Ceftizoxime Side Effects

Brand Names: Cefizox , Cefizox

Please note - some side effects for Ceftizoxime 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).

Side Effects of Ceftizoxime - for the Consumer

Ceftizoxime

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 Ceftizoxime:

Fever; mild diarrhea; nausea; vomiting.

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); bloody stools; pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site; seizures; severe diarrhea; stomach cramps/pain; vaginal irritation or discharge; yellowing eyes and skin.

Side Effects by Body System

General

Adverse effects may be more likely or more severe in patients with renal and/or liver dysfunction.

Ceftizoxime is generally well-tolerated.

Hypersensitivity

A case of occupational contact dermatitis due to cephalosporin allergy has been reported in a nurse who prepared cephalosporin solutions for administration to patients. The dermatitis resolved after the nurse stopped preparing the solutions.

Hypersensitivity reactions including rash, pruritus, and fever have been reported in 1% to 5% of patients. Numbness and anaphylaxis have been reported in less than 1% of patients. Cephalosporin class antibiotics have been associated with anaphylaxis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, erythema multiforme, and toxic epidermal necrolysis.

Gastrointestinal

Gastrointestinal side effects have included diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting in less than 1% of patients. Pseudomembranous colitis has been reported in patients treated with cephalosporins. If diarrhea occurs and is unresponsive to discontinuation of the drug and/or standard therapy, pseudomembranous colitis should be considered.

Hematologic

Hematologic side effects have included transient eosinophilia, thrombocytosis, and positive Coombs' test in 1% to 5% of patients. Anemia, including occasionally fatal hemolytic anemia, leukopenia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia have been reported in less than 1% of patients. Cephalosporins as a class have been associated with aplastic anemia, hemolytic anemia, prolonged prothrombin time, hemorrhage, neutropenia, pancytopenia, and agranulocytosis.

Renal

Renal side effects have included transient elevations of BUN and creatinine (less than 1%). Interstitial nephritis has been reported with some cephalosporins, and presents as reversible fever, azotemia, pyuria, and eosinophiluria. Cephalosporins as a class have been associated with renal dysfunction and toxic nephropathy.

Hepatic

Hepatic side effects have included transient elevation of AST, ALT, and alkaline phosphatase in 1% to 5% of patients, and bilirubin increases in less than 1%. Cephalosporins as a class have been associated with hepatic dysfunction including cholestasis.

Nervous system

Nervous system side effects including seizures have been associated with some cephalosporins in renally impaired patients.

Local

Local side effects have included burning, cellulitis, phlebitis, pain, induration, tenderness, and paresthesia at the injection site in 1% to 5% of patients.

Genitourinary

Genitourinary side effects have included vaginitis (less than 1%).

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