Cefuroxime – Uses, Side Effects, and More
Adult dosage (ages 18 years and older):
Cefuroxime, Oral Tablet
Cefuroxime oral tablet doesn’t cause drowsiness but it can cause other side effects.
More common side effects
The more common side effects that can occur with use of cefuroxime oral tablet include:
- diarrhea
- nausea
- vomiting
- Jarisch/Herxheimer reaction is a short-term reaction that may occur after antibiotic treatment for certain diseases
If these effects are mild, they may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If they’re more severe or don’t go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Serious side effects
Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency. Serious side effects and their symptoms can include the following:
- Allergic reaction. Symptoms can include:
- hives
- trouble breathing
- swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat
Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, because drugs affect each person differently, we cannot guarantee that this information includes all possible side effects. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always discuss possible side effects with a healthcare professional who knows your medical history.
In the U.S., healthcare spending accounts for 17.7% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), or the total value of goods and services produced by the entire nation for the entire year, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
- Allergy to medications similar to cefuroxime: If you’re allergic to medications that are similar to cefuroxime, you should not take cefuroxime. An allergic reaction can be serious, and in some cases, it can be fatal. Talk with your doctor to find out if you’re at risk of an allergic reaction.
- Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea: Use of high doses of cefuroxime, or use of this drug for longer than 14 days, can lead to diarrhea. This diarrhea is caused by the organism Clostridioides difficile (formerly known as Clostridium difficile). Most often, the diarrhea is mild to moderate. In rare cases, it can lead to fatal inflammation of the colon (large intestine).
Cefuroxime oral tablet is a prescription drug that’s available only in generic form. Generic drugs usually cost less. In some cases, they may not be available in every strength or form as the brand-name version.
Cefuroxime also comes as a liquid suspension. Both forms are taken by swallowing.
Why it’s used
Cefuroxime is used to treat certain infections caused by bacteria. These include:
- pharyngitis (sore throat)
- otitis media (middle ear inflammation)
- sinusitis (sinus infection)
- bronchitis
- urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- gonorrhea
- Lyme disease
- impetigo (an infection of the skin)
How it works
Cefuroxime belongs to a group of drugs called cephalosporins. These drugs are often used to treat similar conditions.
Cefuroxime works by interfering with the formation of bacteria cell walls. This causes the cell walls to rupture (break). This results in the death of the bacteria.
How long it lasts
After you take a dose of cefuroxime, the drug may last up to 6 hours in your body.
For many of the conditions that cefuroxime treats, you’ll take the drug twice per day for a specific number of days. Studies have found that this frequency keeps an effective level of the drug in the body for treating certain bacterial infections.
After you stop taking cefuroxime, the drug should be fully gone from your body within a day.
If you have questions about how long cefuroxime lasts in your body, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Cefuroxime oral tablet can interact with other medications, vitamins, or herbs you may be taking. An interaction is when a substance changes the way a drug works. This can be harmful or prevent the drug from working well.
To help avoid interactions, be sure to tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, or herbs you’re taking. They’ll let you know if any interact with cefuroxime and adjust your treatment if needed. To find out how this drug might interact with something else you’re taking, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Examples of drugs that can cause interactions with cefuroxime are listed below.
Oral contraceptives
When taken with cefuroxime, oral contraceptives (birth control pills) may not be absorbed well by the body. This means they may not work as well. Your doctor may suggest that you use a different birth control method during your treatment with cefuroxime. Examples of these drugs include:
- drospirenone/ethinyl estradiol (Yaz, Yasmin)
- levonorgestrel/ethinyl estradiol (Portia-28, Seasonique)
- norethindrone acetate/ethinyl estradiol (Junel 1/20, Lo Loestrin FE)
- desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol (Kariva, Enskyce)
- norgestrel/ethinyl estradiol (Cryselle, Low-Ogestrel)
Stomach acid drugs
When taken with certain drugs that reduce stomach acid, cefuroxime may not be absorbed well by the body. This means it may not work as well. Examples of these drugs include:
- antacids, such as:
- calcium carbonate (Tums)
- magnesium hydroxide (Milk of Magnesia)
- aluminum hydroxide
- famotidine (Pepcid AC)
- cimetidine (Tagamet HB)
- lansoprazole (Prevacid)
- omeprazole (Prilosec)
- pantoprazole (Protonix)
Cefuroxime should be taken at least 1 hour before antacids are taken, or 2 hours afterward. H2-antagonists and proton pump inhibitors should be avoided during treatment with cefuroxime.
