Cefuroxime (Injection)

Cefuroxime (se-fyoor-OX-eem)

Treats or prevents infections caused by bacteria. This medicine is a cephalosporin antibiotic.

Brand Name(s):

Zinacef
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to cefuroxime or any other cephalosporin antibiotic, such as cefaclor (Ceclor®), cefadroxil (Duricef®), or cephalexin (Keflex®).

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot into a muscle or a vein.
• A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine. It may also be given by a home health caregiver.
• You may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• You will be shown the body areas where this shot can be given. Use a different body area each time you give yourself a shot. Keep track of where you give each shot to make sure you rotate body areas.
• Use a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine.
• Keep using this medicine for the full treatment time, even if you feel better after the first few doses. Your infection may not clear up if you stop using the medicine too soon.
• Never share your medicine with anyone.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose.
• Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• If you store this medicine at home, keep the liquid medicine at room temperature, away from heat and direct light, for 24 hours or in the refrigerator for 48 hours. Sometimes this medicine can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 7 days, but you must ask your health care provider about this. Store the frozen medicine in the freezer. After the medicine has thawed, keep it at room temperature for 24 hours or in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. Do not freeze the medicine again after it has thawed.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
• Throw away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.
• Keep all medicine away from children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using probenecid (Benemid®), diuretics or "water pills" (such as furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, Aldactazide®, Aldactone®, Dyazide®, Hyzaar®, Lasix®, Maxzide®, Moduretic®), other antibiotics such as streptomycin or neomycin, or a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, if you are allergic to penicillin or any other drugs, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, or a history of colitis or other digestive problems.
• This medicine may affect the results of some glucose tests. If you have diabetes, ask your doctor about testing your glucose levels while you are using this medicine.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse, call your doctor.
• Your doctor may need to check your blood or urine at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness in chest, trouble breathing
• Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
• Seizures
• Severe diarrhea (watery or bloody) (may happen after you have stopped using this medicine)
• Swelling, pain, or redness where your IV needle is placed

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Mild diarrhea or nausea
• Vaginal itching or discharge

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.