Cefuroxime 500mg

Cefuroxime, Ceftin/Zinacef
Description: Antibiotic; Second Generation Cephalosporin

CSA NA – FDA Approved – REMS (N) – Can Ship

Cefuroxime, Ceftin/Zinacef prevents bacteria from properly building cell wall via the penicillin binding proteins (PBPs) eventually resulting in cell lysis (cell break down) as it cannot repair itself.  

Cefuroxime is used on and off label for various infections depending on your common local bacterial strains for various infections and based on local resistance patterns.  Not all antibiotics work for all infections and efficacy can vary from area to area and vary with time.  It is a broad-spectrum antibiotic and is common in North America for many kinds of infections.

Before starting Cefuroxime make sure your physician is aware of any allergies (cephalosporins/penicillins) or medications you currently take, if you have kidney disease, a history of colitis, a seizure disorder, are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Average of 250-500 every 12 hours but can vary greatly depending on intended use and severity of infection

How to Take Cefuroxime, Ceftin/Zinacef: Follow instructions provided by physician/pharmacy label, swallow whole (severe bitter taste if crushed), take consistently at same times each day unless otherwise directed, store at room temperature     

You Need to Avoid: There is no direct interaction with alcohol however alcohol can reduce immune function which can be problematic when fighting an infection so alcohol is not normally recommended

Diarrhea is the most common side effect; the rates of other side effects are very low.  As this antibiotic is broad spectrum, it is possible to result in opportunistic superinfection including C. difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD) and pseudomembranous colitis for up to two hours after treatment.  Report severe or persistent diarrhea to physician.

1. What do I do if it really upsets my stomach?
   Try taking it after meals.  It is not required however it may lower risk of upset stomach, nausea, or diarrhea.
2. I had a penicillin allergy from childhood, but my physician told me to try cefuroxime anyways, what should I do?
   Penicillin allergies are commonly misdiagnosed as rash can be a regular side effect.  There is also evidence that penicillin allergies can reduce or go away after 10 years.  If you have reacted severely in the past make sure your physician was aware and if still told to try the medication take your first few doses in the physicians office just to make sure you do not have another serious reaction.