WHAT IS Ceftin/Cefuroxime?

CEFUROXIME/Ceftin is a cephalosporin antibiotic. It is used to treat infections of the skin, respiratory tract, sinuses, ear, and urinary tract. It will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

WHERE SHOULD I KEEP Ceftin/Cefuroxime?

Keep out of the reach of children.

HOW SHOULD I USE Ceftin/Cefuroxime?

Take this medicine by mouth with a full glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Do not crush or chew. This medicine works best if you take it with food. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Take all of your medicine as directed even if you think your are better. Do not skip doses or stop your medicine early.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 3 months of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

Note: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

WHAT IF I MISS A DOSE?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

WHAT SHOULD I WATCH FOR WHILE USING Ceftin/Cefuroxime?

Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve or if you get new symptoms.

Do not treat diarrhea with over the counter products. Contact your doctor if you have diarrhea that lasts more than 2 days or if it is severe and watery.

This medicine can interfere with some urine glucose tests. If you use such tests, talk with your health care professional.

If you are being treated for a sexually transmitted disease, avoid sexual contact until you have finished your treatment. Your sexual partner may also need treatment.

WHAT MAY INTERACT WITH Ceftin/Cefuroxime?

• probenecid/Benemid
• warfarin/Coumadin
• diurectics
• antacids
• other antibiotics

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

WHAT SIDE EFFECTS MAY I NOTICE FROM Ceftin/Cefuroxime?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
• white patches or sores in the mouth
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• dark urine
• unusually weak or tired
• seizures
• difficulty breathing
• irregular heartbeat or chest pain
• fever

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• nausea, vomiting
• gas or heartburn
• headache
• vaginal itching
• diarrhea

This list may not describe all possible side effects.

WHAT SHOULD I TELL MY HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS BEFORE I TAKE Ceftin/Cefuroxime?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• an unusual or allergic reaction to cefuroxime/Ceftin , other antibiotics or medicines, foods, dyes or preservatives
• bowel disease, like colitis
• bleeding problems
• breast-feeding
• liver disease
• kidney disease
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

What is the shelf life of the pills?

• The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.