Cefuroxime

Cefuroxime is a second-generation cephalosporin antibiotic medicine available in Bangladesh under many brand names. Below are its uses, dosage, side effects and precautions — and all brands with their current prices.

• Throat, tonsil, and sinus infections
• Middle-ear infections
• Bronchitis and certain chest infections
• Urinary tract infections
• Skin and soft-tissue infections
• Early Lyme disease (in regions where it occurs)

The dose of Cefuroxime depends on the infection. A common adult dose is 250-500 mg twice daily for 5 to 10 days, depending on what is being treated. Take Cefuroxime tablets with or just after food, which improves absorption and helps the medicine work better.

Children's doses are based on body weight and must be set by a doctor; the suspension is also given with food. Take the doses about 12 hours apart, complete the whole course, and do not stop early even once you feel well.

Cefuroxime is usually well tolerated. Possible side effects include:

• Diarrhoea, nausea, or vomiting
• Abdominal discomfort or indigestion
• Headache or dizziness
• Skin rash and, with longer use, thrush

Rarely, it may cause serious allergic reactions or severe, persistent diarrhoea due to a bowel infection. Stop Cefuroxime and seek urgent medical attention if you notice facial or throat swelling, difficulty breathing, a spreading rash, or blood in your stools.

Cefuroxime is a prescription-only antibiotic — never self-medicate. Take it only when prescribed by a registered doctor, and never buy it over the counter or share it. Always complete the full prescribed course, even after your symptoms improve, because stopping early allows the strongest bacteria to survive and the infection to come back harder to treat.

Tell your doctor if you are allergic to penicillin or cephalosporins, or have kidney disease or bowel problems. Antibiotic resistance is a serious national crisis in Bangladesh, and unnecessary use of cephalosporins like Cefuroxime pushes us closer to infections that no longer respond to treatment.

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take. Important interactions with Cefuroxime include:

• Antacids and acid-reducing drugs (such as ranitidine or omeprazole) — can reduce absorption; separate the timing
• Probenecid — raises cefuroxime levels
• Warfarin — bleeding risk may increase
• Oral typhoid vaccine — may be less effective

Do not take Cefuroxime if you:

• Are allergic to cefuroxime or other cephalosporin antibiotics
• Have had a severe allergic reaction to penicillin

Use with caution and tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, a history of bowel disease (colitis), or are prone to allergies. Your doctor will judge whether Cefuroxime is appropriate for you.

Cefuroxime may be used in pregnancy when the doctor judges it necessary, as cephalosporins are generally considered among the safer antibiotics. Always tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy.

Small amounts pass into breast milk and it is usually considered compatible with breastfeeding, though the baby may occasionally have loose stools or thrush. Discuss breastfeeding with your doctor before taking Cefuroxime.

Store Cefuroxime in a cool, dry place below 30°C, away from direct sunlight and moisture, in its original pack. Reconstituted suspension for children should be kept as advised on the label and used within the stated time. Keep all forms out of children's reach and never use the medicine after the expiry date.