Indications

Antibiotic

Contraindication

Hypersensitivity to cefuroxime or to other cephalosporins.

Special Precautions

History of hypersensitivity to penicillin, and GI disease (particularly colitis). Renal impairment. Pregnancy and lactation. Monitoring Parameters Monitor renal, hepatic and haematologic function periodically. Monitor prothrombin time in patients at risk of prolongation. Observe for signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis during 1st dose.

Side Effects

Rash, fever, pruritus, erythema, urticaria, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, erythema multiforme, toxic epidermal necrolysis, serum sickness-like reactions, angioedema; mild to moderate hearing loss (childn); nausea, vomiting, gagging, epigastric burning, GI bleeding and infection, abdominal pain, flatulence, ptyalism, indigestion, mouth ulcers, swollen tongue, anorexia, thirst, dyspepsia, stomach cramps, diarrhoea; decreased Hb and haematocrit, thrombocytosis, lymphocytosis, haemolytic anaemia, increased prothrombin time; transient increase in serum AST (SGOT), ALT (SGPT), alkaline phosphatase, LDH and bilirubin levels; transient increase in BUN and/or serum creatinine concentration, decreased CrCl, bilateral renal cortical necrosis; UTI, kidney pain, urethral pain or bleeding, dysuria, vaginitis, vag candidiasis, vulvovaginal pruritus, vag discharge or irritation; Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction; neck muscle spasm, muscle cramps or stiffness, chest pain or tightness, shortness of breath, tachycardia, chills, lockjaw-type reaction, viral illness, upper resp infection, sinusitis, cough, joint swelling, arthralgia; pain at inj site, thrombophlebitis (IV). Rarely, transient eosinophilia and neutropenia, pancytopenia, leucopenia, thrombocytopenia; headache, somnolence or sleepiness, dizziness, hyperactivity, irritable behaviour, myoclonic jerks, seizures, generalised hyperexcitability; jaundice; acute renal failure, interstitial nephritis.

Drug Interactions

May enhance the nephrotoxic effect of strong-acting diuretics (e.g. furosemide) and aminoglycosides. May enhance the effect of oral anticoagulants. May reduce the efficacy of OCs. Probenecid prolongs the excretion of cefuroxime and elevated peak serum level.

Route of Administration

Oral

Dosage

As directed by the physician