Ceftin

This page contains drug information on Ceftin.
The information provided includes the following:
what is Ceftin
the possible side effects of Ceftin
what happens if you miss a dose of Ceftin
what happens if you overdose with Ceftin
the most important information about Ceftin
how to use Ceftin
other drugs that may affect Ceftin
what to avoid while using Ceftin
 
Generic Name: cefuroxime (sef yur OX eem)
Brand Names: Ceftin
 
What is the most important information I should know about ceftin?
 •  Take all of the ceftin that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated.
 •  ceftin can be taken on an empty stomach or with food or milk if it causes stomach upset.

What is ceftin?
 •  ceftin is an antibiotic in a class of drugs called cephalosporins. ceftin fights bacteria in the body.
 •  ceftin is used to treat many different types of bacterial infections such as bronchitis, sinusitis, tonsillitis, ear infections, skin infections, gonorrhea, and urinary tract infections.
 •  ceftin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking ceftin?
 •  Do not take ceftin if you have ever had an allergic reaction to another cephalosporin or to a penicillin unless your doctor is aware of the allergy and monitors your therapy.
 •  Before taking ceftin, tell your doctor if you have
      · kidney disease, or
      · a gastrointestinal (digestive) disease such as colitis or
      · have an inherited protein metabolism disorder called phenylketonuria.
 •  You may not be able to take ceftin, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have either of the conditions listed above.
 •  Certain brands of ceftin suspension and ceftin suspension sachets have aspartame (a source of phenylalanine) in them and should not be used by anyone with the inherited protein metabolism disorder called phenylketonuria. Talk to your doctor if you have phenylketonuria or have a family history of phenylketonuria.
 •  The ceftin (Ceftin) suspension contains sucrose. Individuals with diabetes may need to be aware of the sucrose contained in this suspension.
 •  ceftin is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not, however, take ceftin without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
 •  ceftin passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take ceftin?
 •  Take this medication exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
 •  Take each dose with a full glass of water.
 •  ceftin can be taken on an empty stomach or with food or milk if it causes stomach upset.
 •  To ensure that you get the correct dose, measure the liquid form of ceftin with a dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon,. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one. Shake the suspension well before measuring a dose.
 •  Take ceftin at evenly spaced intervals to keep a constant level of drug in the body.
 •  It is important to take ceftin regularly to get the most benefit.
 •  Take all of the ceftin that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated.
 •  Do not take ceftin at the same time as antacids (e.g., Tums, Maalox, Rolaids, others) or other medications taken to reduce stomach acid such as cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB, others), famotidine (Pepcid, Pepcid AC, Pepcid RPD, others), ranitidine(Zantac, others), or nizatidine (Axid, others) unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Antacids and stomach acid reducers may reduce the effects of ceftin.
 •  Store the tablets at room temperature away from moisture and heat. The suspension can be stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Throw away any unused medication after 10 days.

What happens if I miss a dose?
 •  Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, then try to evenly space the rest of the doses for that day until you can return to a normal schedule. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

What happens if I overdose?
 •  Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.
 •  Symptoms of a ceftin overdose may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and seizures.

What should I avoid while taking ceftin?
 •  Do not take ceftin at the same time as antacids (e.g., Tums, Maalox, Rolaids, others) or other medications taken to reduce stomach acid such as cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB, others), famotidine (Pepcid, Pepcid AC, Pepcid RPD, others), ranitidine(Zantac, others), or nizatidine (Axid, others) unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Antacids and stomach acid reducers may reduce the effects of ceftin.

What are the possible side effects of ceftin?
 •  If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking ceftin and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:
      · an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing closing of the throat swelling of the lips, face, or tongue hives or a rash)
      · rash, redness, or itching
      · severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
      · mucous or blood in the stool or
      · unusual bleeding or bruising.
 •  Other, less serious side effects may also occur. Continue to take the medication and talk to your doctor if you experience
      · mild nausea or diarrhea, or
      · yeast infection of the mouth or vagina.
 •  Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect ceftin?
 •  Do not take ceftin at the same time as antacids (e.g., Tums, Maalox, Rolaids, others) or other medications taken to reduce stomach acid such as cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB, others), famotidine (Pepcid, Pepcid AC, Pepcid RPD, others), ranitidine(Zantac, others), or nizatidine (Axid, others) unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Antacids and stomach acid reducers may reduce the effects of ceftin.
 •  Before taking ceftin, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines
      · probenecid (Benemid)
      · a loop diuretic (water pill) such as furosemide, bumetanide (Bumex), torsemide (Demadex), or ethacrynic acid (Edecrin)
      · warfarin (Coumadin) or
      · another antibiotic.
 •  You may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.
 •  Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with ceftin. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.