Ceftin (cefuroxime) is a cephalosporin antibiotic. It works by fighting bacteria in your body. Ceftin is used to treat many kinds of bacterial infections, including sinusitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, skin infections, and infections of the ears, throat, and urinary tract. Ceftin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
You should not use Ceftin if you are allergic to cefuroxime, or to similar antibiotics such as cephalexin (Keflex), cefaclor (Raniclor), cefadroxil (Duricef), cefazolin (Ancef), cefdinir (Omnicef), cefditoren (Spectracef), cefixime (Suprax), cefotaxime (Claforan), cefprozil (Cefzil), ceftazidime (Ceptaz), ceftibuten (Cedax), cefuroxime (Zinacef), cephradine (Velosef), and others.
To make sure Ceftin is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:
kidney disease;
seizures;
stomach or intestinal disease (including colitis); or
a penicillin allergy.
FDA pregnancy category B. Ceftin is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
Cefuroxime can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.
How should I take Ceftin?
Take Ceftin exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Shake the oral suspension (liquid) well just before you measure a dose. Measure liquid medicine with the dosing syringe provided, or with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.
The Ceftin oral suspension (liquid) contains sugar. Ask your doctor before you change your diet or the dose of your diabetes medicine.
Ceftin oral suspension may be taken with or without food.
Take Ceftin tablets at the start of a meal to decrease upset stomach.
To treat a sinus infection, the recommended adult dose of Ceftin is 250 mg twice daily for 10 days.
To treat a skin infection, the recommended adult dose of Ceftin is 250 mg twice daily for 7 to 14 days.
To treat a kidney infection, the recommended adult dose of Ceftin is 500 mg twice daily for 10 days.
To treat a strep throat, the recommended adult dose of Ceftin is 500 mg twice daily for 10 days.
To treat a pneumonia, the recommended adult dose of Ceftin is 500 mg twice daily for 10 days.
To treat a bronchitis, the recommended adult dose of Ceftin is 250 mg twice daily for 5 to 10 days.
To treat a urinary tract infection, the recommended adult dose of Ceftin is 250 mg twice daily for 7 to 14 days.
Take this medicine for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics. Ceftin will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.
Do not share Ceftin with another person, even if they have the same symptoms you have.
Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
Throw away any unused oral suspension (liquid) after 14 days.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
Overdose symptoms may include agitation, seizure (convulsions), or loss of consciousness.
What should I avoid while taking Ceftin?
Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, stop taking Ceftin and call your doctor. Do not use anti-diarrhea medicine unless your doctor tells you to.
Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. Ceftin can make you sunburn more easily. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.
Ceftin side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
kidney problems--little or no urination, blood in your urine, swelling, rapid weight gain;
severe headache, seizure (convulsions);
fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, shortness of breath, and sudden dizziness (like you might pass out);
white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips; or
jaundice (yellowing of your skin or eyes).
Common Ceftin side effects may include:
mild diarrhea;
nausea, vomiting;
stomach pain; or
vaginal itching or discharge.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
What other drugs will affect Ceftin?
Other drugs may affect Ceftin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.
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