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.

How should this medicine be used?

Cefuroxime comes as a tablet and a suspension (liquid) to take by mouth. It is usually taken every 12 hours (twice a day) for 7-10 days. To treat gonorrhea, cefuroxime is taken as a single dose, and to treat Lyme disease, cefuroxime is taken twice a day for 20 days. The tablet may be taken with or without food, and the liquid must be taken with food. To help you remember to take cefuroxime, take it around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take cefuroxime exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Shake the liquid well before each use to mix the medication evenly.

The tablets should be swallowed whole and taken with a full glass of water. Because the crushed tablet has a strong bitter taste, the tablet should not be crushed. Children who cannot swallow the tablet whole should take the liquid instead.

Take cefuroxime until you finish the prescription, even if you feel better. Stopping cefuroxime too soon may cause bacteria to become resistant to antibiotics.

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 can this medication cause?

Cefuroxime may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• upset stomach
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• stomach pain

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• severe skin rash
• itching
• hives
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• wheezing
• diaper rash
• painful sores in the mouth or throat
• vaginal itching and discharge

Cefuroxime may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/index.html] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Symptoms of overdose may include:

• seizures