What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking Cefuroxime:
Please tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, a gastrointestinal (digestive) disease such as colitis, or have an inherited protein metabolism disorder called phenylketonuria. You may not be able to take cefuroxime, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have either of the conditions listed above.
Do not take cefuroxime at the same time as antacids (e.g., Tums®, Maalox®, Rolaids®, others) or other medications taken to reduce stomach acid such as cimetidine (Tagamet®, Tagamet HB®, others), famotidine (Pepcid®, Pepcid AC®, Pepcid RPD®, others), ranitidine (Zantac®, others), or nizatidine (Axid®, others) unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Antacids and stomach acid reducers may reduce the effects of cefuroxime.
Certain brands of cefuroxime suspension and cefuroxime suspension sachets have aspartame (a source of phenylalanine) in them and should not be used by anyone with the inherited protein metabolism disorder called phenylketonuria. Talk to your doctor if you have phenylketonuria or have a family history of phenylketonuria.
Furthermore, do not take this medicine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to another cephalosporin or to a penicillin unless your doctor is aware of the allergy and monitors your therapy.
The cefuroxime (Ceftin®) suspension contains sucrose. Individuals with diabetes may need to be aware of the sucrose contained in this suspension.
Additionally, cefuroxime is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not, however, take cefuroxime without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
So too, this medicine passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Why is this medication prescribed?
Dosage and using this medicine
What should I do if I forget a dose?
What side effects can this medication cause?