Other drugs
Probenecid is used to treat several conditions, including gout and kidney stones. Taking probenecid with cefuroxime increases the amount of cefuroxime in your body. This raises your risk of side effects. Your doctor will likely monitor you for side effects of cefuroxime if you take these drugs together.
Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, because drugs interact differently in each person, we cannot guarantee that this information includes all possible interactions. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always speak with a healthcare professional about possible interactions with all prescription drugs, vitamins, herbs and supplements, and over-the-counter drugs that you are taking.
This drug comes with several warnings.
Allergy warning
Cefuroxime can cause a severe allergic reaction. Symptoms can include:
- hives
- trouble breathing
- swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat
If you have an allergic reaction, contact your doctor right away. You can also call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. If your symptoms are severe, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Don’t take this drug again if you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to it before. Taking it again could be fatal.
Warnings for certain groups
For people with kidney problems: Cefuroxime is removed from your body by your kidneys. If your kidneys don’t work well, high levels of cefuroxime may build up in your body. To prevent this, your doctor may lower your dosage of cefuroxime.
For pregnant people: There aren’t enough studies done during pregnancy to show if the drug poses a risk to the fetus.
Talk with your doctor if you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant. This drug should only be used during pregnancy if clearly needed.
If you become pregnant while taking this drug, contact your doctor right away.
For people who are breastfeeding: Cefuroxime passes into breast milk and may cause side effects in a child who is breastfed. Tell your doctor if you breastfeed your child. They may recommend that you stop breastfeeding or suggest a different medication for your condition.
For older adults: If you’re an older adult, your kidneys may not work as well as they used to. This can cause your body to process drugs more slowly. As a result, more of a drug stays in your body for a longer time. This raises your risk of side effects.
For children: Cefuroxime should not be used in children younger than 3 months of age.
This dosage information is for cefuroxime oral tablet. All possible dosages and drug forms may not be included here. Your dosage, drug form, and how often you take the drug will depend on:
- your age
- the condition being treated
- how severe your condition is
- other medical conditions you have
- how you react to the first dose
Forms and strengths
Generic: Cefuroxime
Dosage for pharyngitis/tonsillitis (mild to moderate)
Adult dosage (ages 18 years and older):
The usual dosage is 250 mg every 12 hours for 10 days.
Child dosage (ages 13 to 17 years):
The usual dosage is 250 mg every 12 hours for 10 days.
Child dosage (ages 3 months to 12 years who can swallow tablets whole):
The usual dosage is 250 mg every 12 hours for 10 days.
Child dosage (ages 0 to 2 months):
Cefuroxime should not be used in children younger than 3 months of age.
Special considerations
- For people with kidney disease: Your dosage of cefuroxime may need to be adjusted if you have a creatinine clearance of less than 30 milliliters per minute (mL/min). Creatinine clearance is a measure of how well your kidneys are working. A lower number suggests reduced kidney function.
- For older adults (ages 65 years and older): The kidneys of older adults may not work as well as they used to. This can cause the body to process drugs more slowly. As a result, more of a drug stays in the body for a longer time. This raises the risk of side effects. If you’re an older adult, your doctor may start you on a lower dose or a different dosing schedule. This can help keep levels of this drug from building up too much in your body.
Warnings
- Cefuroxime tablets and suspension cannot be interchanged on a milligram-per-milligram basis. (This means you can’t substitute equal doses of one for the other.)
- Children who can’t swallow cefuroxime tablets should be given the suspension instead. Don’t give them a crushed tablet. The tablet has a strong, long-lasting bitter taste when crushed.
Dosage for acute otitis media
Child dosage (ages 14 to 17 years):
The usual dosage is 250 mg every 12 hours for 10 days.
Child dosage (ages 3 months to 13 years who can swallow tablets whole):
The usual dosage is 250 mg every 12 hours for 10 days.
Child dosage (ages 0 to 2 months):
Cefuroxime should not be used in children younger than 3 months of age.
