Cefuroxime 1.5gm Inj, 1 Vial

Cefuroxime is a bactericidal antibiotic that acts by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis. It binds to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) located inside the bacterial cell wall, thereby inhibiting the transpeptidation step of peptidoglycan synthesis. This leads to the disruption of the cell wall, resulting in cell lysis and bacterial death.

Urgent Side Effects: Seek Medical Help Right Away

Although rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects while taking this medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical attention immediately:

Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash
+ Hives
+ Itching
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever
+ Wheezing
+ Tightness in the chest or throat
+ Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness
+ Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Urination problems, such as:
+ Inability to pass urine
+ Changes in urine output
Dark urine or yellowing of the skin or eyes
Fever, chills, or sore throat
Unexplained bruising or bleeding
Feeling extremely tired or weak
Seizures
Vaginal itching or discharge
Hearing loss
Diarrhea, especially if it is severe, bloody, or accompanied by stomach pain or cramps (this could be a sign of a rare but potentially life-threatening condition called C. diff-associated diarrhea, or CDAD)

Common Side Effects

Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. While many people may not experience any side effects or only minor ones, it is essential to discuss any concerns with your doctor. If you experience any of the following side effects, contact your doctor if they bother you or do not go away:

Diarrhea
Upset stomach
Vomiting
Irritation at the injection site

Reporting Side Effects

If you have questions or concerns about side effects, contact your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Before Taking This Medication: Important Information to Share with Your Doctor

It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:

Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the symptoms you experienced.
If you are currently taking probenecid, as this may interact with the medication.

Additionally, to ensure safe treatment, provide your doctor and pharmacist with a comprehensive list of:

All prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications you are taking
Any natural products or vitamins you are using
* Your existing health problems

This information will help your doctor determine if it is safe for you to take this medication in conjunction with your other treatments and health conditions. Never start, stop, or adjust the dosage of any medication without first consulting your doctor to confirm it is safe to do so.

It is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication.

Rarely, drugs like this one can cause severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reactions.

If you are taking this medication long-term, your doctor may recommend regular blood tests to monitor your condition. Be sure to discuss this with your doctor.

This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests, so it is crucial to notify all your healthcare providers and laboratory personnel that you are taking this drug. If you have diabetes and test your urine glucose levels, consult with your doctor to determine the most suitable tests to use.

Do not take this medication for longer than prescribed, as this may increase the risk of a secondary infection.

If you are using birth control pills or other hormone-based contraceptives, you should be aware that this medication may reduce their effectiveness. To prevent pregnancy, consider using an additional form of birth control, such as a condom, while taking this drug.

If you are 65 years or older, use this medication with caution, as you may be more susceptible to side effects.

If you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, inform your doctor. You and your doctor will need to discuss the potential benefits and risks of this medication to both you and your baby.

• Live bacterial vaccines (e.g., BCG, typhoid oral): May reduce therapeutic effect of vaccine.
• Sodium picosulfate: May reduce the laxative effect of sodium picosulfate.

• Aminoglycosides: Increased risk of nephrotoxicity (monitor renal function).
• Loop diuretics (e.g., furosemide): Increased risk of nephrotoxicity when co-administered with aminoglycosides.
• Oral anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin): May enhance anticoagulant effect (monitor INR).
• Probenecid: Decreases renal tubular secretion of cefuroxime, leading to increased and prolonged serum concentrations of cefuroxime.

• Rash or hives (signs of allergic reaction)
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing (signs of severe allergic reaction)
• Severe or watery diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever (signs of Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea)
• Unusual bleeding or bruising (potential effect on coagulation)
• Yellowing of skin or eyes, dark urine (signs of liver problems)
• Decreased urine output, swelling (signs of kidney problems)
• Injection site pain, redness, or swelling

Cefuroxime is classified as Pregnancy Category B. Studies in animals have not shown harm to the fetus, but there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. It is generally considered safe for use during pregnancy when clearly needed.

Cefuroxime is excreted in human milk in small quantities. The amount ingested by the infant is generally considered to be low and unlikely to cause significant adverse effects. Monitor breastfed infants for potential changes in bowel flora (e.g., diarrhea, candidiasis) or allergic reactions.

Dosing must be carefully calculated based on weight and age, and adjusted for renal function. Neonatal use is generally not recommended due to limited data and potential for bilirubin displacement.

Elderly patients are more likely to have decreased renal function, which may require dosage adjustment. Monitor renal function closely. Otherwise, no specific age-related precautions beyond those for adults.

• Cefuroxime is a second-generation cephalosporin with good activity against common respiratory pathogens (e.g., H. influenzae, M. catarrhalis, S. pneumoniae) and some Gram-negative bacteria.
• It is often used for community-acquired pneumonia, acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic bronchitis, skin and soft tissue infections, and urinary tract infections.
• For surgical prophylaxis, administer 30-60 minutes prior to incision.
• IM injections should be given deep into a large muscle mass (e.g., gluteus or lateral thigh) to minimize pain.
• Reconstituted solutions should be used promptly; refer to package insert for specific stability data.
• Patients with a history of severe hypersensitivity to penicillin should generally avoid cefuroxime due to potential cross-reactivity, though it is lower than with first-generation cephalosporins.

• Other second-generation cephalosporins (e.g., cefaclor, cefoxitin)
• Third-generation cephalosporins (e.g., ceftriaxone, cefotaxime)
• Penicillins (e.g., amoxicillin/clavulanate)
• Macrolides (e.g., azithromycin, clarithromycin)
• Fluoroquinolones (e.g., levofloxacin, moxifloxacin)
• Carbapenems (for broader spectrum or resistant infections)

If your symptoms or health issues persist or worsen, it is essential to contact your doctor promptly. To ensure safe and effective treatment, never share your medication with others or take someone else's medication. Some medications may come with an additional patient information leaflet, so it's a good idea to check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions or concerns about this medication, don't hesitate to discuss them with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately call your local poison control center or seek emergency medical attention. When seeking help, be prepared to provide detailed information about the overdose, including the medication taken, the amount, and the time it occurred.