CefuroximeCefuroxime axetil

About Cefuroxime

Cefuroxime kills bacteria by blocking the building of their cell walls. The tablets are labeled for strep throat, middle ear infections, sinusitis, bronchitis flare-ups, uncomplicated skin and urinary infections, gonorrhea, treated with a single dose, and early Lyme disease with an erythema migrans rash, treated for 20 days. Adults usually take 250 or 500 mg every 12 hours, mostly for 10 days, with doses spaced further apart in severe kidney impairment.

Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and vaginitis are the common side effects, and a Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction was common in the Lyme disease trials. Severe, watery or bloody diarrhea, even weeks after the course, can signal a C. difficile infection. The label rules cefuroxime out after a known allergy, such as anaphylaxis, to it or any other beta-lactam antibiotic, penicillins included, so discuss any penicillin allergy with the prescriber first.

Cefuroxime tablets and the oral suspension are not bioequivalent, and the label says they cannot be swapped milligram for milligram. The tablets are swallowed whole, because a crushed tablet has a strong, persistent bitter taste. The injection, cefuroxime sodium, first sold as Zinacef, is a generic used in hospitals; both Zinacef products are discontinued.

Taking Cefuroxime

How to take it

Usually every 12 hours, with or without food, at around the same times each day. Swallow the tablets whole, since a crushed tablet tastes strongly bitter, and keep taking it until the prescription is finished, even if you feel better.

If you miss a dose

Take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for the next dose; then skip the missed dose and continue as usual. Do not take a double dose.

Storage

At room temperature in the original container, tightly closed, away from excess heat and moisture (not in a bathroom), and out of reach of children.

Interactions to know about

Take antacids containing magnesium or aluminum at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after cefuroxime. Acid reducers such as famotidine and omeprazole can lower how much is absorbed, and probenecid is not recommended with it. MedlinePlus notes it may make hormonal birth control less effective. It can affect some blood and urine sugar tests, so people with diabetes should ask which test to use.

This summarizes the official prescribing information. Your prescriber’s and pharmacist’s instructions, and the leaflet that comes with your medicine, take priority.

Why the cash price for Cefuroxime differs from pharmacy to pharmacy

Generic cefuroxime tablets come from several makers, so most of the gap between quotes is the pharmacy’s dispensing fee and mark-up. Courses range from a single gonorrhea dose to 20 days for Lyme disease, so the quote follows the strength and number of tablets prescribed.

A pharmacy that seldom fills cefuroxime may need to order it, which can delay a course. With little or no liquid on the market, a child who cannot swallow tablets whole may need a different antibiotic, priced on its own terms.

Ways to pay less for Cefuroxime without insurance

• Ask whether cefuroxime tablets are on the pharmacy’s flat-price antibiotic list.
• For a 500 mg dose, ask whether one 500 mg tablet costs less than two 250 mg tablets.
• For a child who cannot swallow tablets whole, ask the prescriber about a liquid antibiotic that is easy to get.
• Call ahead to check that your strength is in stock.
• Upload the prescription to Script Unlock so licensed pharmacies can quote their cash price. You pay the pharmacy directly.

Questions to ask your pharmacist about Cefuroxime

1. 1.Is it safe with my penicillin allergy?
2. 2.How far apart should I take it from antacids, and do acid reducers matter?
3. 3.What is a Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction, and what should I do if I get one?
4. 4.Will it affect my birth control?
5. 5.What kind of diarrhea means I should call?

Related medications