Special considerations
- For people with kidney disease: Your dosage of cefuroxime may need to be adjusted if you have a creatinine clearance of less than 30 mL/min. Creatinine clearance is a measure of how well your kidneys are working. A lower number suggests reduced kidney function.
- For people on hemodialysis: A single additional standard dose should be given at the end of each dialysis session.
Warnings
- Cefuroxime tablets and suspension cannot be interchanged on a milligram-per-milligram basis. (This means you can’t substitute equal doses of one for the other.)
- Children who can’t swallow cefuroxime tablets should be given the suspension instead. Don’t give them a crushed tablet. The tablet has a strong, long-lasting bitter taste when crushed.
Dosage for acute sinusitis (mild to moderate)
Adult dosage (ages 18 years and older):
The usual dosage is 250 mg every 12 hours for 10 days.
Child dosage (ages 13 to 17 years of age):
The usual dosage is 250 mg every 12 hours for 10 days.
Child dosage (ages 3 months to 12 years who can swallow tablets whole):
The usual dosage is 250 mg every 12 hours for 10 days.
Child dosage (ages 0 to 2 months):
Cefuroxime should not be used in children younger than 3 months of age.
Special considerations
- For people with kidney disease: Your dosage of cefuroxime may need to be adjusted if you have a creatinine clearance of less than 30 mL/min. Creatinine clearance is a measure of how well your kidneys are working. A lower number suggests reduced kidney function.
Warnings
- Cefuroxime tablets and suspension cannot be interchanged on a milligram-per-milligram basis. (This means you can’t substitute equal doses of one for the other.)
- Children who can’t swallow cefuroxime tablets should be given the suspension instead. Don’t give them a crushed tablet. The tablet has a strong, long-lasting bitter taste when crushed.
Dosage for acute bronchitis (mild to moderate)
- Acute bronchitis (mild to moderate):
- Adult dosage (ages 18 years and older): The usual dosage is 250 mg or 500 mg every 12 hours for 10 days.
- Child dosage (ages 13 to 17 years of age): The usual dosage is 250 mg or 500 mg every 12 hours for 10 days.
- Child dosage (ages 0 to 12 years who can swallow tablets whole): This medication should not be used in children younger than 13 years for this condition.
- Adult dosage (ages 18 years and older): The usual dosage is 250 mg or 500 mg every 12 hours for 5 to 10 days.
- Child dosage (ages 13 to 17 years of age): The usual dosage is 250 mg or 500 mg every 12 hours for 5 to 10 days.
- Child dosage (ages 3 months to 12 years who can swallow tablets whole): The usual dosage is 250 mg twice daily for 10 days.
- Child dosage (ages 0 to 2 months): Cefuroxime should not be used in children younger than 3 months of age.
Special considerations
- For people with kidney disease: Your dosage of cefuroxime may need to be adjusted if you have a creatinine clearance of less than 30 mL/min. Creatinine clearance is a measure of how well your kidneys are working. A lower number suggests reduced kidney function.
- For older adults (ages 65 years and older): The kidneys of older adults may not work as well as they used to. This can cause the body to process drugs more slowly. As a result, more of a drug stays in the body for a longer time. This raises the risk of side effects. If you’re an older adult, your doctor may start you on a lower dose or a different dosing schedule. This can help keep levels of this drug from building up too much in your body.
Dosage for uncomplicated infections of the skin or below the skin
Adult dosage (ages 18 years and older):
The usual dosage is 250 mg or 500 mg every 12 hours for 10 days.
Child dosage (ages 13 to 17 years of age):
The usual dosage is 250 mg or 500 mg every 12 hours for 10 days.
Child dosage (ages 3 months to 12 years who can swallow tablets whole):
This medication shouldn’t be used in children younger than 13 years for this condition.
Child dosage (ages 0 to 2 months):
Cefuroxime should not be used in children younger than 3 months of age.
Special considerations
- For people with kidney disease: Your dosage of cefuroxime may need to be adjusted if you have a creatinine clearance of less than 30 mL/min. Creatinine clearance is a measure of how well your kidneys are working. A lower number suggests reduced kidney function.
