CEFTIN

Drug Name: CEFTIN

CEFTIN DESCRIPTION:
CEFUROXIME - ORAL (seff-you-ROX-eem)

COMMON CEFTIN BRAND NAME(S):
Ceftin

CEFTIN SIDE EFFECTS:
CEFTIN may cause stomach upset, diarrhea, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting. Take with food or milk to minimize these effects. If they continue or become severe, inform your doctor. Other side effects reported with CEFTIN include headache, dizziness, fatigue, muscle aches and strange taste in the mouth. Also, reoccurring fever, easy bruising or bleeding or persistent sore throat have been reported. Inform your doctor promptly if any of these effects occur. Though occurring rarely, seek immediate medical attention if you experience seizures, jerky movements, severe drowsiness, yellowing of the eyes or skin, dark urine, or a change in the amount of urine. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE CEFTIN:
CEFTIN: Take CEFTIN with food as directed by your doctor. Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Do this by taking the medication at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day and night. Continue to take CEFTIN 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 resulting in a relapse of the infection. If the tablets cannot be swallowed, they can be crushed and mixed with food such as applesauce or pudding or drinks such as grape juice. The tablets have a strong bitter taste which may be hard to disguise. Notify your doctor if you are unable to take the medication because of the taste. It may be necessary to use a different medication.

CEFTIN USES:
CEFTIN is a cephalosporin antibiotic and is used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections.

CEFTIN PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of kidney problems, stomach/intestinal problems and of any allergies you may have. Use of CEFTIN for prolonged or repeated periods may result in a secondary infection (e.g., oral, bladder or vaginal yeast infection). Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using CEFTIN. Cefuroxime is excreted into breast milk. Though there have been no reports (to date) of harm to nursing infants, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

CEFTIN DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all medications you may use (both prescription and nonprescription), especially of medication for gout (such as probenecid), live vaccines and of any other antibiotics. CEFTIN may interfere with the effectiveness of birth control pills. Discuss using other methods of birth control with your doctor. Diabetics should be aware CEFTIN may cause false positive urine glucose tests. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other ways to monitor your blood glucose. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

CEFTIN OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include seizures.

CEFTIN NOTES:
CEFTIN has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another infection or give it to someone else. A different medication may be necessary.

MISSED CEFTIN DOSE:
If you should miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered unless it is almost time for the next dose. If it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

CEFTIN STORAGE:
Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture.