Category- Allopathy
Medicine Highlights
| Uses | 1. To treat chest infections such as pneumonia and bronchitis. 2. To treat sinus infections (sinusitis). 3. To treat throat infections like tonsillitis or pharyngitis. 4. To treat ear infections (otitis media). 5. To treat urinary tract infections (UTIs), including kidney infections. 6. To treat skin and soft tissue infections, like infected wounds or cellulitis. |
| Common Side Effects | 1. Nausea or vomiting 2. Diarrhea or loose stools 3. Stomach pain or upset stomach 4. Headache 5. Dizziness 6. Skin rash or itching |
| Additional Information | This medicine should only be used under medical supervision. |
| Storage | 1- The medicine should be stored at room temperature 2- Keep away from sunlight and moisture 3- Keep away from the reach of children |
| How to Take This Medicine | This medicine is meant to be taken by orally. |
Cefuroxime Uses
Cefuroxime is an antibiotic medicine that belongs to the class of cephalosporins. It is used to kill bacteria and treat symptoms of conditions like:
- Chest infections such as pneumonia and bronchitis
- Sinus infections (sinusitis)
- Throat infections like tonsillitis or pharyngitis
- Ear infections (otitis media)
- Urinary tract and kidney infections
- Skin and soft tissue infections, like infected wounds or cellulitis
Directions for use
- Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, at the same time each day.
- Do not stop taking this medicine without your doctor’s approval, even if you feel better.
- If you forget to take this medicine, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose.
Cefuroxime side effects
More Common
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea or loose stools
- Stomach pain or upset stomach
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Skin rash or itching
Less Common
- Severe allergic reactions (swelling, difficulty breathing, severe rash)
- Severe diarrhea caused by Clostridium difficile (infection in the gut)
- Liver problems (yellowing of skin or eyes)
- Blood-related issues (unusual bruising or bleeding)
How Cefuroxime works
Cefuroxime works by attacking the bacteria’s cell wall. It stops the bacteria from building a strong outer wall, which is essential for their survival. Without this wall, the bacteria burst and die, helping the body fight the infection.
Safety Measures and Warning
Allergy Warning
Avoid Cefuroxime if you are allergic to cefuroxime or other cephalosporin antibiotics. Taking it may cause severe allergic reactions like swelling, breathing difficulty, or dangerous rashes. Inform your doctor about any past drug allergies.
Severe Kidney Problems
Use Cefuroxime with caution if you have severe kidney disease. The medicine may build up in the body and cause side effects. Tell your doctor about any kidney-related conditions so the dose can be adjusted properly.
History of Severe Allergic Reactions or Anaphylaxis
Avoid Cefuroxime if you have had severe allergic reactions to penicillin or other beta-lactam antibiotics, as cross-reactions may occur. Always inform your doctor before starting treatment.
Cefuroxime Interaction with Food Product
Cefuroxime can be taken with or without food but taking it with milk or dairy products may slightly reduce how well the medicine is absorbed. To get the best effect, try to take it with water and avoid high-calcium foods or supplements at the same time.
Cefuroxime Interaction with Other Medicines
Avoid taking Cefuroxime with the following medicines, as it may increase or decrease the desired effect, or in worse cases, it could be fatal:
Cefuroxime Chemical Structure
IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry) / Chemical name
Cefuroxime: (6R,7R)-3-(carbamoyloxymethyl)-7-[[(2Z)-2-(furan-2-yl)-2-methoxyiminoacetyl]amino]-8-oxo-5-thia-1-azabicyclo[4.2.0]oct-2-ene-2-carboxylic acid
Intake routine/cycle
Daily dose
Take Cefuroxime exactly as your doctor recommends. The dose may change based on your condition and how well you respond. Do not take more than prescribed without consulting your doctor.
Missed Dose
If you forget to take your medicine, take the medication as soon as you remember. If it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule. Always consult the doctor before making any changes to your dosage.
Overdose
It is not recommended to take more than 1 gram of Cefuroxime per day. Overdose may cause tremors, chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeat, nervousness, dizziness, headache, muscle cramps, or high blood pressure. In case of any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical help.
Storage
- Store the medicine at room temperature
- Keep away from sunlight and moisture
- Keep out of reach of children
Cefuroxime Summary
Cefuroxime is an antibiotic that belongs to the cephalosporin class of drugs. It is used to treat bacterial infections such as chest infections (pneumonia, bronchitis), sinus infections, throat infections (tonsillitis, pharyngitis), ear infections, urinary tract and kidney infections, and skin or soft tissue infections. It works by attacking the bacteria’s cell wall, causing the bacteria to burst and die. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, headache, dizziness, or mild skin rash. Rare but serious side effects may include severe allergic reactions, severe diarrhea from gut infection, liver problems, or unusual bruising or bleeding.
Cefuroxime should not be taken by people allergic to cephalosporins or with a history of severe allergic reactions to penicillin. It is generally considered safe in pregnancy if prescribed by a doctor. Take it with water and avoid milk, dairy, or high-calcium foods at the same time to ensure it works effectively. Always inform your doctor about allergies, medical history, or pregnancy before taking this medicine.
FAQ’s
What are the uses of Cefuroxime?
Cefuroxime is an antibiotic used to treat different bacterial infections in the body. It helps with chest infections like pneumonia and bronchitis, sinus infections, throat infections such as tonsillitis or pharyngitis, ear infections, urinary tract and kidney infections, and skin or soft tissue infections like infected wounds.
What are the side effects of Cefuroxime?
Cefuroxime may cause some common side effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, headache, dizziness, or mild skin rash. Rare but serious side effects can include severe allergic reactions, severe diarrhea caused by gut infection, liver problems (yellowing of skin or eyes), or unusual bruising and bleeding. If any serious symptoms appear, contact your doctor immediately.
How does Cefuroxime work?
Cefuroxime works by attacking the bacteria’s cell wall. It stops the bacteria from making a strong outer wall, which is essential for their survival. Without this wall, the bacteria burst and die, helping the body fight the infection.
Reference
- Cefuroxime Dosage Guide + Max Dose, Adjustments [Internet]. Drugs.com. Available from
- Omole AE, Awosika AO, Patel P. Cefuroxime [Internet]. PubMed. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024. Available from
- PubChem. Cefuroxime [Internet]. Nih.gov. PubChem; 2025 [cited 2025 Dec 10]. Available from
Authors
Pranathi is a final year Pharm D student at Chalapathi Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences. She loves learning and applying her knowledge in pharmacy and has a passion for writing, which allows her to express ideas clearly and creatively. She enjoys combining her technical skills with her love for writing and communication to make a meaningful impact. Currently she is working on a research paper about “Consanguineous marriages and its impact on children’s health” which will be published by the end of 2025.