Cefuroxime is an antibiotic drug to treat bacterial infections, such as a respiratory infection, gonorrhea, urinary tract infection, or Lyme disease.
Cefuroxime is a cephalosporin antibiotic that works by inhibiting the growth of bacteria in the body. Cefuroxime cannot be used to treat infections caused by viruses, such as the flu.
Cefuroxime trademark:Anbacim, Celocid, Cefuroxime Axetil, Cefuroxime Sodium, Cethixim 500, Oxtercid, Situroxime, Sharox, Zinnat
What is Cefuroxime
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Cephalosporin class of antibiotics |
| Benefit | Overcoming bacterial infections |
| Used by | Adults and children |
| Cefuroxime for pregnant and lactating women | Category B: Animal studies have not shown any risk to the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Cefuroxime can be absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Tablets and injections |
WarningBefore Using Cefuroxime
Cefuroxime should only be used as prescribed by a doctor. The following are things you need to pay attention to before using cefuroxime:
- Do not use cefuroxime if you are allergic to this medicine or to other cephalosporin antibiotics, such as cefaclor, cefadroxil, or cefdinir.
- Tell your doctor if you are allergic to penicillin drugs.
- Tell your doctor if you have or are currently suffering from kidney disease, liver disease, colitis, phenylketonuria, or malnutrition.
- Do not drive a vehicle or do activities that require alertness while you are taking cefuroxime, as this medicine can cause dizziness and drowsiness.
- Tell your doctor if during your treatment with cefuroxime you plan to immunize with a live vaccine, such as the typhoid vaccine.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements, or herbal products.
- See your doctor right away if you have an allergic drug reaction, serious side effect, or overdose after using cefuroxime.
Dosage and Instructions for Use of Cefuroxime
Dosage and directions for use of cefuroxime are different for each patient. The doctor will give the dose and determine the length of treatment according to the patient's condition and age. Here is the explanation:
Condition: Treatment of bacterial infections, including urinary tract infections and respiratory infections
- Mature: 250–500 mg every 12 hours for 7–10 days.
- Children aged 3 months to 2 years weighing <40 kg: 10-15 mg/kg every 12 hours for 7-10 days. The maximum dose is 125–250 mg every 12 hours.
Condition: Treatment of gonorrhea (gonorrhea)
- Mature: 1 gram, as a single dose.
Condition: Lyme disease treatment
- Mature: 500 mg, 2 times daily, for 20 days
- Children aged >3 months until 2 years: 10 mg/kg body weight, 2 times a day
- Children >2 years old: 15 mg/kg, 2 times a day. Maximum dose 250 mg, 2 times a day
Cefuroxime in the form of an injection is given by a doctor or by medical personnel under the supervision of a doctor. The dose will be adjusted according to the patient's condition and severity of infection.
How to Use Cefuroxime Correctly
Use cefuroxime tablets according to the doctor's instructions and always read the information listed on the medicine package. Do not increase or decrease the dose without consulting your doctor first.
Cefuroxime tablets should be taken with food or after meals to increase the absorption of the drug into the body and reduce the risk of stomach ulcers.
Take cefuroxime tablets with a glass of water. Swallow the tablet whole, do not crush or chew it in your mouth. If you are taking antacids, give them 1 hour before or 2 hours after taking cefuroxime.
For effective treatment, take cefuroxime at the same time every day. Make sure that there is sufficient time between one dose and the next. Do not stop treatment prematurely, even if the complaints or symptoms have improved.
If you accidentally miss a dose of cefuroxime, take it immediately if your next dose is not too close. If it is near, ignore the missed dose and do not double the next dose.
Store cefuroxime in a cool, dry place and away from direct sunlight. Keep cefuroxime out of the reach of children.
InteractionCefuroxime with Other Drugs
There are several interaction effects that can occur if cefuroxime is used together with other drugs, including:
- Increased risk of kidney damage if used with aminoglycoside antibiotics or diuretic drugs, such as furosemide
- Increased risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant drugs, such as warfarin
- Decreased effectiveness of birth control pills
- Increased blood levels of cefuroxime when used with probenecid
Cefuroxime Side Effects and Dangers
Side effects that may arise after using cefuroxime are:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Headache, dizziness, or drowsiness
- Stomach ache
Check with your doctor if the side effects above don't go away or get worse. Immediately see a doctor if there is an allergic reaction to the drug which can be characterized by the appearance of a rash
In addition, you should also see a doctor immediately if you experience more serious side effects, such as:
- Diarrhea with bloody stools or severe abdominal pain
- Jaundice
- Chest pain
- Easy bruising
- Seizures or confusion
- Difficulty urinating, swelling in the legs, or bloody urine