Ceftin Tablet: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Ceftin Tablet contains cefuroxime (cefuroxime axetil), a second generation cephalosporin antibiotic. It works by fighting bacteria in the body and is used to treat a range of bacterial infections, including throat, ear, sinus, skin, urinary tract infections, gonorrhea, and early Lyme disease. It will not work against viral infections such as the common cold or flu.

What is Ceftin Tablet

Ceftin is a cephalosporin antibiotic tablet that works by fighting bacteria in the body. It contains cefuroxime axetil.

Ceftin Tablet uses

• Throat or tonsil infections (pharyngitis/tonsillitis)
• Ear infections
• Sinus infections
• Bronchitis (chest infections)
• Skin or related tissue infections
• Bladder and urinary tract infections
• Gonorrhea
• Early Lyme disease

Benefits of Ceftin Tablet

• Helps clear susceptible bacterial infections.
• May relieve symptoms as the infection improves.
• Can reduce infection-related inflammation as bacteria are controlled.
• Supports recovery when used for the correct bacterial infection.

How Ceftin Tablet works

Ceftin stops bacteria from building their protective cell wall. Without this wall, the bacteria die, which helps clear the infection. It is also resistant to certain enzymes that bacteria use to destroy other antibiotics, making it effective against more types of bacteria.

Ceftin Tablet dosage

Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water; do not crush or chew it, since it has a strong, persistent bitter taste when crushed. Tablets may be taken with or without food, though taking with food can improve absorption and reduce stomach upset. Take the medicine at the same time each day to keep steady levels in your blood.

Complete the full course prescribed by your doctor, even if you feel better early, to prevent the infection from returning and reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance. If a child cannot swallow the tablet whole, tell your doctor, as a liquid form may be needed. This medicine will not work for viral infections such as the common cold or flu.

Available forms and strengths

• Tablet
• Oral suspension
• Injection

Side effects of Ceftin Tablet

Common

• Diarrhoea, loose stools, or nausea
• Vomiting
• Mild skin rash, hives, or itching
• Headache or dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Temporary increases in liver enzyme levels
• Vaginal itching or discharge
• Unusual or unpleasant taste in the mouth

Serious

• Severe watery or bloody diarrhea, even if it occurs months after your last dose
• Signs of a severe allergic reaction such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face or throat
• Severe skin reaction with fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, or a red/purple rash that spreads and blisters or peels
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
• Fever, chills, headache, or muscle pain
• Feeling light-headed like you might pass out
• Problems with hearing
• Seizures
• Kidney problems such as little or no urination, painful or difficult urination, or swelling in the feet or ankles
• Signs of blood disorders such as easy bruising or bleeding, persistent sore throat, or unusual tiredness

Warnings and precautions

Do not take this medicine if you have ever had a severe allergic reaction to any cephalosporin or penicillin antibiotic.

This medicine can make birth control pills less effective, which may lead to unplanned pregnancy; talk to your doctor about using another form of birth control during treatment.

Antibiotics like this one can cause diarrhea, which may signal a new infection. If you have watery or bloody diarrhea, call your doctor and do not take anti-diarrhea medicine unless your doctor tells you to.

This medicine can cause false results on certain medical tests, including urine glucose tests. Tell any doctor treating you that you are using this medicine.

Take this medicine for the full length of time your doctor prescribed, even if you start feeling better, since stopping early can let the infection come back and contribute to antibiotic resistance.

It is not known for certain how this medicine affects pregnancy. Talk to your doctor before taking it if you are pregnant.

This medicine passes into breast milk, so talk to your doctor before taking it while breastfeeding.

People with kidney problems may need a lower dose or a longer gap between doses, since this medicine is cleared from the body mainly by the kidneys.

Tell your doctor if you have liver disease, as this medicine can affect liver function and should be used with caution.

It isn't clearly known if alcohol affects this medicine, but heavy drinking can weaken your immune system and make it harder for your body to fight the infection. Some sources also suggest limiting alcohol as it may increase drowsiness.

This medicine may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how it affects you.

Storage

• Store the oral tablets at room temperature, away from moisture and heat
• Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use
• Keep the medicine away from direct light and moisture, and ensure it is well-sealed in its original packaging
• Keep this medication out of reach of children
• Check the expiry date before use and do not use it if it has expired

When to see a doctor

Get emergency help right away if you have signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as hives, trouble breathing, or swelling of the face or throat, or a severe skin reaction with fever, sore throat, burning eyes, or a rash that blisters and peels.

Call your doctor right away if you have severe stomach pain, watery or bloody diarrhea (even months after your last dose), yellowing of the skin or eyes, fever with chills and muscle pain, feeling faint, hearing problems, a seizure, or signs of kidney problems like little or no urination, swelling in the feet or ankles, or feeling very tired or short of breath.

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you've taken too much of this medicine, as overdose can cause seizures.

Alternatives

• Cefdinir
• Cefixime
• Cephalexin