What is Ceftin (Cefuroxime, Zinnat, Zinacef)?
Ceftin (Cefuroxime) is a popular medicament that has been labeled as a cephalosporin antibiotic. It lowers a wide variety of bacterial infections such as urinary tract infections, gonorrhea, infections of the skin, sinus, throat, ear and lung and the early stages of Lyme disease.
Ask your health care provider or pharmacist for more information about the beneficial effects of this product.
What important information should I know about Ceftin?
Do not finish your course of Ceftin, even if you start to feel better. Stopping the medication too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow resulting in a relapse of the infection.
Be careful about operating machinery, doing hazardous tasks, climbing or driving until you know how you react to this medicine.
Use alcohol cautiously during treatment with this medicine.
Always ask a health care provider before giving Ceftin to a child.
What should I tell my doctor before I take this drug?
Before using Ceftin inform your health care provider about:
- liver or kidney disease
- problems with urination
- stomach/intestinal problems
- hypertension or any type of heart problems
- diabetes
- pregnancy, breastfeeding or planning to become pregnant
- allergy to penicillin or cephalosporin antibiotics ( cephalexin hydrochloride, cefprozil orcefaclor.
How to take Ceftin?
Ceftin in tablet or syrup form to take by mouth.
The average dose of Ceftin tablets or syrup for adults and children 13 years and older is 250 milligrams. It is usually taken 2 times a day for up to 10 days, at regular intervals, or as directed by your health care provider. For more severe infections the dosage may be increased to 500 milligrams, 2 times a day.
Ceftin tablets is usually accompanied by a full glass of liquid. You may take it either with or without food. In order to minimize stomach irritation and help your body absorb the drug is desirable to combine with meals or snacks.
Ceftin oral suspension must be taken with food.
The tablets should be swallowed whole. Do not break, chew orcrush them.
Shake the liquid well before each use to mix the medicine evenly. Use a specially marked measuring spoon or medicine cup to be sure of the correct dose.
Take this medicine exactly as directed on your prescription label and prescribed by your health care provider.
What should you do if you miss a dose of Ceftin?
If you forget to take a dosage of Ceftin, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and continue with your normal schedule. Do not take a double dose.
What should you do if you overdose of Ceftin?
Any medicine taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you feel an overdose, visit your health care provider straightway.
In large doses, Ceftin may give rise to kidney damage, diarrhea, high body temperature, brain irritation (seizures), abdominal pain (stomach pain), extreme drowsinessor vomiting.
What drug(s) may interact with Ceftin?
- Advair Diskus (fluticasone/salmeterol)
- Aspirin
- Tylenol (acetaminophen)
- Trazodone
- Vicodin (acetaminophen/hydrocodone)
- Zyrtec (cetirizine)
- Cipro (ciprofloxacin)
- Proventil HFA (albuterol)
- Ibuprofen
- Prilosec (omeprazole)
- Diflucan (fluconazole)
- Multivitamin
- Xanax (alprazolam)
- Mucinex (guaifenesin)
- Diclofenac
- Nexium (esomeprazole)
- Prednisone
- Fish Oil (omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids)
- Synthroid (levothyroxine)
- Lisinopril.
This is not a finished list of interactions. Detail information you may receive at your health care provider.
What side-effects may occur?
- Bloody diarrhea
- Headache, dizziness
- Liver problems, yellowing eyes, skin
- Allergic reaction ( difficulty breathing; skin rash or swelling; hives; swelling of your tongue
- or face
- or lips
- or throat; itching )
- Fatigue, faintness
- Blood disorders
- Seizures
- Difficulty urinating (urinary retention), dark urine
- White patches or sores in the mouth
- Indigestion, or upset stomach, bloating, stomach gas, pain or cramps
- Fever
- Fast/pounding/irregular heartbeat
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Chest pain, wheezing
- Vaginal itching
- Nausea, vomiting.
If these persist or worsen, notify your health care provider promptly. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
How should Ceftin be stored?
Store at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C), tightly closed, away from sunlight, direct heat, and moisture. The oral suspension may be stored either in the refrigerator or at room temperature. Do not store in the bathroom or near a sink. Keep Ceftin out of the reach of children and away from pets.
