ceftin

Ceftin is in a group of drugs called cephalosporin (SEF a low spor in) antibiotics. It works by fighting bacteria in your body.

Ceftin is used to treat many kinds of bacterial infections, including severe or life-threatening forms.

Ceftin may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Ceftin?

Do not take Ceftin if you are allergic to cefuroxime, or to similar antibiotics, such as Cefzil, Keflex, Omnicef, and others.

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs (especially penicillin). Also tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease, diabetes, a history of intestinal problems, or if you are malnourished.

Ceftin can make birth control pills less effective, which may result in pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are taking birth control pills to prevent pregnancy. You may need to use another form of birth control during treatment with Ceftin.

Take this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Ceftin will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or has blood in it, call your doctor. Do not use any medicine to stop the diarrhea unless your doctor has told you to.

Ceftin can cause you to have false results with certain medical tests, including urine glucose (sugar) tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using Ceftin.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before taking Ceftin?

Do not take Ceftin if you are allergic to cefuroxime, or to other cephalosporin antibiotics, such as:

• cefaclor (Raniclor);

• cefadroxil (Duricef);

• cefazolin (Ancef);

• cefdinir (Omnicef);

• cefditoren (Spectracef);

• cefpodoxime (Vantin);

• cefprozil (Cefzil);

• ceftibuten (Cedax);

• cephalexin (Keflex); or

• cephradine (Velosef).

Before taking Ceftin, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs (especially penicillins), or if you have:

• kidney disease;

• liver disease;

• a history of intestinal problems, such as colitis;

• diabetes; or

• if you are malnourished.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take Ceftin.

The oral suspension (liquid) form of Ceftin may contain phenylalanine. Talk to your doctor before using this form of cefuroxime if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).

FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

Ceftin can make birth control pills less effective, which may result in pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are taking birth control pills to prevent pregnancy. You may need to use another form of birth control during treatment with Ceftin.

Ceftin can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take Ceftin?

Take Ceftin exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

You may take Ceftin tablets with or without meals.

Ceftin oral suspension (liquid) must be taken with food. Shake the oral liquid well just before you measure a dose. To be sure you get the correct dose, measure the liquid with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one. If you switch from using the tablet form to using the oral suspension (liquid) form of Ceftin, you may not need to use the same exact dosage in number of milligrams. The medication may not be as effective unless you use the exact form and strength your doctor has prescribed. Use this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Ceftin will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

This medication can cause you to have false results with certain medical tests, including urine glucose (sugar) tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using Ceftin.

Store Ceftin tablets at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use. Store Ceftin oral liquid in the refrigerator. Do not allow it to freeze. Throw away any unused medication that is older than 10 days.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medication as soon as you remember the missed dose. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and use the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Overdose symptoms may include seizure (black-out or convulsions).

What should I avoid?

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or has blood in it, call your doctor. Do not use any medicine to stop the diarrhea unless your doctor has told you to.

Ceftin side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• diarrhea that is watery or bloody;

• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;

• chest pain, fast or pounding heartbeats;

• unusual bleeding;

• blood in your urine;

• seizure (convulsions);

• pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, fever, confusion or weakness;

• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);

• fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash;

• skin rash, bruising, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness;

• increased thirst, loss of appetite, swelling, weight gain, feeling short of breath; or

• painful or difficult urination, urinating less than usual or not at all.

Less serious Ceftin side effects may include:

• nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, mild diarrhea, gas, upset stomach;

• cough, stuffy nose;

• stiff or tight muscles, muscle pain;

• joint pain or swelling;

• headache, drowsiness;

• feeling restless, irritable, or hyperactive;

• white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips;

• unusual or unpleasant taste in your mouth;

• diaper rash in an infant taking liquid Ceftin;

• mild itching or skin rash; or

• vaginal itching or discharge.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. 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?

Before taking Ceftin, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following drugs:

• probenecid (Benemid);

• a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin);

• a medication that reduces stomach acid, such as an antacid, or cimetidine (Tagamet), famotidine (Pepcid), omeprazole (Prilosec), ranitidine (Zantac), and others; or

• a diuretic (water pill) such as bumetanide (Bumex), furosemide (Lasix), indapamide (Lozol), hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, HydroDiuril, Hyzaar, Lopressor, Vasoretic, Zestoretic), metolazone (Mykrox, Zarxolyn), spironolactone (Aldactazide, Aldactone), torsemide (Demadex), and others.

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with Ceftin. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start taking a new medication without telling your doctor.