Ceftin (Cefuroxime)

Description

Ceftin is a brand name for a second generation cephalosporin antibiotic known as cefuroxime. It is used to treat diseases caused by bacteria in various parts of the body. Antibiotics like Ceftin are not used to treat viruses.

 

 

Drug Information

 

Cefuroxime, the active ingredient in Ceftin, is categorized as a second generation cephalosporin. Cephalosporins are bactericidal agents that kill bacteria by preventing them from forming a cell wall. Some bacteria can produce an enzyme called beta-lactamase that breaks down cephalosporins, thus effectively becoming resistant to the drug.

 

Second generation cephalosporins like Ceftin are better at resisting and killing beta-lactamase producing bacteria than first generation ones.

 

Ceftin is a generally well tolerated antibiotic that is commonly prescribed to treat bronchitis, ear infections, gonorrhea, Lyme disease, urinary tract infections and bacteria induced sinusitis.

 

Ceftin can cross the blood-brain barrier.

 

Ceftin is available in tablet and liquid form. Ceftin tablets contain the inactive ingredients croscarmellose sodium, colloidal silicon dioxide, hypromellose, hydrogenated vegetable oil, propylene glycol, methylparaben, microcrystalline cellulose, propylparaben, sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium benzoate and titanium dioxide.

 

Dosage

 

Do not take Ceftin without a physician’s prescription. Do not take Ceftin for viral infections.

 

Dosage of Ceftin will vary from person to person depending on weight and type of condition. Ceftin should be taken exactly as directed by a physician, or as indicated in the patient information leaflet.

 

Ceftin tablets should be swallowed orally with a glass of water as directed, either without or without food. Ceftin oral suspension should be taken with food.

 

Ceftin should be taken for the entire period as recommended by a doctor to ensure that the bacterial infection is completely eliminated.

 

Do not miss doses of Ceftin. Doing so could lead to antibiotic resistance.

 

Do not crush or chew Ceftin tablets. Shake liquid Ceftin bottles well before use. Measure the exact dose of the liquid form using a proper dosage-measuring device. Do not use household spoons to speculate the dosage.

 

Store Ceftin tablets at room temperature. Refrigerate Ceftin liquid suspension, but do not let it freeze.

 

Side Effects

 

Ceftin may cause one or more of the following side effects:

 

 Diarrhea
 Nausea
 Vomiting
 Stomach pain
 Gas
 Upset stomach
 Cough
 Stuffy nose
 Muscle pain
 Joint pain or swelling
 Headache
 Drowsiness
 Feeling hyperactive
 Mouth sores or white patches
 Unusual tastes in the mouth
 Mild skin rash
 Vaginal itching

 

Persisting watery or bloody diarrhea may indicate a new infection.

 

Immediately seek medical care if side effects worsen or continue for more than a week.

 

Precautions

 

 Do not take Ceftin if allergic to any of the ingredients in the drug. Patients who are allergic to similar antibiotics may also be allergic to Ceftin.

 

 Ceftin may cause birth control pills to become less effective.

 

 Ceftin may cause abnormal results in medical lab tests, such as the ones that test blood glucose levels. Diabetic patients are recommended to use urine tests for blood sugar while taking Ceftin.

 

 Do not share Ceftin with others even if they are afflicted with the same condition.