About Cefuroxime 500 mg Tablet
Cefuroxime 500 mg Tablet contains Cefuroxime 500 mg. This is an antibiotic from the cephalosporin group, used to treat bacterial infections of the ear, nose, throat, chest, sinuses, urinary tract and skin. It does not work against viruses such as colds or flu. Finish the full course even if you feel better.
Uses of Cefuroxime 500 mg Tablet
- Throat, ear and sinus infections
- Chest infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia
- Urinary tract infections
- Skin and soft tissue infections
- Early Lyme disease
Benefits
In bacterial infections
It kills the bacteria causing the infection so your symptoms improve. Taking all the doses as prescribed helps clear the infection fully and lowers the chance of resistance.
Side effects
Most side effects are mild and settle as your body gets used to the medicine. Talk to your doctor if any of them bother you or do not go away.
Common
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- Headache
- Dizziness
Get medical help if you notice
- Severe or watery diarrhoea, or diarrhoea with blood or mucus — contact your doctor
- Skin blistering or peeling, or a widespread rash with fever — stop and get medical help
- Allergic reaction: rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or throat, or difficulty breathing — seek emergency care
How to use
Take it exactly as your doctor prescribed, at evenly spaced times. Take it after food, which helps the body absorb it better. Swallow the tablet whole; do not crush it. Complete the full course.
How it works
It stops bacteria from building their protective cell wall, which causes the bacteria to die.
Safety advice
Alcohol Safe
No interaction is known. Drinking is still best avoided while you are unwell.
Pregnancy Caution
It may be used in pregnancy when clearly needed. Take it only if your doctor prescribes it.
Breastfeeding Caution
Small amounts pass into breast milk. Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding; watch the baby for loose stools or thrush.
Driving Caution
It can cause dizziness in some people. Do not drive if you feel affected.
Kidney Caution
Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease; the dose may need to be changed.
Liver Consult your doctor
Limited information is available. Tell your doctor if you have liver disease.
If you miss a dose
If you miss a dose, take it when you remember. If it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Do not take two doses together.
Quick tips
- Take it after a meal.
- Complete the full course, even if you feel better.
- Tell your doctor if you are allergic to penicillin or any cephalosporin antibiotic.
- Do not take antacids or acid-reducing medicines at the same time unless your doctor says so.
Substitutes
Same salts in the same strength from other makers. Only switch brands on your doctor's or pharmacist's advice; our pharmacist checks every order against the prescription.
Fact box
- Chemical class
- Second-generation cephalosporin (beta-lactam)
- Therapeutic class
- Anti-infective
- Action class
- Cephalosporin antibiotic (cell wall synthesis inhibitor)
- Habit forming
- No
- Prescription
- Required
Interactions with other medicines
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin and herbal product you take.
| Medicine | What can happen |
|---|---|
| Antacids and acid-reducing medicines (such as ranitidine-type or proton pump inhibitors) | May reduce how much cefuroxime is absorbed |
| Probenecid | Raises cefuroxime levels in the blood |
| Warfarin | The blood-thinning effect may increase; extra blood tests may be needed |
| Oral contraceptive pills | Their effect may be reduced; ask your doctor about extra protection |
This page is general information to help you understand your medicine. It is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop or change a medicine on your own.
Written by the Asthra Health Care team from the approved prescribing information (Cefuroxime axetil prescribing information (CDSCO-approved labelling); NICE BNF: cefuroxime). Pharmacist review pending.