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Uses

What is cefuroxime used for?

Cefuroxime is an antibiotic that is commonly used to treat the following infections caused by certain bacteria (bacterial infection).

Cefuroxime may not be appropriate for some of the infections listed above, depending on which germs are causing the infection. Bacteria in some locations may have developed resistance to cefuroxime, which will make it not work as well.

Cefuroxime may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does cefuroxime work (mechanism of action)?

Cefuroxime kills certain bacteria by preventing them from being able to create their cell wall.

How is cefuroxime supplied (dosage forms)?

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 125 mg, 250 mg, 500 mg oral tablets

Cefuroxime is also available in injectable forms.

How should I store cefuroxime?

Oral Tablets. Cefuroxime tablets should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.

Injection Liquid. Cefuroxime injection is usually given by a healthcare provider in a hospital or clinic. You will not store it at home.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of cefuroxime?

The most common side effects of cefuroxime are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction, which might include fever, chills, headache, upset stomach, rash, or joint and muscle pain
  • Vaginal problems, such as vaginitis

There may be other side effects of cefuroxime that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of cefuroxime?

While less common, the most serious side effects of cefuroxime are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Cefuroxime may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking cefuroxime and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Antibiotic-associated Diarrhea. An overgrowth of germs called Clostridioides difficile, or “C. diff,” can happen in your gut with many types of antibiotics, including cefuroxime. This can cause a condition known as antibiotic-associated diarrhea and can happen even up to two months after stopping the antibiotic. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of this condition.

  • Watery diarrhea
  • Diarrhea that does not go away
  • Blood in your stool (poop)
  • Severe stomach cramps
  • Fever that starts after you start or finish the medicine

Another Infection With Prolonged Use. Using cefuroxime for a prolonged period of time may lead to an infection with other types of germs, such as fungi. Call your healthcare provider if your infection does not improve or gets worse.

Liver Damage. Liver damage, also called hepatotoxicity, can happen when using cefuroxime. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage.

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Stomach or belly pain
  • Fever
  • Weakness or unusual tiredness
  • Itching
  • Loss of appetite
  • Light-colored poop
  • Dark-colored urine
  • Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)

Kidney Damage. Kidney damage can happen when using cefuroxime. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of kidney damage.

  • Reduced need to pee
  • Swelling in your feet, ankles, or legs
  • Weakness or unusual tiredness
  • Difficulty catching your breath or chest pain/pressure
  • Confusion
  • Nausea
  • Seizures

Blood Disorders. Cefuroxime can cause blood disorders, such as agranulocytosis, aplastic anemia, hemolytic anemia, low platelet levels (thrombocytopenia), and low white blood cell levels (leukopenia or neutropenia). Stop using cefuroxime and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of blood disorders.

  • Fever, chills, or sweats
  • Sore throat
  • Cough or shortness of breath
  • Pale or yellowish skin
  • Easy bruising or bleeding
  • Frequent infection
  • Unusual weakness or tiredness
  • Dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling like you are about to pass out
  • Headache
  • Fast or abnormal heartbeat
  • Mouth or throat sores
  • Swollen lymph nodes

Seizures. Some people who take cefuroxime may have seizures. There are many different types of seizures and some of them are not easy to recognize. Stop taking cefuroxime and call your healthcare provider if you have any of the following signs that a seizure is happening or could happen.

  • Muscle twitching, jerking, spasms, tremors, or other uncontrolled movements
  • Stiffening of your arms and legs
  • Feeling anxious, nervous, confused, or a sense of dread
  • Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
  • Falling or losing consciousness

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use cefuroxime?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take cefuroxime.

  • Cefuroxime
  • Ceftin
  • Zinacef
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific cefuroxime products they stock.

What should I know about cefuroxime before using it?

Do not take cefuroxime unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.

Cefuroxime only treats certain infections caused by bacteria. Cefuroxime will not work for viral infections, such as the common cold, influenza, or coronavirus. It also will not work for any other non-bacterial infections. Using cefuroxime or any other antibiotic when it is not needed (infections other than those caused by bacteria, or the lack of an infection in general) may cause the antibiotic to not work for bacterial infections in the future.

Do not share cefuroxime with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep cefuroxime out of the reach of children.

Do not chew, cut, or crush cefuroxime tablets. They should be swallowed whole.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using cefuroxime?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if cefuroxime is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

  • An allergy to penicillins and/or cephalosporins
  • Kidney problems
  • History of antibiotic-associated diarrhea

Other Medicines and Supplements. Cefuroxime may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking cefuroxime, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how cefuroxime could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take cefuroxime while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. Cefuroxime passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take cefuroxime while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does cefuroxime interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between cefuroxime and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect cefuroxime, but heavy drinking can slow your immune response and make it harder for your body to fight infection.

Does cefuroxime interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or OTC medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using cefuroxime.

  • Probenecid, which is a medicine commonly used for gout
  • An H2 blocker, such as cimetidine (Tagamet), famotidine (Pepcid, Zantac), or nizatidine (Axid)
  • A proton pump inhibitor (PPI), such as esomeprazole (Nexium), lansoprazole (Prevacid), omeprazole (Prilosec), pantoprazole (Protonix), or rabeprazole (Aciphex)
  • An antacid containing calcium, aluminum, or magnesium

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with cefuroxime. Always check with your healthcare provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much cefuroxime?

If you or someone else has used too much cefuroxime, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of cefuroxime?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

It is important to complete your prescribed course of cefuroxime, even if your symptoms get better or go away. This will reduce the risk that future infections are resistant to cefuroxime or other similar medicines.