Cefuroxime

Introduction

Written by Ashley Wong, PharmD
Medically reviewed by Elizabeth Scheffel, PharmD
Updated on November 29, 2023

Cefuroxime (se fyoor OKS eem) is a generic medication prescribed for certain bacterial infections in adults and some children. Cefuroxime belongs to a group of drugs called cephalosporins, which is a type of antibiotic.

This article doesn’t provide coupons for all forms of cefuroxime. To find coupons for cefuroxime injection, see this article.

Side effects of cefuroxime

Cefuroxime may cause mild or serious side effects. More common mild side effects of cefuroxime and its serious side effects are listed below. This article doesn’t include all possible side effects of the drug. Side effects can vary based on your age, overall health, and any other medications you take.

To learn more about cefuroxime’s side effects, ask your doctor or pharmacist. You can also refer to the prescribing information for cefuroxime listed in the “Resources” section.

Mild side effects

More common mild side effects reported with some forms of cefuroxime are listed below. These side effects may differ based on the form of cefuroxime you use.

This article doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. To learn more about cefuroxime’s side effects based on the form, refer to the prescribing information for cefuroxime listed in the “Resources” section.

With many drugs, mild side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If the side effects are bothersome, tell your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest ways to manage them.

The mild side effects of cefuroxime oral tablet include:

• diarrhea
• nausea
• vomiting
• Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction (temporary worsening of the symptoms of your infection)
• mild allergic reaction*

The mild side effects of cefuroxime injection† include:

• reactions at the injection site, such as pain, itchiness, or swelling
• thrombophlebitis (inflammation of a vein)
• diarrhea
• nausea
• mild allergic reaction*

* For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for cefuroxime” section.
† Cefuroxime is available as an injection that can be given into your muscle or vein.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects of cefuroxime are listed below. These side effects may differ based on the form of cefuroxime you use.

This article doesn’t include all possible serious side effects of the drug. To learn more about cefuroxime’s side effects based on the form, refer to the prescribing information for cefuroxime listed in the “Resources” section.

With many drugs, serious side effects are possible but not common. If you have serious side effects from this drug, call your doctor right away. If you’re having severe symptoms or a medical emergency, call 911 or a local emergency number.

In general, cefuroxime’s serious side effects include:

• Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD)
• severe allergic reaction*

* For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for cefuroxime” section.

Uses of cefuroxime

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as cefuroxime for certain conditions. Approved uses for cefuroxime are described below. These uses differ based on the form of cefuroxime prescribed.

Use for certain bacterial infections, including urinary tract infection (UTI)

Doctors may prescribe cefuroxime oral tablet or injection for treating certain bacterial infections. It’s used for this purpose in children ages 3 months and older and adults. It’s usually prescribed as a short-term treatment.

Bacterial infections occur when bacteria enter your body. Once inside, they multiply and grow. This causes you to feel ill or have symptoms of an infection. Symptoms vary depending on the type of bacteria that enters your body and the part of your body that has the infection. Doctors prescribe antibiotics to treat bacterial infections. Cefuroxime is a cephalosporin, which is a type of antibiotic.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved cefuroxime oral tablet to treat the following bacterial infections in children ages 13 years and older and adults:

• pharyngitis (sore throat)
• tonsillitis (tonsil infection)
• otitis media* (middle ear infection)
• sinusitis (sinus infection)
• chronic bronchitis flare up
• UTIs
• gonorrhea
• Lyme disease
• skin infections

* For otitis media, cefuroxime oral tablet may be prescribed for children younger than ages 13 years who can swallow tablets whole.

The FDA has approved cefuroxime injection to treat the following bacterial infections in children ages 3 months and older and adults:

• UTIs
• gonorrhea
• skin infections
• lower respiratory tract infections
• bloodstream infections
• meningitis
• bone infections
• joint infections

Cefuroxime can be injected into the body in various ways. A doctor can administer intravenous (IV) directly into a vein or can prepare cefuroxime with additional fluids and give it as an IV infusion over a few minutes. They can also inject it directly into a muscle as an intramuscular (IM) injection. IM injection is typically given in a large muscle, such as the outer part of the thigh.

