Cefuroxime: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use it

What Medicine Cefuroxime?

What is Cefuroxime for?

Cefuroxime is an antibiotic drug with a function to treat various types of bacterial infections. This drug belongs to the class of antibiotics known as cephalosporin which works to stop the growth of bacteria.

Antibiotics such as cefuroxime will not affect viral infections such as fever and influenza. Using antibiotics when they are not needed increases the risk of developing an infection that is resistant to antibiotic treatment. Therefore, take this drug in accordance with the doctor's instructions.

Cefuroxime dosage and cefuroxime side effects will be explained further below.

How do you use Cefuroxime?

Some things that you should pay attention to before using cefuroxime antibiotics are:

• Always follow the rules that have been given by your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment. If you have questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
• Follow the amount, dose, and schedule for taking this drug as prescribed for you. follow the directions for use that are written on the product label.
• You can take cefuroxime tablets after eating or without eating.
• Liquid cefuroxime should be consumed after meals.
• Shake the bottle before use. To make sure you are taking the right dose, use the spoon or glass that is specially provided for the medicine. It is not recommended to measure the dose using a tablespoon. If you don't have a medicated spoon, ask your pharmacist.
• If you want to switch from tablet to liquid medicine, you may have to readjust the dose that's right for you. Treatment will not work optimally if you do not follow the amount and dose prescribed by your doctor.
• Take this drug until it runs out according to the consumption period prescribed by your doctor.
• Cefuroxime will not affect viral infections such as fever and influenza.
• Cefuroxime can cloud the results of your medical tests, including tests for sugar levels in urine. Tell your doctor if you are taking cefuroxime.

How do I save Cefuroxime?

This medication is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Cefuroxime dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dose of Cefuroxime for adults?

For the treatment of infections, the dose of cefuroxime is 250-500 mg orally 2 times a day. Meanwhile, by injection into a muscle or vein, the dose of cefuroxime ranges from 750 mg - 1.5 grams every 8 hours for 5-10 days.

What is the dosage of Cefuroxime for children?

Children aged 3 months - 12 years

• For the treatment of infections, the dose of cefuroxime is 50-100 mg / kg / day in divided doses every 6 - 8 hours. The maximum dose is 6 grams / day for 7 - 10 days, depending on the seriousness of the infection and the patient's health condition.

In what dosage is Cefuroxime available?

Cefuroxime is available in the following dosages:

• Tablet, oral: 250mg, 500mg
• Solution, injection: 750mg, 1.5g, 7.5g
• Solution, intravenous: 750mg, 1.5g, 7.5g
• Suspension, reconstituted, oral: 125mg / 5ml, 250mg / 5ml

Cefuroxime side effects

What side effects can be experienced due to Cefuroxime?

The most common side effects of the antibiotic cefuroxime are:

• Nausea or vomiting
• Stomach ache
• Stomach cramps
• Mild diarrhea
• Cough
• Blocked nose
• Muscle pain or muscle tension
• Headache, easily drowsy
• Allergic reactions
• White or painful patches in the mouth or lips
• Discomfort in the mouth
• Diaper rash in babies after consuming liquid cefuroxime
• Mild hives or rash
• Itching in the vaginal area or buttocks

Not everyone experiences the following side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Cefuroxime Drug Warnings and Cautions

What should be known before using Cefuroxime?

It is not recommended to take this drug if you have had a severe allergic reaction to cefuroxime or other cephalosporin-type antibiotics, such as:

• Cefaclor (Raniclor)
• Cefadroxil (Duricef)
• Cefazolin (Ancef)
• Cefdinir (Omnicef)
• Cefditoren (Spectracef)
• Cefpodoxime (Vantin)
• Cefprozil (Cefzil)
• Ceftibuten (Cedax)
• Cephalexin (Keflex)
• Cephradine (Velosef)

To make sure that cefuroxime is safe for you to take, tell your doctor if you have a drug allergy (especially penicillin) or if you have:

• Kidney illness
• Liver disease
• Have had digestive disorders, such as colitis
• Diabetes
• Malnutrition

If you have any of the conditions above, it is important that you adjust your dosage or do special tests before undergoing treatment with cefuroxime.

Is Cefuroxime safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There are no adequate studies regarding the risks of using this drug in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication. This drug is included in the risk of pregnancy category B according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

• A = Not at risk
• B = No risk in several studies
• C = May be risky
• D = There is positive evidence of risk
• X = Contraindicated
• N = Unknown

Cefuroxime Drug Interactions

What medicines may interact with Cefuroxime?

Drug interactions can change the performance of your medications or increase the risk of serious side effects. Not all possible drug interactions are listed in this document. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription / non-prescription drugs and herbal products) and consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without your doctor's approval.

Can food or alcohol interact with Cefuroxime?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions may interact with Cefuroxime?

Your health condition can affect the use of this drug. Some health problems that you should tell your doctor about before taking cefuroxime antibiotics are:

• Colitis, or have had it
• Gastrointestinal disorders, or have had one
• Kidney illness
• Liver disease
• Unbalanced nutritional levels
• Temporary or permanent kidney disorders

Cefuroxime overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (112) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

Symptoms of a cefuroxime antibiotic overdose are:

• Seizures

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.