Cefuroxime

1 medicine

Cefuroxime is a cephalosporin antibiotic used for respiratory, ear, sinus, skin, and urinary infections, and early Lyme disease. It must not be used by anyone with a history of severe allergic reaction to penicillins or cephalosporins.

Ceftin

Cefuroxime

250/500mg

Ceftin is a antibiotics medication containing Cefuroxime, available as 250/500mg tablets.

from $3.49 / tablet View

Key facts

  • Cefuroxime (sold as Cefuroxime and under various brand names) is a second-generation cephalosporin antibiotic, available as tablets, an oral suspension, and an injectable hospital form.
  • The oral tablet form must be taken with food; this roughly doubles how much of the dose your body absorbs compared with taking it on an empty stomach.
  • Do not take cefuroxime if you have had a severe allergic reaction, such as anaphylaxis or hives, to a penicillin or cephalosporin antibiotic.
  • Seek urgent care for facial or throat swelling, severe watery or bloody diarrhea, or a widespread rash.

What cefuroxime treats

Cefuroxime treats throat and sinus infections, middle-ear infections, bronchitis and other lower-respiratory infections, uncomplicated skin infections, and urinary tract infections caused by susceptible bacteria. It is also used as an alternative treatment for early Lyme disease. It does not treat colds, flu, or other viral illnesses.

How cefuroxime works

Cefuroxime blocks the proteins susceptible bacteria need to build their outer cell wall. Without an intact wall the bacteria cannot withstand internal pressure, so they break apart and die, letting your immune system clear the remaining infection.

Before you take it

  • Avoid cefuroxime if you have a history of severe penicillin or cephalosporin allergy.
  • Tell your prescriber about kidney disease, since the dose may need adjusting.
  • Antacids and acid-reducing medicines can lower absorption of the tablet form; take cefuroxime with food to maximize how much you absorb.
  • Cefuroxime can reduce the reliability of hormonal birth control; use a backup method during treatment.

Side effects

Common effects include diarrhea, nausea, headache, and mild rash.

Stop and seek urgent medical care for any of these:

  • Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, or hives with difficulty breathing.
  • Severe or bloody diarrhea, which can signal a serious gut infection (C. difficile colitis).
  • Yellowing of the skin or eyes, or a widespread blistering rash.

Safety essentials

  • Never take cefuroxime if you have had a severe reaction to any penicillin or cephalosporin; this cross-reaction risk is an absolute contraindication.
  • Always take the tablet form with food. On an empty stomach, absorption drops sharply and the infection may not clear.
  • Watery or bloody diarrhea can develop during treatment or for weeks afterward and needs prompt medical review rather than an over-the-counter remedy.

This page is educational and does not replace advice from a doctor or pharmacist who knows your health history.