- For older adults (ages 65 years and older): The kidneys of older adults may not work as well as they used to. This can cause the body to process drugs more slowly. As a result, more of a drug stays in the body for a longer time. This raises the risk of side effects. If you’re an older adult, your doctor may start you on a lower dose or a different dosing schedule. This can help keep levels of this drug from building up too much in your body.
Dosage for uncomplicated urinary tract infections
Adult dosage (ages 18 years and older):
The usual dosage is 250 mg every 12 hours for 7 to 10 days.
Child dosage (ages 13 to 17 years of age):
The usual dosage is 250 mg every 12 hours for 7 to 10 days.
Child dosage (ages 3 months to 12 years who can swallow tablets whole):
No dosage information is available. This condition is not usual in children of this age range.
Child dosage (ages 0 to 2 months):
Cefuroxime should not be used in children younger than 3 months of age.
Special considerations
- For people with kidney disease: Your dosage of cefuroxime may need to be adjusted if you have a creatinine clearance of less than 30 mL/min. Creatinine clearance is a measure of how well your kidneys are working. A lower number suggests reduced kidney function.
- For older adults (ages 65 years and older): The kidneys of older adults may not work as well as they used to. This can cause the body to process drugs more slowly. As a result, more of a drug stays in the body for a longer time. This raises the risk of side effects. If you’re an older adult, your doctor may start you on a lower dose or a different dosing schedule. This can help keep levels of this drug from building up too much in your body.
Dosage for uncomplicated gonorrhea
Adult dosage (ages 18 years and older):
The usual dosage is 1,000 mg as a single dose.
Child dosage (ages 13 to 17 years):
The usual dosage is 1,000 mg as a single dose.
Child dosage (ages 3 months to 12 years who can swallow tablets whole):
No dosage information is available. This condition is not usual in children of this age range.
Child dosage (ages 0 to 2 months):
Cefuroxime should not be used in children younger than 3 months of age.
Special considerations
- For people with kidney disease: Your dosage of cefuroxime may need to be adjusted if you have a creatinine clearance of less than 30 mL/min. Creatinine clearance is a measure of how well your kidneys are working. A lower number suggests reduced kidney function.
- For older adults (ages 65 years and older): The kidneys of older adults may not work as well as they used to. This can cause the body to process drugs more slowly. As a result, more of a drug stays in the body for a longer time. This raises the risk of side effects. If you’re an older adult, your doctor may start you on a lower dose or a different dosing schedule. This can help keep levels of this drug from building up too much in your body.
Dosage for early Lyme disease
Adult dosage (ages 18 years and older):
The usual dosage is 500 mg every 12 hours for 20 days.
Child dosage (ages 13 to 17 years):
The usual dosage is 500 mg every 12 hours for 20 days.
Child dosage (ages 3 months to 12 years who can swallow tablets whole):
This medication shouldn’t be used in children younger than 13 years for this condition.
Child dosage (ages 0 to 2 months):
Cefuroxime should not be used in children younger than 3 months of age.
Special considerations
- For people with kidney disease: Your dosage of cefuroxime may need to be adjusted if you have a creatinine clearance of less than 30 mL/min. Creatinine clearance is a measure of how well your kidneys are working. A lower number suggests reduced kidney function.
- For older adults (ages 65 years and older): The kidneys of older adults may not work as well as they used to. This can cause the body to process drugs more slowly. As a result, more of a drug stays in the body for a longer time. This raises the risk of side effects. If you’re an older adult, your doctor may start you on a lower dose or a different dosing schedule. This can help keep levels of this drug from building up too much in your body.
Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, because drugs affect each person differently, we cannot guarantee that this list includes all possible dosages. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always speak with your doctor or pharmacist about dosages that are right for you.
Cefuroxime oral tablet is used for short-term treatment. It should only be used to treat bacterial infections. It should not be used for viruses such as the common cold. Cefuroxime comes with risks if you don’t take it as prescribed.
If you stop taking the drug suddenly or don’t take it at all: Your infection may continue or get worse.
If you miss doses or don’t take the drug on schedule: Your medication may not work as well or may stop working completely. For this drug to work well, a certain amount needs to be in your body at all times.
