Ceftin

Ceftin Prescribing Information

Ceftin is the brand name for a medication called cefuroxime axetil. It is an antibiotic that belongs to the cephalosporin class of antibiotics. Drug is commonly prescribed to treat various bacterial infections in adults and children, including respiratory tract infections (such as sinusitis, bronchitis, and pneumonia), skin and soft tissue infections, urinary tract infections, and certain types of ear infections.

Cefuroxime works by interfering with the bacteria's ability to form cell walls, which are essential for their survival and replication. By disrupting this process, the antibiotic helps to kill the bacteria or prevent their further growth.

Uses of Ceftin

Ceftin is an antibiotic medication used to treat a variety of bacterial infections in both adults and children. Some of the common uses include:

• Respiratory Tract Infections: Ceftin is often prescribed to treat infections of the respiratory tract, such as sinusitis (sinus infections), bronchitis (inflammation of the bronchial tubes), and pneumonia (lung infection). It can help combat bacterial infections that cause these conditions.
• Skin and Soft Tissue Infections: Medicine can be used to treat skin and soft tissue infections, including cellulitis (skin infection), impetigo (bacterial skin infection), and other skin-related bacterial infections.
• Urinary Tract Infections: Ceftin is effective in treating urinary tract infections (UTIs), including infections of the bladder (cystitis) and infections of the kidney (pyelonephritis).
• Ear Infections: Certain types of ear infections, particularly those caused by susceptible bacteria, can be treated with Ceftin. These infections may include otitis media (middle ear infection) and external ear infections.
• Lyme Disease: Antibiotic is sometimes used to treat early-stage Lyme disease, a bacterial infection transmitted through tick bites. It is not typically used for more advanced stages of the disease.
• Gonorrhea: Ceftin can be prescribed to treat uncomplicated gonorrhea infections caused by susceptible bacteria.

It's important to note that the appropriate use of antibiotics, including Ceftin, requires a proper diagnosis from a healthcare professional. Antibiotics should only be used to treat bacterial infections, as they are ineffective against viral infections like the common cold or flu.

Dosage

The dosage of Ceftin can vary depending on the specific type of infection being treated, the severity of the infection, the patient's age and weight, and other factors. The following dosages are general guidelines and may not be suitable for every situation:

Adults:

• Respiratory Tract Infections: The typical dosage for mild to moderate respiratory tract infections is 250 to 500 mg twice daily.
• Skin and Soft Tissue Infections: The usual dosage for skin and soft tissue infections is 250 to 500 mg twice daily.
• Urinary Tract Infections: For uncomplicated urinary tract infections, the typical dosage is 250 mg twice daily.

Children:

• Dosages for children are often based on their weight. Pediatric dosages should be determined by a pediatrician. Ceftin is available in oral suspension form, which makes dosing for children more convenient.

Lyme Disease:

• For the treatment of early Lyme disease, the recommended dosage is usually 500 mg twice daily for 20 days.

Always take Ceftin with food to enhance its absorption and reduce the chance of stomach upset.

Side Effects of Ceftin

Ceftin can cause various side effects, just like any other medication. Not everyone will experience these side effects, and their severity can vary from person to person. Here are some common and less common side effects:

Common Side Effects:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Stomach discomfort or pain
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Rash or itching
• Changes in taste

Less Common or Serious Side Effects (Contact your doctor if you experience these):

• Severe or persistent diarrhea
• Yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice)
• Dark urine
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Signs of an allergic reaction (rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, difficulty breathing)

In rare cases, antibiotics can lead to a type of severe diarrhea called Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD), which can be life-threatening. If you experience persistent or severe diarrhea during or after using Ceftin, it's important to contact your doctor.

Additionally, there is a risk of developing an allergic reaction to Ceftin or any other medication. If you experience symptoms such as rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing, seek medical attention immediately.

Interaction with other drugs

Ceftin can interact with other drugs, potentially affecting their effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects. Here are some potential interactions to be aware of:

• Probenecid: Probenecid can increase the levels of Cefuroxime in your body, potentially leading to higher chances of side effects.
• Oral Contraceptives: Medicine can potentially reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills. It's recommended to use alternative methods of contraception while taking Ceftin and for a short period afterward.
• Blood-Thinning Medications (Anticoagulants): Remedy may interact with blood-thinning medications like warfarin, potentially affecting blood clotting and increasing the risk of bleeding. Close monitoring of clotting times is advised if both medications are taken together.
• Aminoglycoside Antibiotics: There is a possibility of increased risk of kidney toxicity when Ceftin is used with certain aminoglycoside antibiotics.
• Loop Diuretics (e.g., Furosemide): Using this drug with loop diuretics may increase the risk of kidney problems, especially in patients with pre-existing kidney issues.
• Nephrotoxic Drugs: Combining Ceftin with other drugs that can affect kidney function may increase the risk of kidney damage.
• Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs): PPIs, which are used to reduce stomach acid, may decrease the absorption of Ceftin. Taking tablets with food can help mitigate this interaction.
• Live Bacterial Vaccines: Antibiotic may interfere with the effectiveness of live bacterial vaccines. It's generally recommended to avoid such vaccines while taking antibiotics.
• Methotrexate: There have been reports of increased levels of methotrexate (a medication used for autoimmune conditions and cancer) when taken with cefuroxime, leading to potential side effects of methotrexate.

