Cefuroxime is a prescription antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections in various parts of the body. This medication specifically combats bacterial infections and will not work for viral or fungal infections.

Cefuroxime is available in its generic form or under the brand name Ceftin. This medication is only available via prescription. This means a written prescription from a licensed health care provider is required before purchase.

Cefuroxime is prescribed to treat bacterial infections in various body parts, such as the skin, ears, throat, and urinary tract. It is also used to treat diseases caused by bacterial infections like Lyme disease, bronchitis, and gonorrhea.

It is important to only use antibiotics like cefuroxime when prescribed, as taking antibiotics when they are unnecessary can increase your chance of creating an antibiotic-resistant infection. Remember that antibiotics like cefuroxime are only effective against bacterial infections and will not work against viral infections like the common cold or flu.

Cefuroxime has been shown to cause some mild side effects. If these adverse effects do not go away within a few days, talk to your health care provider.

Mild side effects reported from cefuroxime use include:

• Sour stomach
  
• Indigestion
  
• Nausea
  
• Vomiting
  
• Diarrhea
  
  

More severe side effects include:

• Skin rash
  
• Hives
  
• Swelling in the face, throat, hands, feet, or ankles
  
• Nausea
  
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
  
• Watery or bloody stools
  
• Changes in heartbeat
  
• Fever symptoms
  
  

Seek medical attention immediately if you notice any of these symptoms. These are signs of a severe adverse reaction or overdose requiring medical treatment.

As with all prescription medications, inform your prescribing doctor about any medical conditions you have and any medications and supplements you are currently taking before starting treatment with cefuroxime. This drug can interact with other medicines and substances, leading to potentially serious side effects.

You should tell your provider if you are taking:

• Other antibiotics
  
• Probenecid
  
• Diuretics (e.g., furosemide)
  
• Blood-thinning medications (e.g., warfarin)
  
• Loop diuretics (e.g., ethacrynic acid)
  
  

This is not a complete list of all drugs that interact with cefuroxime. Make a comprehensive list of all medicines and supplements that you take before starting treatment with this drug.

You should also tell your health care provider about any medical conditions you manage.

Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant before starting treatment with cefuroxime. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, stop taking it and inform your health care provider immediately.

Cefuroxime is supplied as an oral tablet for adults and children who can swallow tablets and a suspension liquid for children who can’t. The typical starting dose will vary depending on the severity of the condition being treated and the patient’s age and body weight.

Cefuroxime is usually taken twice daily. Oral tablets can be taken with or without food, while the suspension liquid should be taken with a meal.

Do not discontinue or increase your cefuroxime dosage without consulting your doctor first. You should take the medicine for the full treatment time, even if you start to feel better. Bacterial infections can recur if not completely treated. Finishing your course of treatment will prevent a recurrent infection.

Take the medication exactly as prescribed, and inform your doctor if you begin to experience any side effects while taking the medication.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. If it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your regularly scheduled amount. Do not take a double dose of cefuroxime.

Cefuroxime should be stored in the container it’s supplied in. Keep these containers at room temperature, away from excess heat or moisture.

Do not freeze this medication.

Keep all medicines out of sight and out of the reach of children. Ensure that the caps of all medicine bottles are tightly closed and locked (if applicable).

Cefuroxime is currently only available via prescription. This means that a licensed health care provider must authorize the use of this drug.

Looking for a prescription? Providers on Sesame can write you a prescription during a virtual or in-person visit. You can arrange for same-day pickup at your pharmacy, depending on the medication. Book an online consultation with a licensed provider on Sesame today to determine whether or not cefuroxime might be right for you.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your health care provider. Sesame cannot guarantee that you will be provided a prescription after a video or in-person appointment. Providers on Sesame are unable to prescribe controlled substances. For more information about controlled substances, check out the Drug Enforcement Agency’s scheduling guidelines here.

Providers on Sesame can write a prescription for cefuroxime to be picked up near you—often within the same day. Don’t wait to get your prescription filled. Talk to a provider on Sesame and get your prescription ordered right away for fast and convenient pickup from a pharmacy of your choice.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your doctor.

Cefuroxime is a generic drug. It’s available in its generic form or under brand names like:

• Ceftin