Ceftin (Cefuroxime)

Ceftin is a prescription antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. It may be prescribed on its own or with other treatments. The active ingredient is cefuroxime axetil. It can interact with other medicines and some medical conditions, may cause allergic reactions, and has a long list of possible side effects.

Even so, this antibiotic can be useful for treating many types of bacterial infection.

In this article, you'll learn what cefuroxime axetil is used for, where to buy Ceftin online, what forms it comes in, how to store it, what side effects cefuroxime can cause, and more.

What Is Cefuroxime and What Is It Used For?

Cefuroxime (Ceftin) is a second-generation cephalosporin antibiotic. It's used to treat bacterial infections ranging from mild to life-threatening. Your doctor may also prescribe it for uses not listed in the prescribing information.

The conditions treated by Ceftin include:

• Acute bacterial otitis media;
• Pharyngitis/tonsillitis;
• Acute bacterial maxillary sinusitis;
• Impetigo;
• Uncomplicated gonorrhoea;
• Uncomplicated urinary tract infections;
• Bacterial infections associated with acute bronchitis;
• Acute bacterial flare-ups of chronic bronchitis;
• Uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections;
• Early Lyme disease.

These conditions may be treated with this medicine in both adults and children. However, there are no clear clinical trial data on its use in children younger than 3 months.

It's important to make sure the infection is caused by bacteria that are likely to respond to this medicine. Otherwise, inappropriate use may contribute to antibiotic resistance.

What You Should Check Before Taking This Medicine

You should discuss this medicine with your Australian doctor and tell them about your medical history and any medicines you take, including anything you start or stop taking, as well as any immunisations and vaccinations. It's also important to mention any allergies to penicillins, cefuroxime (whether as axetil or otherwise), or other antibiotics.

Don't share this medicine with anyone else, even if they have similar symptoms.

Allergic Reaction to Similar Antibiotics

Do not use this medicine if you're allergic to:

• Cefdinir (Omnicef);
• Cefprozil (Cefzil);
• Cephalexin (Keflex);
• Cefaclor (Raniclor);
• Cefadroxil (Duricef);
• Cefazolin (Ancef);
• Cefditoren (Spectracef);
• Cefpodoxime (Vantin);
• Ceftibuten (Cedax);
• Cephradine (Velosef).

In Australia, it's a good idea to ask a pharmacist if you're not sure about the names of medicines you've taken before.

Conditions to Discuss Before Taking Ceftin

To help make sure cefuroxime axetil is suitable for you, tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following, or symptoms that could suggest them:

• Penicillin allergy;
• Liver disease (your body may not process the medicine properly, which can lead to a build-up);
• Kidney disease (this may cause the medicine to build up in your body);
• Diabetes (the suspension contains about 3 g of sugar per teaspoon);
• Bowel problems, including colitis, even if it has settled;
• Malnutrition;
• Anaemia (cefuroxime may rarely cause certain types of anaemia; if symptoms occur, contact your doctor straight away);
• Phenylketonuria (PKU) (the liquid form may contain phenylalanine);
• Any other bacterial infection (using cefuroxime may allow other organisms to overgrow, which can lead to thrush or other infections).

It's also sensible to tell your doctor about any other illnesses you've had or allergies you've experienced, even if it only happened once. Tell them if you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, as this may affect your cefuroxime dose.

Do not take this medicine without a prescription to treat conditions such as the common cold or other non-bacterial infections. Misuse can encourage resistant bacteria, which may mean the medicine doesn't work when you need it in future.

Medicine Description

Cefuroxime comes in three forms:

• Cefuroxime 250 mg tablets;
• Cefuroxime 500 mg tablets;
• Cefuroxime powder for oral suspension.

Ceftin 500 mg and 250 mg Tablets

The 500 mg tablets are:

• White;
• Capsule-shaped;
• Film-coated;
• Engraved with "GXEG2" on one side.

As well as 500 mg of cefuroxime, they contain methylparaben, hydrogenated vegetable oil, titanium dioxide, and other ingredients.

The 250 mg tablets are:

• White;
• Capsule-shaped;
• Film-coated;
• Engraved with "GXES7" on one side.