What to avoid while on Ceftin

While taking Ceftin, there are certain things you should avoid to ensure the medication's effectiveness and to minimize the risk of potential interactions or side effects. Here are some things to consider:

• Alcohol: It's generally advisable to avoid alcohol while taking antibiotics. Alcohol consumption can potentially increase the risk of certain side effects and may interfere with your body's ability to fight the infection.
• Antacids or Acid-Reducing Medications: If you need to take antacids or medications that reduce stomach acid (like proton pump inhibitors or H2 blockers), try to avoid taking them within a few hours of taking Ceftin. These medications can interfere with the absorption of this medicament.
• Vitamin or Mineral Supplements: Certain minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, aluminum, and iron, can interact with Ceftin and reduce its absorption. If you're taking supplements, try to space them out from your doses by a few hours.
• Live Bacterial Vaccines: Cefuroxime can potentially reduce the effectiveness of live bacterial vaccines. It's generally recommended to avoid live vaccines while you're on antibiotics.
• Grapefruit Juice: Grapefruit juice can sometimes interact with medications, affecting their absorption and metabolism. While there isn't a well-documented interaction between Ceftin and grapefruit juice, it's a good practice to avoid consuming large amounts of grapefruit juice while on any medication.
• Driving and Operating Machinery: Some people may experience dizziness or other side effects while taking Ceftin. If you're affected, it's wise to avoid activities that require alertness, such as driving or operating heavy machinery.
• Sun Exposure: While there's no direct interaction between Ceftin and sunlight, certain antibiotics can increase the skin's sensitivity to the sun. If you notice increased sensitivity to sunlight or skin rash while on Ceftin, take appropriate precautions like using sunscreen and wearing protective clothing.
• Dairy Products: While dairy products themselves may not directly interact with Cefuroxime, they might be consumed with or around the time of taking the medication. This could potentially impact the absorption of this drug. To be safe, take your dose with food, but avoid dairy products close to the time of dosing.

Contraindications of Ceftin

Ceftin has certain contraindications, which are specific situations or conditions in which the use of the medication is not recommended due to the potential risks or lack of effectiveness. Here are some contraindications:

• Allergic Reaction: If you have had a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) or a serious hypersensitivity reaction to Ceftin, other cephalosporin antibiotics, or other beta-lactam antibiotics (such as penicillins), you should not take Ceftin.
• Allergic to Other Beta-Lactam Antibiotics: If you are allergic to other beta-lactam antibiotics (penicillins, cephalosporins, carbapenems), there may be an increased risk of cross-reactivity, and Ceftin should be used with caution or avoided.
• Cefuroxime Axetil-related Allergy: If you have had a previous allergic reaction specifically to cefuroxime axetil, you should not use this medication.
• Severe Kidney Dysfunction: If you have severe kidney impairment or end-stage renal disease and your kidneys are not effectively removing waste and drugs from your body, your doctor may need to adjust your dosage or consider an alternative treatment.
• Colitis and Gastrointestinal Diseases: Medicine should be used with caution in patients with a history of gastrointestinal diseases, particularly colitis, as antibiotics can sometimes exacerbate these conditions.
• Certain Anticoagulant Use: Use of Ceftin with certain anticoagulant medications (e.g., warfarin) may increase the risk of bleeding. Careful monitoring is required if both drugs need to be used together.
• History of Seizures: If you have a history of seizures or epilepsy, Ceftin should be used with caution, as it may potentially lower the seizure threshold.
• Infant Premature Babies: Antibiotic should be used with caution in premature infants, as their kidneys and other systems may not be fully developed.

Pregnancy and Ceftin

Ceftin is generally considered safe for use during pregnancy. However, as with any medication, it's important to weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks, especially during pregnancy.

Here's what you should know about using Cefuroxime during pregnancy:

• Category B Pregnancy Classification: Ceftin is classified as a Pregnancy Category B medication by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This means that animal studies have not shown any evidence of harm to the fetus, and there are no well-controlled human studies available.
• Urinary Tract Infections and Prenatal Care: Antibiotic is sometimes prescribed to treat urinary tract infections during pregnancy, as untreated infections can pose risks to both the mother and the developing fetus. Proper prenatal care and managing infections are crucial for a healthy pregnancy.
• Avoid Self-Medication: Never start or stop any medication during pregnancy. Self-medication can be risky, as some medications can have unexpected effects on pregnancy and fetal development.
• Breastfeeding: Ceftin is known to pass into breast milk in small amounts. While the amount is generally considered to be safe for breastfeeding infants, it's important to discuss with your doctor if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed while taking Ceftin.