Drugs & Vitamins

Zinacef Active Ingredients: Cefuroxime Sodium Injection   Representative Names: Kefurox, Zinacef What is cefuroxime injection? What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? How should I use this medicine? What if I miss a dose? What drug(s) may interact with cefuroxime? What side effects may I notice from receiving cefuroxime? What should I watch for while taking cefuroxime? Where can I keep my medicine? What is cefuroxime injection? (Back to top) CEFUROXIME (Kefurox®, Zinacef®) is a cephalosporin antibiotic. It treats many kinds of infections including those of the skin, respiratory tract, brain, blood, bone, and urinary tract. Cefuroxime also treats some sexually transmitted disease. Generic cefuroxime injections are available. What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top) They need to know if you have any of these conditions: •bleeding problems •kidney disease •stomach or intestinal problems (especially colitis) •other chronic illness •an unusual or allergic reaction to cefuroxime, other cephalosporin antibiotics, penicillin, penicillamine, other foods, dyes or preservatives •pregnant or trying to get pregnant •breast-feeding How should I use this medicine? (Back to top) Cefuroxime is for injection into a muscle or a vein, or for infusion into a vein. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Do not use your medicine more often than directed. Finish the full course prescribed by your prescriber or health care professional even if you think your condition is better. Do not stop using except on your prescriber's advice. Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. What if I miss a dose? (Back to top) If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses. What drug(s) may interact with cefuroxime? (Back to top) •other antibiotics •probenecid •water pills Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines. What side effects may I notice from receiving cefuroxime? (Back to top) Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: •difficulty breathing, wheezing •dizziness •fever or chills, sore throat •headache •reduced amount of urine •redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth •seizures (convulsions) •severe or watery diarrhea •skin rash, itching •swollen joints •unusual bleeding or bruising •unusual weakness or tiredness Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): •diarrhea •gas or heartburn •nausea, vomiting •vaginal itching What should I watch for while taking cefuroxime? (Back to top) Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms do not begin to improve in a few days. If you are diabetic you may get a false-positive result for sugar in your urine. Check with your prescriber or health care professional before you change your diet or the dose of your diabetic medicine. If you get severe or watery diarrhea, do not treat yourself. Call your prescriber or health care professional for advice. If you are being treated for a sexually transmitted disease, avoid sexual contact until you have finished your treatment. Having sex can infect your sexual partner. Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top) Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open. Store the dry powder for injection at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Follow the manufacturer's direction for the storage of injection solutions. Store the premixed frozen solution below —20 degrees C. Throw away any unused injection solution after 24 hours if stored at room temperature, or after 7 days if stored in a refrigerator between 2 and 8 degrees C (36 and 46 degrees F). Last Updated:09/05/2000 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY© GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.