Ceftin

Adults and children 12 years of age and older: The recommended dose of cefuroxime ranges from 250 mg twice daily to 500 mg twice daily for 7 to 10 days. Taking cefuroxime with food helps the medication to be better absorbed into the bloodstream. Swallow the medication whole with a glass of water; do not chew, divide, or crush the tablets.

Children less than 12 years of age: The recommended children's dose of cefuroxime ranges from 10 mg to 15 mg per kg of body weight twice daily for 7 to 10 days. The medication should be taken with food. The exact dose depends on the condition being treated. Children less than 12 years of age should take the oral suspension (not the tablets). Use an oral syringe to measure each dose of the liquid, as it gives a more accurate measurement than household teaspoons.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to take Ceftin exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Finish all of Ceftin, even if you start to feel better. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store the tablets at room temperature, protect them from light and moisture, and keep out of the reach of children.

Store the oral suspension in the refrigerator, and keep it out of the reach of children. Discard any medication that remains after 10 days.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

In addition to its desired action, this medication may cause some adverse effects, notably: it may cause headaches; it may cause diarrhea; it may cause nausea and vomiting; it may cause vaginitis in woman. Each person may react differently to a treatment. If you think this medication may be causing adverse effects (including those described here, or others), talk to your health care professional. He or she can help you to determine whether or not the medication is the source of the problem.

Suspension
Dry, white-to-pale-yellow, tutti-frutti-flavoured granules. After reconstitution, each 5 mL contains 125 mg of cefuroxime (as cefuroxime axetil). Nonmedicinal ingredients: acesulfame potassium, aspartame, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, stearic acid, sucrose (about 3 g/5 mL), tutti-frutti flavouring, and xanthan gum.

Do not take Ceftin if you:

• are allergic to cefuroxime or any ingredients of Ceftin
• are allergic to any of the cephalosporin antibiotics

There may be an interaction between cefuroxime axetil and any of the following:

• aminoglycoside antibiotics (e.g., Amikacin, gentamicin, tobramycin)
• antacids (e.g., aluminum hydroxide, calcium carbonate, magnesium hydroxide)
• H2 antagonists (e.g., Famotidine, Ranitidine)
• BCG
• BCG vaccine
• birth control pills
• Cholera vaccine
• proton pump inhibitors (e.g. Lansoprazole, Omeprazole, Pantoprazole)
• sodium picosulfate
• typhoid vaccine
• Warfarin

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Ceftin. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Ceftin.

Allergy: Before taking cefuroxime, tell your doctor about any adverse reactions you have had to medications, especially cefuroxime, cephalosporins, and penicillins. Some people who are allergic to penicillin may also be allergic to cephalosporins such as cefuroxime. If you have an allergic reaction, contact a doctor immediately.

Bacterial resistance: Misuse of an antibiotic such as cefuroxime may lead to the growth of resistant bacteria that will not be killed by the antibiotic. If this happens, the antibiotic may not work for you in the future. Although you may begin to feel better when you first start taking cefuroxime, you need to take all the medication exactly as directed by your doctor to finish ridding your body of the infection and to prevent resistant bacteria from growing. Do not take cefuroxime or other antibiotics to treat a viral infection such as The Common Cold; antibiotics do not kill viruses, and using them to treat viral infections can lead to the growth of resistant bacteria.

Blood cells: Rarely, cefuroxime may cause a faster breakdown of red blood cells, leading to a form of Anemia (hemolytic anemia). If you experience symptoms of anemia such as fatigue or lack of energy, pale skin, dizziness, or weakness, contact your doctor as soon as possible. If you are taking a blood test, let your doctor know that you are taking cefuroxime. Ceftin may affect the results of blood tests.

If you have a history of anemia caused by cephalosporin antibiotics, this anemia can be much more severe. Discuss with your doctor how Ceftin may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Ceftin, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Diabetes: The suspension form of Ceftin contains approximately 3 grams of sugar in each teaspoonful. If you have diabetes, it may affect your blood sugar control. If you have diabetes, discuss with your doctor how Ceftin may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Ceftin, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Diarrhea: People taking Ceftin may develop diarrhea caused by an infection with the bacteria C. difficile. If you have loose, watery, and bloody bowel movements, with or without fever, or stomach cramps after taking cefuroxime, get medical attention as soon as possible. Diarrhea caused by C. difficile infection can lead to serious health problems if it is not properly treated.

Kidney function: Kidney Disease or reduced kidney function may cause Ceftin to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have reduced kidney function or kidney disease, discuss with your doctor how Ceftin may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Ceftin, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Other infections: Use of cefuroxime for a long time may result in the overgrowth of organisms not affected by the medication, such as yeast, which can lead to other infections.

Phenylketonuria: People with phenylketonuria are not able to break down the amino acid phenylalanine, allowing it to build up in the body, causing harmful effects. The suspension form of Ceftin contains aspartame, a sweetener that is a source of phenylalanine, and should not be used by people with phenylketonuria.

Stomach and bowel problems: If you have had stomach or bowel problems (especially colitis), discuss with your doctor how Ceftin may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Ceftin, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Pregnancy: Ceftin should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Ceftin, contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: Ceftin passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking cefuroxime, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

This medication is typically used twice a day. However, your pharmacist may have suggested a different schedule that is more appropriate for you. Generally, a treatment with this medication lasts several days. Take it for the entire time prescribed in order to achieve the medication's full benefit. Important: Follow the instructions on the label. Do not use more of this product, or more often, than prescribed. To be effective, this product must be mixed well. Shake the bottle several times before using the medication. Measure each dose with an accurate measuring device, such as an oral syringe. If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember -- unless it is almost time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose. Do not double the next dose to catch up. This medication is more effective if taken with food. Always take it with a meal or a snack.