your health conditions. If you're taking it for type 2 diabetes, your blood sugar levels might rise quickly when you stop. For heart failure, which is when your heart can't pump blood effectively, or kidney disease, which is damage to organs that filter waste from your blood, stopping could make these conditions worse. A dangerous complication called diabetic ketoacidosis might occur if you suddenly stop taking empagliflozin. This condition, which causes harmful acids to build up in your blood, can cause nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and breathing problems. This risk continues for several days after stopping the medication. Always talk with your doctor before stopping empagliflozin. They might suggest gradually reducing your dose or switching to a different medication to keep your condition under control. Your doctor will help you make any medication changes safely to protect your health.
What are the most common side effects of Cefuroxime?
Side effects are unwanted reactions that can happen when taking a medication. With empagliflozin, these effects vary from person to person. The most common side effect is urinary tract infections, which affect about 8-9% of people taking this medication. Women may experience genital yeast infections, which occur in about 2-5% of female patients. Men can also get genital yeast infections, but this happens less frequently. Some people notice they urinate more often when taking empagliflozin, which happens in about 1-3% of patients. Upper respiratory infections, which affect your nose, throat, and airways, occur in about 4% of people taking this medication. If you notice new symptoms after starting empagliflozin, they might be temporary or unrelated to the medication. Talk with your doctor before stopping any medication.
Who should avoid taking Cefuroxime?
Avoid Cefuroxime if you are allergic to cephalosporins, penicillins, or similar antibiotics. Patients with kidney conditions should consult a doctor for dose adjustments.
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