If you take too much: You could have dangerous levels of the drug in your body. Symptoms of an overdose of this drug can include sudden, irregular movements of any limb or part of the body. If you think you’ve taken too much of this drug, contact your doctor right away. You can also call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. If your symptoms are severe, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away.
What to do if you miss a dose: Take your dose as soon as you remember. But if you remember just a few hours before your next scheduled dose, take only one dose. Never try to catch up by taking two doses at once. This could result in dangerous side effects.
How to tell if the drug is working: You should notice a decrease in your symptoms. Your infection should heal.
Keep these considerations in mind if your doctor prescribes cefuroxime oral tablet for you.
General
- Take this drug at the time(s) recommended by your doctor.
- Cefuroxime oral tablet may be taken with or without food.
- Cefuroxime oral tablet should not be cut or crushed.
Storage
- Store cefuroxime tablets at a temperature between 59°F and 86°F (15°C and 30°C).
- Don’t store this medication in moist or damp areas, such as bathrooms.
Refills
A prescription for this medication is refillable. You should not need a new prescription for this medication to be refilled. Your doctor will write the number of refills authorized on your prescription.
Travel
When traveling with your medication:
- Always carry your medication with you. When flying, never put it into a checked bag. Keep it in your carry-on bag.
- Don’t worry about airport X-ray machines. They can’t hurt your medication.
- You may need to show airport staff the pharmacy label for your medication. Always carry the original prescription-labeled container with you.
- Don’t put this medication in your car’s glove compartment or leave it in the car. Be sure to avoid doing this when the weather is very hot or very cold.
Hidden costs
You may need to have blood tests during your treatment with cefuroxime. The cost of these tests will depend on your insurance coverage.
Other drugs are available to treat your condition. Some may be better suited for you than others. Examples are listed below.
- amoxicillin (Amoxil)
- cephalexin
- cefdinir
- doxycycline (Oracea)
Not all of these alternatives treat the same conditions as cefuroxime. Additionally, these are not all of the alternatives available for cefuroxime. Talk with your doctor about other drug options that may work for you.
Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up-to-date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or other healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
Last medically reviewed on February 19, 2023
Cefuroxime – Uses, Side Effects, and More
Cefuroxime is used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections. This medication is known as a cephalosporin antibiotic. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria.This antibiotic treats only bacterial infections. It will not work for viral infections (such as common cold, flu). Using any antibiotic when it is not needed can cause it to not work for future infections.
How to use cefuroxime axetil oral
Take this medication by mouth usually twice daily (every 12 hours), or as directed by your doctor. Take cefuroxime with food to increase absorption and reduce stomach upset. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.
Swallow the tablets whole. Do not crush or chew because the tablets have a strong bitter taste. Use the liquid suspension form of this medication if it is difficult to swallow the tablets.
For the best effect, take this antibiotic at evenly spaced times. To help you remember, take this medication at the same time(s) every day.
Continue to take this medication until the full-prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow, which may result in a relapse of the infection.
Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.
Side Effects
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach pain may occur. Dizziness and drowsiness may occur less frequently, especially with higher doses. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: unusual tiredness/weakness, signs of liver problems (such as nausea/vomiting that doesn’t stop, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine), signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine), signs of new infection (such as sore throat that doesn’t go away, fever), easy bruising/bleeding, jerky movements, mental/mood changes (such as confusion).
This medication may rarely cause a severe intestinal condition due to a bacteria called C. difficile. This condition may occur during treatment or weeks to months after treatment has stopped. Tell your doctor right away if you develop: diarrhea that doesn’t stop, abdominal or stomach pain/cramping, blood/mucus in your stool.
If you have these symptoms, do not use anti-diarrhea or opioid products because they may make symptoms worse.
Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in oral thrush or a new vaginal yeast infection (oral or vaginal fungal infection). Contact your doctor if you notice white patches in your mouth, a change in vaginal discharge or other new symptoms.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Precautions
Before taking cefuroxime, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to penicillins or other cephalosporin antibiotics (such as cephalexin); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, intestinal disease (colitis), liver disease, poor nutrition.
This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).
Cefuroxime may cause live bacterial vaccines (such as typhoid vaccine) to not work well. Tell your health care professional that you are using cefuroxime before having any immunizations/vaccinations.
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
