Aksef

Drug name: Aksef

Other names used:

• Ceftin®
• Shincef®
• Zinnat®

Active Ingredients: cefuroxime

Therapeutic actions: Cefuroxime is a cephalosporin antibiotic. It works by interfering with the formation of the bacteria's cell wall so that the wall ruptures, resulting in the death of the bacteria.

Indications: This medicine is used for treating bacterial infections (sinus, skin, lung, urinary tract, ear, and throat). It may also be used to treat Lyme disease and gonorrhea.

Contraindications and cautions: Do NOT use Cefuroxime if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Cefuroxime or to any other cephalosporin antibiotic (eg, cephalexin, cefprozil)
• Cephalosporins, including cefuroxime axetil, should be given with caution to patients receiving concurrent treatment with potent diuretics because these diuretics are suspected of adversely affecting renal function.

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Use Cefuroxime as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Take Cefuroxime by mouth with or without food.
• Swallow Cefuroxime whole. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing.
• Cefuroxime works best if it is taken at the same time each day.
• To clear up your infection completely, take Cefuroxime for the full course of treatment. Keep taking it even if you feel better in a few days.
• If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose, and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Cefuroxime.

Adverse effects: All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

• Diarrhea/loose stools;
• nausea;
• vomiting.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); bloody stools; change in the amount of urine; dark urine; easy bruising or bleeding; fatigue; fever; seizures; severe diarrhea; stomach cramps/pain; vaginal irritation or discharge; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

Interactions:

• The tablet and oral suspension forms of Cefuroxime are not equivalent. Do not substitute one for the other.
• Cefuroxime only works against bacteria; it does not treat viral infections (eg, the common cold).
• Be sure to use Cefuroxime for the full course of treatment. If you do not, the medicine may not clear up your infection completely. The bacteria could also become less sensitive to this or other medicines. This could make the infection harder to treat in the future.
• Long-term or repeated use of Cefuroxime may cause a second infection. Tell your doctor if signs of a second infection occur. Your medicine may need to be changed to treat this.
• Diabetes patients - Cefuroxime may cause the results of some tests for urine glucose to be wrong. Ask your doctor before you change your diet or the dose of your Diabetes medicine.
• Hormonal birth control (eg, birth control pills) may not work as well while you are using Cefuroxime. To prevent pregnancy, use an extra form of birth control (eg, condoms).
• Lab tests, including liver function, kidney function, and complete blood cell count, may be performed while you use Cefuroxime. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Cefuroxime should not be used in CHILDREN younger than 3 months old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Cefuroxime while you are pregnant. Cefuroxime is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Cefuroxime.

Additional Information: DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS PRODUCT, as well as syringes and needles, if needed during treatment, out of the reach of children. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials.