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Generic Name: Cefuroxime axetil
Brand Name(s): Ceftin
Information updated: April 1, 2000
Overview
Ceftin is a highly effective, broad-spectrum antibiotic that works against bacteria that cause a wide range of common problems.
This drug is especially beneficial for skin, ear and lung infections. It can help cure pneumonia, bronchitis, sinusitis and cystitis.
Ceftin belongs to a class of medicines called cephalosporins, which were originally discovered in one of the world's most unlikely locations. A fungus found close to a sewer outlet along the coast of Sardinia turned out to cure a number of nasty infections. From this chance observation many extraordinary antibiotics have been developed.
Side Effects and Interactions
Side effects from cephalosporin antibiotics are generally mild. Nevertheless, diarrhea can be troubling for some people and in rare instances may develop into colitis.
Other reactions that have occasionally been reported with Ceftin include nausea, vomiting, vaginitis, itching, rash, stomachache, dizziness and headache.
If this medicine has to be taken for long periods of time, your physician will probably want to order periodic blood tests. Remember to report any symptoms or suspected side effects of Ceftin to your physician promptly.
Oral blood-thinners like Coumadin interact with medications related to Ceftin. Prudence suggests careful monitoring of bleeding time if these drugs must be taken together.
Special Precautions
If you are allergic to penicillin-type antibiotics, alert your physician immediately. Some people who are sensitive to penicillin may also react to Ceftin.
Symptoms such as breathing difficulty, wheezing, sneezing, hives, itching, and skin rash require immediate emergency treatment.
Life-threatening anaphylactic shock may produce an inability to breathe and cardiovascular collapse and can occur within minutes of exposure.
People with kidney or liver disease may need special medical supervision when they take Ceftin. This medicine may also interfere with certain diabetes tests.
Prolonged use of an antibiotic like Ceftin sometimes leads to an overgrowth of fungus or resistant bacteria known as superinfection. If this occurs, the doctor may need to have you discontinue Ceftin and take a different medication.
Taking the Medicine
Unlike many antibiotics, this medicine is gets into the blood stream more efficiently when it is taken with food. Although it can be swallowed on an empty stomach, we recommend taking Ceftin at mealtime to reduce stomach upset and enhance drug absorption.
Be sure to finish the entire prescription unless your doctor directs you to stop.
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Joe Graedon is a pharmacologist. Teresa Graedon holds a doctorate in medical anthropology and is a nutrition expert. Their syndicated radio show can be heard on public radio.
© 2000
Reader Comments
I am currently taking cefuroxime for an ear infection. Although I have not notice a "quick fix" I do feel better. I do not like the fact that I taste the medicine all day even on a full stomach. In fact the pill seems to dissolve too quickly before completely swallowed.
Posted by: cc | August 6, 2008 9:15 AM