Zinacef
Generic name: Cefuroxime Injection [ se-fyoor-OKS-eem ]
Drug class: Second generation cephalosporins
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 27, 2024.
Uses of Zinacef:
- It is used to treat or prevent bacterial infections.
What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Zinacef?
- If you have an allergy to cefuroxime or any other part of Zinacef (cefuroxime injection).
- If you are allergic to Zinacef (cefuroxime injection); any part of Zinacef (cefuroxime injection); or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
- If you are taking probenecid.
This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with Zinacef (cefuroxime injection).
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take Zinacef (cefuroxime injection) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.
What are some things I need to know or do while I take Zinacef?
- Tell all of your health care providers that you take Zinacef (cefuroxime injection). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
- Severe and sometimes deadly allergic side effects have rarely happened with drugs like this one.
- Have your blood work checked if you are on Zinacef (cefuroxime injection) for a long time. Talk with your doctor.
- If you have high blood sugar (diabetes) and test your urine glucose, talk with your doctor to find out which tests are best to use.
- This medicine may affect certain lab tests. Tell all of your health care providers and lab workers that you take Zinacef (cefuroxime injection).
- Do not use longer than you have been told. A second infection may happen.
- Birth control pills and other hormone-based birth control may not work as well to prevent pregnancy. Use some other kind of birth control also like a condom when taking Zinacef (cefuroxime injection).
- If you are 65 or older, use Zinacef (cefuroxime injection) with care. You could have more side effects.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby.
How is this medicine (Zinacef) best taken?
Use Zinacef (cefuroxime injection) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
- It is given as a shot into a muscle or as an infusion into a vein over a period of time.
- It may be given as a shot into a vein.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
- Call your doctor to find out what to do.
What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?
WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Any unexplained bruising or bleeding.
- Not able to pass urine or change in how much urine is passed.
- Feeling very tired or weak.
- Seizures.
- Vaginal itching or discharge.
- Hearing loss.
- Diarrhea is common with antibiotics. Rarely, a severe form called C diff–associated diarrhea (CDAD) may happen. Sometimes, this has led to a deadly bowel problem (colitis). CDAD may happen during or a few months after taking antibiotics. Call your doctor right away if you have stomach pain, cramps, or very loose, watery, or bloody stools. Check with your doctor before treating diarrhea.
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What are some other side effects of Zinacef?
All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:
- Upset stomach or throwing up.
- Diarrhea.
- Irritation where the shot is given.
These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
How do I store and/or throw out Zinacef?
- If you need to store Zinacef (cefuroxime injection) at home, talk with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about how to store it.
- Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
- Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
- If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
- Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
- Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about Zinacef (cefuroxime injection), please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
More about Zinacef (cefuroxime)
- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
- Side effects
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Drug class: second generation cephalosporins
- Breastfeeding
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