Cephalosporins (Systemic)

Side Effects of This Medicine

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Black, tarry stools; chest pain; chills; cough; fever; painful or difficult urination; shortness of breath; sore throat; sores, ulcers, or white spots on lips or in mouth; swollen glands; unusual bleeding or bruising (more common for cefamandole, cefoperazone, cefotetan and cefuroxime); unusual tiredness or weakness

Less common or rare

Abdominal or stomach cramps and pain (severe); abdominal tenderness; diarrhea (watery and severe, which may also be bloody); hives or welts, itching redness of skin, or skin rash; pain, redness and swelling at site of injection; peeling of skin; seizures

Note:

Some of these side effects also may occur up to several weeks after you stop taking this medicine.

Rare

Blistering, peeling, or loosening of skin; decrease in urine output; hearing loss (more common with cefuroxime treatment for meningitis); joint pain; loss of appetite, nausea, or vomiting (more common with ceftriaxone); red or irritated eyes; trouble in breathing; yellowing of the eyes or skin

Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome:

More common (less common with some cephalosporins)

Diarrhea (mild); headache; sore mouth or tongue; stomach cramps (mild); vaginal itching or discharge

Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.