What is Cefuroxime Axetil?

Cefuroxime Axetil is a cephalosporin antibiotic drug that is prescribed for the treatment of various bacterial infections, including severe and life threatening ones. Cefuroxime Axetil is marketed and sold under several trade names, a couple of which are Ceftin and Cetil (made by Lupin). This medication may also be given for conditions other than those listed in this description.

Important Information about Cefuroxime Axetil

You should not take Cefuroxime Axetil (Ceftin, Cetil) if you have a know allergy to it or to other cephalosporin antibiotics such as cefaclor, cefixime, cefdinir, cefditoren, cefprozil, ceftazidime, cefuroxime, or others.
Prior to taking Cefuroxime Axetil, let your doctor known if you have or had a history of any of these conditions: liver or kidney disease, a stomach or intestinal disorder such as colitis, diabetes, or if you are malnourished.
Cefuroxime Axetil is classified as an FDA pregnancy category B drug which means that it is not expected to harm an unborn baby if taken during pregnancy. However, it is advised that you take this medicine with proper medical advice if you are a pregnant or breast feeding woman.
Full course of Cefuroxime Axetil should be completed as prescribed even if the symptoms have disappeared. Symptoms usually disappear before your body is completely cleared of the infection. Discontinuing the medication before the prescribed period can be harmful and can cause a drug resistant infection later on that cannot be treated with common antibiotic medications.

Before taking Cefuroxime Axetil

Cefuroxime Axetil is a prescription only drug which means that it is only available with a doctor's prescription. Consult your doctor before taking Cefuroxime Axetil as all antibiotic medications are strictly to be taken with a doctor's prescription. Take care about all the precautions listed above.

How should I take Cefuroxime Axetil?

Take Cefuroxime Axetil (Ceftin, Cetil) strictly according to your doctor's advice or according to the instructions on the medication label. Do not alter the dosage unless your doctor advises you to do so. Also, do not take this medication after the prescribed period is over. All medications come with a patient leaflet. Refer the instructions in them for detailed information on that particular medication. Cefuroxime Axetil can be taken with or without food. Always store Cefuroxime Axetil in a cool and dry place.

What if I miss a dose?

As much as possible, do not skip even a single dose of Cefuroxime Axetil. But if you happen to miss your scheduled dose due to reasons out of your control, take it the moment you remember. However, skip the missed dose if the time for the next dose is near. Do not take extra medication as it may cause some serious conditions.

What happens if I take an overdose?

Immediately seek urgent medical help in case of an overdose of Cefuroxime Axetil as it may cause severe harmful effects in your body. Get emergency medical attention or call the Doctor immediately.

Things and Activities to avoid while taking Cefuroxime Axetil

Diarrhea is a common side effect of many antibiotic medications. Do not take any type of diarrhea medications without consulting your doctor.

Cefuroxime Axetil Side Effects

Some of the side effects of Cefuroxime Axetil are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, joint paint, vaginal itching or discharge. These effects are non serious and should go away after some time. 
The details provided here are limited and non exhaustive. You may experience some side effects which have no reference over here. If you feel that the effects are serious, do not hesitate to seek emergency medical assistance. 

Cefuroxime Axetil Dosing Information

Cefuroxime Axetil dosage may vary for different people and may depend on a range of factors like age, sex, drug allergies, or seriousness of the condition among several other factors. Your dosage will be determined by your doctor after examining you properly. Remember to follow your doctor's advice properly for best results.

Interaction with other drugs

Other drugs may interact with Cefuroxime Axetil. Let your doctor know in advance if you use any other drugs or related products, especially these ones : blood thinner (such as warfarin), metformin, lithium, antiviral medicines (such as adefovir, cidofovir, or foscarnet), cancer medicines (such as aldesleukin, carmustine, cisplatin, ifosfamide, oxaliplatin, or others), diuretics or water pills, antacids, IV antibiotics, immunosuppresors, medicines to treat ulcerative colitis, NSAIDs, and probenecid. However, these are not the only possible interacting drugs. Remember to follow the directions of your doctor regarding any medications. Do not start a new medication without your doctor'sadvice.

Expert advice

• Be sure to use cefuroxime for the full course of treatment as prescribed by your doctor. If you do not, the medicine may not clear up your infection completely. The bacteria could also become less sensitive to this or other medicines. This could make the infection harder to treat in the future.
• Take cefuroxime tablets after food or milk for optimum absorption. 
• Do not drive because you may feel sleepy or dizzy while being treated with cefuroxime.
• Cefuroxime can make birth control pills less effective, which may result in pregnancy. You may need to use another form of birth control during treatment with cefuroxime.
• Do not start or continue the cefuroxime tablets and consult your doctor, If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding.

Frequently asked questions

Cefuroxime