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Side Effects > Ceftin

Ceftin Side Effects

Generic Name: Cefuroxime

Please note - some side effects for Ceftin may not be reported. Always consult your doctor or healthcare specialist for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/ or 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088).


For the consumer

For the professional

Side Effects of Ceftin - for the consumer


Ceftin

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Ceftin:

Diarrhea/loose stools; nausea; vomiting.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Ceftin:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); bloody stools; change in the amount of urine; dark urine; easy bruising or bleeding; fatigue; fever; seizures; severe diarrhea; stomach cramps/pain; vaginal irritation or discharge; yellowing of the skin or eyes.


Ceftin Suspension

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Ceftin Suspension:

Diarrhea; headache; loose stools; nausea; vomiting.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Ceftin Suspension:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); bloody stools; change in the amount of urine; dark urine; easy bruising or bleeding; fatigue; fever; seizures; severe diarrhea; stomach cramps/pain; vaginal irritation or discharge; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

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For the professional


Ceftin

Ceftin TABLETS IN CLINICAL TRIALS

Multiple-Dose Dosing Regimens

7 to 10 Days Dosing

Using multiple doses of cefuroxime axetil tablets, 912 patients were treated with cefuroxime axetil (125 to 500 mg twice daily). There were no deaths or permanent disabilities thought related to drug toxicity. Twenty (2.2%) patients discontinued medication due to adverse events thought by the investigators to be possibly, probably, or almost certainly related to drug toxicity. Seventeen (85%) of the 20 patients who discontinued therapy did so because of gastrointestinal disturbances, including diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. The percentage of cefuroxime axetil tablet-treated patients who discontinued study drug because of adverse events was very similar at daily doses of 1,000, 500, and 250 mg (2.3%, 2.1%, and 2.2%, respectively). However, the incidence of gastrointestinal adverse events increased with the higher recommended doses.

The following adverse events were thought by the investigators to be possibly, probably, or almost certainly related to cefuroxime axetil tablets in multiple-dose clinical trials (n = 912 cefuroxime axetil-treated patients).

Multiple-Dose Dosing Regimens—Clinical Trials

Table 4. Adverse Reactions—Ceftin Tablets

Incidence ≥1%

Diarrhea/loose stools 3.7%

Nausea/vomiting 3.0%

Transient elevation in AST 2.0%

Transient elevation in ALT 1.6%

Eosinophilia 1.1%

Transient elevation in LDH 1.0%

Incidence

<1% but >0.1%

Abdominal pain

Abdominal cramps

Flatulence

Indigestion

Headache

Vaginitis

Vulvar itch

Rash

Hives

Itch

Dysuria

Chills

Chest pain

Shortness of breath

Mouth ulcers

Swollen tongue

Sleepiness

Thirst

Anorexia

Positive Coombs test

5-Day Experience

In clinical trials using Ceftin in a dose of 250 mg twice daily in the treatment of secondary bacterial infections of acute bronchitis, 399 patients were treated for 5 days and 402 patients were treated for 10 days. No difference in the occurrence of adverse events was found between the 2 regimens.

In Clinical Trials for Early Lyme Disease With 20 Days Dosing

Two multicenter trials assessed cefuroxime axetil tablets 500 mg twice a day for 20 days. The most common drug-related adverse experiences were diarrhea (10.6% of patients), Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction (5.6%), and vaginitis (5.4%). Other adverse experiences occurred with frequencies comparable to those reported with 7 to 10 days dosing.

Single-Dose Regimen for Uncomplicated Gonorrhea

In clinical trials using a single dose of cefuroxime axetil tablets, 1,061 patients were treated with the recommended dosage of cefuroxime axetil (1,000 mg) for the treatment of uncomplicated gonorrhea. There were no deaths or permanent disabilities thought related to drug toxicity in these studies.

The following adverse events were thought by the investigators to be possibly, probably, or almost certainly related to cefuroxime axetil in 1,000-mg single-dose clinical trials of cefuroxime axetil tablets in the treatment of uncomplicated gonorrhea conducted in the United States.

