Drug Name
Cefetin (Cefuroxime)

Drug Uses
Cefetin is used to treat many kinds of bacterial infections, including severe or life-threatening forms.
Cefetin may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

How to use
Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

You may take cefuroxime tablets with or without meals.
Cefuroxime oral suspension (liquid) must be taken with food. Shake the oral liquid well just before you measure a dose. To be sure you get the correct dose, measure the liquid with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one. If you switch from using the tablet form to using the oral suspension (liquid) form of cefuroxime, you may not need to use the same exact dosage in number of milligrams. The medication may not be as effective unless you use the exact form and strength your doctor has prescribed. Use this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Cefuroxime will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

This medication can cause you to have false results with certain medical tests, including urine glucose (sugar) tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using cefuroxime.
Store cefuroxime tablets at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use. Store cefuroxime oral liquid in the refrigerator. Do not allow it to freeze. Throw away any unused medication that is older than 10 days.

Drug Class and Mechanism
Cefuroxime is in a group of drugs called cephalosporin (SEF a low spor in) antibiotics. It works by fighting bacteria in your body.

Missed Dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Storage
Store this medicine at room temperature in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light.

Warnings/Precautions
Do not take this medication if you are allergic to cefuroxime, or to similar antibiotics, such as Cefzil, Keflex, Omnicef, and others.

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs (especially penicillin). Also tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease, diabetes, a history of intestinal problems, or if you are malnourished.

Cefuroxime can make birth control pills less effective, which may result in pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are taking birth control pills to prevent pregnancy. You may need to use another form of birth control during treatment with cefuroxime.

Take this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Cefuroxime will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or has blood in it, call your doctor. Do not use any medicine to stop the diarrhea unless your doctor has told you to.

This medication can cause you to have false results with certain medical tests, including urine glucose (sugar) tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using cefuroxime.

Possible Side Effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
• chest pain, fast or pounding heartbeats;
• unusual bleeding;
• blood in your urine;
• seizure (convulsions);
• pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, fever, confusion or weakness;
• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash;
• skin rash, bruising, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness;
• increased thirst, loss of appetite, swelling, weight gain, feeling short of breath; or
• painful or difficult urination, urinating less than usual or not at all.

Less serious side effects may include:

nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, mild diarrhea, gas, upset stomach;

cough, stuffy nose;

stiff or tight muscles, muscle pain;

joint pain or swelling;

headache, drowsiness;

feeling restless, irritable, or hyperactive;

white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips;

unusual or unpleasant taste in your mouth;

diaper rash in an infant taking liquid cefuroxime;

mild itching or skin rash; or

vaginal itching or discharge.

More Information
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Overdose symptoms may include seizure (black-out or convulsions).