Brand name:

Ceftin

Generic name: Cefuroxime axetil

Why is Ceftin prescribed?

Ceftin, a cephalosporin antibiotic, is prescribed for mild to moderately severe bacterial infections of the throat, lungs, ears, skin, sinuses, and urinary tract, and for gonorrhea. Ceftin tablets are also prescribed in the early stages of Lyme disease.

Most important fact about Ceftin

If you are allergic to either penicillin or cephalosporin antibiotics such as cefaclor, cefprozil, or cephalexin hydrochloride, consult your doctor before taking Ceftin. There is a possibility that you are allergic to both types of medication; if a reaction occurs, it could be extremely severe. If you take the drug and develop shortness of breath, a pounding heartbeat, a skin rash, or hives, seek medical attention immediately.

How should you take Ceftin?

Ceftin tablets can be taken on a full or empty stomach. However, this drug enters the bloodstream and works faster when taken after meals. Ceftin oral suspension must be taken with food. Shake the suspension well before each use.

Take this medication exactly as prescribed: It is important that you finish taking all of this medication to obtain the maximum benefit.

The crushed tablet has a strong, persistent, bitter taste. Children who cannot swallow the tablet whole should take the oral suspension. Shake the oral suspension well before each use.

• If you miss a dose...
  Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose skip the one you missed and go back to the regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

• Storage instructions...
  Store tablets at room temperature in a tightly closed container. Protect from moisture. The oral suspension may be stored either in the refrigerator or at room temperature. Replace the cap securely after each use. Discard any unused suspension after 10 days.

What side effects may occur?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Ceftin.

• Side effects may include:
  Diaper rash in infants, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting

Ceftin has also been reported to occasionally cause allergic reactions, blood disorders, colitis, kidney and liver problems, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), peeling skin, seizures, severe blisters in the mouth and eyes, and impaired blood clotting.

Why should Ceftin not be prescribed?

Ceftin should not be prescribed if you have a known allergy to cephalosporin antibiotics.

Special warnings about Ceftin

Inflammation of the bowel (colitis) has been reported with the use of Ceftin; therefore, if you develop diarrhea while taking this medication, notify your doctor.

Continued or prolonged use of Ceftin may result in an overgrowth of bacteria that do not respond to this medication and can cause a second infection. You should take this drug only when it is prescribed by your doctor, even if you have symptoms like those of a previous infection. Tell your doctor if you have any kidney problems. If you do, the drug must be used cautiously.

If you are allergic to penicillin you may also be allergic to Ceftin. Make sure your doctor is aware of any allergies you have.

Cephalosporin antibiotics such as Ceftin sometimes trigger a tendency to bleed, especially in people with liver or kidney damage, individuals who are malnourished, those on long courses of antibiotic therapy, and people taking blood-thinning medications. If you fall into one of these categories, the doctor will monitor you carefully.

The safety and effectiveness of Ceftin have not been studied in people with kidney failure. If you have kidney problems, your doctor will need to monitor you carefully.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Ceftin

It is important to consult your doctor before taking this drug with probenecid, a gout medication.

If diarrhea occurs while taking Ceftin, consult your doctor before taking an antidiarrhea medication. Certain drugs, such as atropine sulfate and diphenoxylate hydrochloride, may cause your diarrhea to become worse.

Be cautious if you are taking potent water pills (diuretics) such as furosemide while on Ceftin. The combination could affect your kidneys.

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

The effects of Ceftin during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Ceftin appears in breast milk and could affect a nursing infant. If this medication is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding until your treatment with this medication is finished.

Recommended dosage for Ceftin

ADULTS

The usual dose for adults and children 13 years and older is 250 milligrams, 2 times a day for up to 10 days. For more severe infections the dose may be increased to 500 milligrams, 2 times a day.

Throat and Tonsil Infections

The usual dose is 250 milligrams 2 times a day for 10 days.

Sinus Infection

The usual dose is 250 milligrams 2 times a day for 10 days.

Bronchitis

The usual dose is 250 or 500 milligrams 2 times a day for 5 to 10 days.

Skin Infections

The usual dose is 250 or 500 milligrams 2 times a day for 10 days.

Urinary Tract Infection

The usual dose is 250 milligrams, 2 times a day for 7 to 10 days.

Gonorrhea

The usual treatment is a single dose of 1 gram.

Early Lyme Disease

The usual dosage is 500 milligrams taken twice a day for 20 days.

CHILDREN

Ceftin oral suspension may be given to children ranging in age from 3 months to 12 years.

Your doctor will determine the dosage based on your child's weight and the type of infection being treated. Ceftin oral suspension is given twice a day for 10 days. The maximum daily dose ranges from 500 to 1000 milligrams.

For children who are able to swallow tablets whole, the usual dosage for ear infection or sinus infection is 250 milligrams 2 times a day for 10 days.

Overdosage

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. Overdosage with cephalosporin antibiotics can cause brain irritation leading to convulsions. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.