As well as 250 mg of cefuroxime, they contain methylparaben, hydrogenated vegetable oil, titanium dioxide, and other ingredients.

Ceftin for Oral Suspension

The suspension is supplied as a dry, granulated powder that is white or pale yellow and has a tutti-frutti flavour. After mixing with water, each 5 mL contains 125 mg of cefuroxime, along with sucrose, flavouring, xanthan gum, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, stearic acid, and polyvinylpyrrolidone.

Preparation and Administration of Ceftin for Oral Suspension

Prepare the suspension by:

1. Shaking the bottle of powder to mix and loosen it;
2. Opening the bottle and adding water as directed in the instructions;
3. Closing the bottle;
4. Turning the bottle upside down, then rocking and shaking it until the water passes through the powder;
5. Turning the bottle upright and shaking diagonally until the mixture is uniform.

Shake the mixture every time before use and close the bottle tightly after each use. Store it in the refrigerator at 2-8°C (36-46°F). If it is not used within 10 days, discard it and prepare a new suspension when needed.

How to Take Ceftin Tablets

How you take Ceftin depends on the condition being treated. Review the information below and read the medication guide before starting treatment.

Cefuroxime Dosage for Tablets

Cr: FDA

The doses listed here are standard, but your doctor in Australia may adjust your treatment based on your condition, weight, other illnesses, allergies, other medicines, and other factors. Never change your dose without speaking to your doctor. Do not start or stop using Ceftin without a prescription.

Finish the full course of treatment as advised, even if you start to feel better. Completing the course helps treat the infection properly and reduces the risk of relapse and antibiotic resistance.

Try not to miss doses or "make up" for a missed one. If you do miss a dose, contact your doctor for advice.

Adult Patients

Adult dosing is generally used for adolescents aged 12 years and over, as well as adults. Typical doses range from:

• 250 mg twice daily;
• to 500 mg twice daily.

The course usually lasts 7 to 10 days, but your doctor may change the duration depending on your situation.

For best absorption, take the tablets with food. Do not crush the tablets; swallow them whole with a full glass of water. If possible, do not split, chew, or crush the tablets.

Pediatric Patients

In Australian paediatric practice, children are usually prescribed the oral suspension form of Ceftin (see below).

Ceftin Dosage for Oral Suspension

Cr: FDA

Pediatric Patients (3 Months to 12 Years)

Paediatric patients are children younger than 12 years. Dosing depends mainly on body weight:

• 10 mg/kg twice daily;
• 15 mg/kg twice daily.

The course also typically lasts 7 to 10 days, but your doctor may change it. The exact dose depends on the condition being treated.

Oral syringes can be used to measure the dose more accurately. You can also use teaspoons, but a syringe is more reliable when an exact dose is needed.

Missing a Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one, as this may lead to an overdose.

Ceftin Overdose

If you accidentally take too much Ceftin, call 000 immediately for urgent medical help, or contact the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 for advice. If you think you may be having a seizure, get help from someone nearby straight away.

Overdose may cause seizures, convulsions, or blackouts.

Cefuroxime Side Effects

Cefuroxime can cause a range of side effects. Some need urgent medical attention, while others can be discussed at your next appointment. Common side effects of Ceftin include:

• Diarrhoea;
• Nausea;
• Vomiting;
• Nappy rash in infants;
• Changes in taste.

Tell your doctor if you have any of these side effects. If they don't go away, your dose or treatment may need to be changed.

Also keep in mind that the effects listed in the product information are not a complete list. There may be other individual effects you should discuss with your doctor. If you experience any unusual problems linked to Ceftin, you can also report them to the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) online or by phone on 1300 633 424.

Requiring Immediate Medical Attention

Side effects that need immediate medical help include:

• Allergic reactions such as difficulty breathing, swelling, or hives;
• Severe stomach pain;
• Watery or bloody diarrhoea;
• Severe skin rash;
• Easy bruising;
• Numbness;
• Severe tingling;
• Yellowing of the eyes and/or skin;
• Seizure;
• Signs of kidney problems (changes in urination, severe swelling in the feet, fatigue, shortness of breath);
• High fever;
• Burning in the eyes;
• Skin pain, blistering, or peeling.