1-g Single­Dose Regimen for Uncomplicated Gonorrhea—Clinical Trials

Table 5. Adverse Reactions—Ceftin Tablets

Incidence ≥1%

Nausea/vomiting 6.8%

Diarrhea 4.2%

Incidence

<1% but >0.1%

Abdominal pain

Dyspepsia

Erythema

Rash

Pruritus

Vaginal candidiasis

Vaginal itch

Vaginal discharge

Headache

Dizziness

Somnolence

Muscle cramps

Muscle stiffness

Muscle spasm of neck

Tightness/pain in chest

Bleeding/pain in urethra

Kidney pain

Tachycardia

Lockjaw­type reaction

Ceftin FOR ORAL SUSPENSION IN CLINICAL TRIALS

In clinical trials using multiple doses of cefuroxime axetil powder for oral suspension, pediatric patients (96.7% of whom were younger than 12 years of age) were treated with the recommended dosages of cefuroxime axetil (20 to 30 mg/kg/day divided twice a day up to a maximum dose of 500 or 1,000 mg/day, respectively). There were no deaths or permanent disabilities in any of the patients in these studies. Eleven US patients (1.2%) discontinued medication due to adverse events thought by the investigators to be possibly, probably, or almost certainly related to drug toxicity. The discontinuations were primarily for gastrointestinal disturbances, usually diarrhea or vomiting. During clinical trials, discontinuation of therapy due to the taste and/or problems with administering this drug occurred in 13 (1.4%) pediatric patients enrolled at centers in the United States.

The following adverse events were thought by the investigators to be possibly, probably, or almost certainly related to cefuroxime axetil for oral suspension in multiple-dose clinical trials (n = 931 cefuroxime axetil-treated US patients).

Multiple­Dose Dosing Regimens—Clinical Trials

Table 6. Adverse Reactions—Ceftin for Oral Suspension

Incidence ≥1%

Diarrhea/loose stools 8.6%

Dislike of taste 5.0%

Diaper rash 3.4%

Nausea/vomiting 2.6%

Incidence

<1% but >0.1%

Abdominal pain

Flatulence

Gastrointestinal infection

Candidiasis

Vaginal irritation

Rash

Hyperactivity

Irritable behavior

Eosinophilia

Positive direct Coombs test

Elevated liver enzymes

Viral illness

Upper respiratory infection

Sinusitis

Cough

Urinary tract infection

Joint swelling

Arthralgia

Fever

Ptyalism

CEPHALOSPORIN-CLASS ADVERSE REACTIONS

In addition to the adverse reactions listed above that have been observed in patients treated with cefuroxime axetil, the following adverse reactions and altered laboratory tests have been reported for cephalosporin-class antibiotics: toxic nephropathy, aplastic anemia, hemorrhage, increased BUN, increased creatinine, false-positive test for urinary glucose, increased alkaline phosphatase, neutropenia, elevated bilirubin, and agranulocytosis.

Several cephalosporins have been implicated in triggering seizures, particularly in patients with renal impairment when the dosage was not reduced. If seizures associated with drug therapy occur, the drug should be discontinued. Anticonvulsant therapy can be given if clinically indicated.

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Ceftin Tablets, oral suspension

Ceftin TABLETS IN CLINICAL TRIALS

Multiple-Dose Dosing Regimens

7 to 10 Days Dosing

Using multiple doses of cefuroxime axetil tablets, 912 patients were treated with cefuroxime axetil (125 to 500 mg twice daily). There were no deaths or permanent disabilities thought related to drug toxicity. Twenty (2.2%) patients discontinued medication due to adverse events thought by the investigators to be possibly, probably, or almost certainly related to drug toxicity. Seventeen (85%) of the 20 patients who discontinued therapy did so because of gastrointestinal disturbances, including diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. The percentage of cefuroxime axetil tablet-treated patients who discontinued study drug because of adverse events was very similar at daily doses of 1,000, 500, and 250 mg (2.3%, 2.1%, and 2.2%, respectively). However, the incidence of gastrointestinal adverse events increased with the higher recommended doses.

The following adverse events were thought by the investigators to be possibly, probably, or almost certainly related to cefuroxime axetil tablets in multiple-dose clinical trials (n = 912 cefuroxime axetil-treated patients).

Table 4. Adverse Reactions—Ceftin Tablets Multiple-Dose Dosing Regimens—Clinical Trials

Incidence ≥1%

Diarrhea/loose stools 3.7%

Nausea/vomiting 3.0%

Transient elevation in AST 2.0%

Transient elevation in ALT 1.6%

Eosinophilia 1.1%

Transient elevation in LDH 1.0%

Incidence

<1% but >0.1%

Abdominal pain

Abdominal cramps

Flatulence

Indigestion

Headache

Vaginitis

Vulvar itch

Rash

Hives

Itch

Dysuria

Chills

Chest pain

Shortness of breath

Mouth ulcers

Swollen tongue

Sleepiness

Thirst

Anorexia

Positive Coombs test

5-Day Experience

In clinical trials using Ceftin in a dose of 250 mg twice daily in the treatment of secondary bacterial infections of acute bronchitis, 399 patients were treated for 5 days and 402 patients were treated for 10 days. No difference in the occurrence of adverse events was found between the 2 regimens.

In Clinical Trials for Early Lyme Disease With 20 Days Dosing

Two multicenter trials assessed cefuroxime axetil tablets 500 mg twice a day for 20 days. The most common drug-related adverse experiences were diarrhea (10.6% of patients), Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction (5.6%), and vaginitis (5.4%). Other adverse experiences occurred with frequencies comparable to those reported with 7 to 10 days dosing.

