Cefuroxime
Cefuroxime is a drug used to treat a number of infections by suppressing bacterial growth in the body. Please note that this drug can be used to treat several health disorders. Examples include tonsillitis, sinusitis, bronchitis, otitis media, bladder infections, bronchitis, Lyme, and gonorrhea.
- Trade names of the drug: Anbacim, Oxtercid, Cefurox, Sefure, Cefuroxime, Sharox, Situroxime, Celocid, Soxime, Cethixim, Trocef, Zegen, Kalcef, Zinacef, and Zinnat.
- Drug class: Cephalosporin antibiotics.
- Category: Prescription drugs.
- Indications: Treating infections caused by bacteria.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding categories:
Category B
May be used by pregnant women. Animal studies have not shown a risk to the fetus. However, there is no direct evidence in pregnant women.
- Drug form: Tablets and injections.
Benefits of Cefuroxime
Cefuroxime is used to treat certain infections caused by bacteria, such as:
- Bronchitis (infection of the airways leading to the lungs).
- gonorrhea (sexually transmitted disease).
- Lyme disease (an infection that can develop after a person is bitten by a tick).
- Infections of the skin, ears, sinuses, throat, tonsils, and urinary tract.
Cefuroxime belongs to a class of drugs called cephalosporin antibiotics. Cephalosporin antibiotics work by stopping the growth of bacteria. On the other hand, it is important to note that antibiotics like cefuroxime will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections. Using antibiotics when they are not needed increases a person’s risk of developing an infection later that resists antibiotic treatment.
Cefuroxime Dosage
The dosage of Cefuroxime will vary, depending on the underlying disease and the condition of the sufferer. However, here is the general dosage of Cefuroxime:
1. People with bacterial infections (oral medication)
- Infants aged 3-24 months: 10 milligrams per kilogram of body weight. Taken twice daily.
- Infants over two years: 15 milligrams per kilogram of body weight. Taken twice daily.
- Adults: 250 milligrams per kilogram of body weight. Taken twice daily.
2. People with bacterial infections (injection drugs)
- Infants under three months: 30-100 milligrams per kilogram of body weight per day, divided into two to three doses.
- Babies over three months: 30-100 milligrams per kilogram of body weight per day, divided into three to four consumption schedules.
- Adults: 0.75 grams every eight hours. If the infection is serious, the dose may be increased to 1.5 grams.
3. People with urinary tract or respiratory tract infections (oral medication)
- Infants aged 3-24 months: 10 milligrams per kilogram of body weight. Taken twice daily.
- Infants over two years: 15 milligrams per kilogram of body weight. Taken twice daily.
- Adults: 250-500 milligrams per kilogram of body weight. Taken twice daily.
4. People with gonorrhea
Adults: 1.5 grams single dose.
5. Lyme disease sufferers (oral medication)
- Infants aged 3-24 months: 10 milligrams per kilogram of body weight, taken twice daily.
- Infants over two years: 15 milligrams per kilogram of body weight. Taken twice daily.
- Adults: 500 milligrams per kilogram of body weight, taken twice daily. This medication can be taken for 20 days in adults.
6. Meningitis sufferers (injection drugs)
- Infants under three months: 30-100 milligrams per kilogram of body weight per day, divided into 2-3 consumption schedules.
- Babies over three months: 30-100 milligrams per kilogram of body weight per day divided into 34 consumption schedules.
- Adults: 3 grams every eight hours.
How to Use Cefuroxime
- Read the instructions on the medicine packaging before using it.
- Follow the advice given by the doctor.
- Take with meals to increase absorption of the drug into the body and reduce the risk of stomach ulcers.
- Swallow the tablet whole, do not crush or chew it in your mouth. This can cause side effects.
- Make sure not to increase, decrease the dose, stop, or extend the period of use of the drug, without the permission and advice of a doctor.
- Use the medicine regularly at the same time, every day.
- Do not stop using Cefuroxime without first discussing it with your doctor.
- Store the medicine at room temperature and keep away from direct sunlight and damp places.
- Keep out of reach of children.
- Do not store this medication in the refrigerator or freeze it.
Cautions for Using Cefuroxime
Before taking this medicine, discuss with your doctor about your previous medical history. Especially if you have the following conditions:
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. Ask about the benefits and risks of using the medication while pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, including certain supplements, herbal products, or vitamins.
- Avoid activities that require high focus after consuming this drug. Because this drug can reduce concentration levels.
- Avoid flushing this medication down the toilet or pouring it into drainage. This medication may contaminate the environment.
- Suffering from kidney disorders.
- This medication may affect the results of blood sugar level tests when performing urine tests.
Cefuroxime Side Effects
Like other medicines, Cefuroxime can also cause side effects. Here are the common side effects that may occur:
Common side effects of cefuroxime may include:
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.
- Flu-like symptoms.
- Itching or discharge from the vagina.
- Diaper rash (in infants taking this medication orally).
In addition, Cefuroxime can also cause serious side effects that require medical attention, such as:
- Severe stomach pain, watery or bloody diarrhea (even if it occurs several months after the last dose).
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
- Fever accompanied by chills.
- Seizures.
- Chest pain.
A person should also seek emergency medical help if they have signs of a reaction such as:
- Allergic reactions. Such as hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling in the face or throat.
- Severe skin reactions. Such as fever, sore throat, burning in the eyes, skin pain, and spreading red or purple skin rash.
Cefuroxime Interactions
Cefuroxime will cause a number of interactions when taken together with certain types of drugs, such as:
- Probenecid.
- Anticoagulant.
- Aminoglycosides.
- Furosemide.
Cefuroxime Contraindications
Cefuroxime should not be used by someone who has health conditions such as:
- Hypersensitivity to Cefuroxime or other cephalosporin antibiotics.