Cefuroxime Axetil Description

Generic Name: CEFUROXIME AXETIL

Pronunciation: (se fyoor ox' eem)

Trade Name(s): Altacef, Cefogen, Ceftum, Cefuril, Furoxil, Kefstar, Kerozixe, Supacef, Zocef

Why it is prescribed: Cefuroxime, an antibiotic, eliminates bacteria that cause different kinds of infections, including infections of the lungs, ear, throat, urinary tract, and skin.

When it is to be taken: Cefuroxime is usually taken twice a day, every 12 hours, for seven to 10 days. Follow the instructions on your prescription label carefully. Cefuroxime must be taken regularly to be effective, so try to take it at the same times every day.

How it should be taken:
1. Cefuroxime comes in the form of tablets.
2. Your prescription label tells you how much to take at each dose. Do not take more or less.
3. It is best to take cefuroxime with food or milk, so try to take it at meal or snack times 12 hours apart.
4. Cefuroxime tablets should be swallowed whole. If you are unable to swallow the tablets, they may be crushed and mixed with food. However, crushed cefuroxime tablets have a strong, persistent, bitter taste.
5. The tablets also may be dissolved in one-third glass of apple juice or milk and swallowed immediately, followed by additional beverage without the drug.

Special Instruction:
1. Take all of the medication prescribed, even after the infection appears to have gone away. Failure to do so could allow the infection to return.
2. If you forget to take a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. Take any remaining doses for that day at evenly spaced intervals.

Side Effects:
1. Bitter taste. Do not chew or crush tablets.
2. Nausea; vomiting; diarrhea; stomachaches. Contact your doctor if these effects are severe or last for more than a few days.

Other Precautions:
1. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you ever had an allergic reaction to penicillin or any other medication, if you have a history of colitis or stomach problems, or if you are breast-feeding.
2. If you are taking medication for gout, such as probenecid (Benemid), tell your doctor before taking cefuroxime.
3. Cefuroxime may cause false positive results in tests for sugar in the urine.
4. If your doctor tells you to stop taking cefuroxime, throw away any unused medication.
5. Cefuroxime may lose its effectiveness over time and should not be saved to treat another infection.

Storage Conditions: Keep this medication in the container it came in and out of the reach of children. Store it at room temperature.