Whether to give cefuroxime as an IM or IV injection depends on your doctor’s preference and other factors for treating an infection. For example, you may need an IV injection if the infection has reached your bloodstream. They may prefer giving IV cefuroxime if you’re at risk for developing shock (not enough blood to support your organs).

Doctors may not prescribe cefuroxime in certain situations, such as:

• infections that are not caused by bacteria
• infection caused by bacteria that can’t be treated effectively with cefuroxime

Common questions about cefuroxime

Below you’ll find answers to a few commonly asked questions about cefuroxime.

Can cefuroxime be taken for cough?

Possibly. But cefuroxime is only approved to treat certain infections caused by bacteria. It’s not approved to treat cough caused by a cold or the flu, which are typically viral infections.

Cefuroxime is approved to treat some conditions that cause cough. Examples include pharyngitis, chronic bronchitis flare-ups, and lower respiratory tract infections.

If you have questions about treatment options for cough, talk with your doctor.

How does cefuroxime work? And how long does it take to start working?

Cefuroxime works by stopping the bacteria from making a covering that protects them. Without this layer of protection, the bacterial cells die, and the infection clears.

Cefuroxime starts working right away after you take your first dose. But it can take a few days to start easing your symptoms. Cefuroxime oral tablets can take 7 days or longer to clear your infection, and cefuroxime injection can take 5 days or longer. Be sure to complete the cefuroxime dosage your doctor prescribes, even if you start to feel better before completing the dosage. If you stop the treatment early, your infection may worsen or return.

If you’d like to know more about this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Interactions and warnings for cefuroxime

Below, you’ll find information about cefuroxime’s possible interactions and warnings.

Interactions of cefuroxime

Certain things may affect how a drug works. These include getting vaccines, consuming alcohol or certain foods, or taking the drug with other medications. This effect is called a drug interaction.

Before you use cefuroxime, ask your doctor to check for possible interactions. Be sure to tell them about any of the following you take or use:

• prescription or over-the-counter drugs
• vitamins, herbs, or supplements

To learn about drug-condition interactions, see the “Warnings for cefuroxime” section below.

Warnings for cefuroxime

Some people should not use cefuroxime, and others should use it cautiously.

Cefuroxime could cause harm to people with certain health conditions. This effect is called a drug-condition interaction. Other factors can also affect whether cefuroxime is a safe option for you. These warnings may differ based on the form of cefuroxime you use.

Ask your doctor about specific warnings for cefuroxime, and be sure to tell your doctor about your:

• current health, including any allergies to medications
• past health conditions or surgeries

Allergic reaction

Cefuroxime can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Severe allergic reactions are rare but possible.

If you’ve had an allergic reaction to cefuroxime or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe cefuroxime. They can tell you about medications that are safer options for you.

A mild allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:

• skin rash
• itchiness
• flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)

A severe allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:

• severe skin rashes that may blister and peel
• swelling under your skin, usually in your hands, feet, eyelids, or lips
• swelling of your mouth, throat, or tongue, which can cause breathing problems

If you have an allergic reaction to cefuroxime, call your doctor right away. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number.

Overdose of cefuroxime

You should not use more cefuroxime than your doctor prescribes. For some drugs, doing so may lead to harmful effects or overdose.

If you think you’ve used too much cefuroxime, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have concerning symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.

Pregnancy or breastfeeding and cefuroxime

Information about cefuroxime and pregnancy and breastfeeding is described below.

Cefuroxime and pregnancy

It’s not known whether cefuroxime should be taken during pregnancy. If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before taking this medication.

Cefuroxime and breastfeeding

It’s not known whether cefuroxime should be taken while breastfeeding. If you’re breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before taking this medication.

What to ask your doctor

Let your doctor know if you have questions about cefuroxime or would like more details about it.

Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:

• How long do I need to take cefuroxime?
• Is it safe to take cefuroxime if I’m allergic to penicillin?
• How does cefuroxime compare with other antibiotics to treat my condition?

Resources

• Cefuroxime axetil tablets, for oral use. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/5f24bfa6-1730-40b8-bb05-93e5fb8ec0c1/spl-doc
• Cefuroxime for injection, USP. (2021). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/0a145288-733a-4966-b7ae-dc96eb103d8c/spl-doc
• Food and Drug Administration. (2023). Orange Book: Approved drug products with therapeutic equivalence evaluations. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/ob/index.cfm

Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.