If symptoms are severe, painful, or getting worse quickly, seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Pregnancy or Breastfeeding Warnings

Tell your doctor if you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. While there are no proven cases of harm to an unborn baby, your doctor may adjust the dose or timing of your treatment.

Cefuroxime passes into breast milk and may cause allergic or other reactions in a breastfed infant.

Keep in mind that cefuroxime may make hormonal birth control less effective. Talk with your doctor about whether you should use additional contraception.

Cefuroxime is not recommended for children younger than 3 months unless clearly needed.

What Will Affect Ceftin: Interactions

Interactions with cefuroxime are common, which is why you need to tell your doctor about your diet, medicines, and medical conditions. More on that below.

Alcohol/Food Interactions

It's recommended to take Ceftin tablets with food. Bioavailability increases by almost 20% when a dose is taken with food. However, the bacteriological response is similar whether the tablets are taken with or without food.

There is not enough information to know whether food improves absorption of the oral suspension.

As for cefuroxime axetil and alcohol, there are no strict warnings that alcohol affects absorption, excretion, or effectiveness. However, if you develop side effects such as stomach upset or headache, alcohol may make them worse.

Disease Interactions

This medicine may interact with the following conditions:

• Colitis;
• Renal dysfunction;
• Liver disease;
• Seizure disorders;
• Ferricyanide tests.

Tell your doctor about any of these conditions before starting treatment. They may increase the risk of the medicine building up in your body and causing side effects.

Medicine Interactions

Cefuroxime interactions may include:

• Aminoglycoside antibiotics (amikacin, gentamicin, tobramycin, etc.);
• H2-receptor antagonists (famotidine, ranitidine, etc.);
• Antacids (aluminium hydroxide, calcium carbonate, magnesium hydroxide, etc.);
• Hormonal birth control;
• Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG);
• Disulfiram;
• Sodium picosulfate.

It may also interact with the following vaccines:

• BCG vaccine;
• Cholera vaccine;
• Typhoid vaccine.

Review your prescriptions and tell your doctor if you take any of the medicines listed above before, during, or after a course of Ceftin. Depending on your situation, your doctor may adjust the dose or timing.

Keep in mind that an interaction does not always mean you need to stop a medicine. The decision depends on your condition, severity, side effects, and other factors.

The medicines listed above are not the only ones that may interact with Ceftin. If you take any other medicines, make sure your doctor knows about them. If you notice any changes in your condition, contact your doctor promptly.

If you regularly drink alcohol or coffee or smoke cigarettes, mention this at your appointment.

Blood thinners, anti-diarrhoea medicines, and other drugs may also interact with antibiotics, so don't take them without medical advice.

Storage and Handling

Proper storage and handling are important for the medicine to work as intended. Here are some general recommendations for storing, handling, and disposing of Ceftin:

• Read the label and prescribing information carefully and follow all directions;
• Don't take more or less than prescribed;
• To help reduce stomach upset, do not crush or chew the tablets;
• Shake the suspension well before measuring a dose;
• Keep the suspension refrigerated at 2-8°C (36-46°F);
• Discard the suspension if it is not used within 10 days;
• If changing dosage forms during treatment, ask your pharmacist about the correct dose;
• Don't stop treatment unless your healthcare provider tells you to;
• Don't use Ceftin to treat viral infections; see a healthcare provider for the right diagnosis and treatment;
• If you're having a urine test, be aware that some results may be affected;
• Store tablets at room temperature in a cool, dry place;
• Keep the container tightly closed when not in use;
• Do not freeze the suspension;
• Keep all forms of Ceftin out of reach of children and pets;
• Do not dispose of medicines by flushing them or pouring them down the drain unless you've been told to do so.

For disposal advice in Australia, ask your pharmacist or follow local guidance. If no take-back programme is available, you can mix tablets or suspension with an undesirable substance such as cat litter, dirt, or used coffee grounds, place the mixture in a sealed bag or container, and put it in the household rubbish.