Single-Dose Regimen for Uncomplicated Gonorrhea

In clinical trials using a single dose of cefuroxime axetil tablets, 1,061 patients were treated with the recommended dosage of cefuroxime axetil (1,000 mg) for the treatment of uncomplicated gonorrhea. There were no deaths or permanent disabilities thought related to drug toxicity in these studies.

The following adverse events were thought by the investigators to be possibly, probably, or almost certainly related to cefuroxime axetil in 1,000-mg single-dose clinical trials of cefuroxime axetil tablets in the treatment of uncomplicated gonorrhea conducted in the United States.

Table 5. Adverse Reactions—Ceftin Tablets 1-g Single­Dose Regimen for Uncomplicated Gonorrhea—Clinical Trials

Incidence ≥1%

Nausea/vomiting 6.8%

Diarrhea 4.2%

Incidence

<1% but >0.1%

Abdominal pain

Dyspepsia

Erythema

Rash

Pruritus

Vaginal candidiasis

Vaginal itch

Vaginal discharge

Headache

Dizziness

Somnolence

Muscle cramps

Muscle stiffness

Muscle spasm of neck

Tightness/pain in chest

Bleeding/pain in urethra

Kidney pain

Tachycardia

Lockjaw­type reaction

Ceftin FOR ORAL SUSPENSION IN CLINICAL TRIALS

In clinical trials using multiple doses of cefuroxime axetil powder for oral suspension, pediatric patients (96.7% of whom were younger than 12 years of age) were treated with the recommended dosages of cefuroxime axetil (20 to 30 mg/kg/day divided twice a day up to a maximum dose of 500 or 1,000 mg/day, respectively). There were no deaths or permanent disabilities in any of the patients in these studies. Eleven US patients (1.2%) discontinued medication due to adverse events thought by the investigators to be possibly, probably, or almost certainly related to drug toxicity. The discontinuations were primarily for gastrointestinal disturbances, usually diarrhea or vomiting. During clinical trials, discontinuation of therapy due to the taste and/or problems with administering this drug occurred in 13 (1.4%) pediatric patients enrolled at centers in the United States.

The following adverse events were thought by the investigators to be possibly, probably, or almost certainly related to cefuroxime axetil for oral suspension in multiple-dose clinical trials (n = 931 cefuroxime axetil-treated US patients).

Table 6. Adverse Reactions—Ceftin for Oral Suspension Multiple­Dose Dosing Regimens—Clinical Trials

Incidence ≥1%

Diarrhea/loose stools 8.6%

Dislike of taste 5.0%

Diaper rash 3.4%

Nausea/vomiting 2.6%

Incidence

<1% but >0.1%

Abdominal pain

Flatulence

Gastrointestinal infection

Candidiasis

Vaginal irritation

Rash

Hyperactivity

Irritable behavior

Eosinophilia

Positive direct Coombs test

Elevated liver enzymes

Viral illness

Upper respiratory infection

Sinusitis

Cough

Urinary tract infection

Joint swelling

Arthralgia

Fever

Ptyalism

POSTMARKETING EXPERIENCE WITH Ceftin PRODUCTS

In addition to adverse events reported during clinical trials, the following events have been identified during clinical practice in patients treated with Ceftin Tablets or with Ceftin for Oral Suspension and were reported spontaneously. Data are generally insufficient to allow an estimate of incidence or to establish causation.

General

The following hypersensitivity reactions have been reported: anaphylaxis, angioedema, pruritus, rash, serum sickness-like reaction, urticaria.

Gastrointestinal

Pseudomembranous colitis.

Hematologic

Hemolytic anemia, leukopenia, pancytopenia, thrombocytopenia, and increased prothrombin time.

Hepatic

Hepatic impairment including hepatitis and cholestasis, jaundice.

Neurologic

Seizure.

Skin

Erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis.

Urologic

Renal dysfunction.

CEPHALOSPORIN-CLASS ADVERSE REACTIONS

In addition to the adverse reactions listed above that have been observed in patients treated with cefuroxime axetil, the following adverse reactions and altered laboratory tests have been reported for cephalosporin-class antibiotics: toxic nephropathy, aplastic anemia, hemorrhage, increased BUN, increased creatinine, false-positive test for urinary glucose, increased alkaline phosphatase, neutropenia, elevated bilirubin, and agranulocytosis.

Several cephalosporins have been implicated in triggering seizures, particularly in patients with renal impairment when the dosage was not reduced. If seizures associated with drug therapy occur, the drug should be discontinued. Anticonvulsant therapy can be given if clinically indicated.

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More resources:

Drugs.com Ceftin

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Micromedex Cefuroxime - Includes detailed dosage instructions.

Micromedex Ceftin - Includes detailed dosage instructions.

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FDA Ceftin

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