Bacteria are single-celled living microorganisms, which thrives in diverse environments. This means to say that these organisms can live anywhere, may it be in soil, ocean, or inside a humans’ body —the gut.
The relationship of a human’s body and the bacteria is quite complicated since there are bacteria that help and lend us a helping hand like the lactobacilli (which helps in digestion). While on the other hand, are the destructive bacteria that cause illnesses like methicillin-resistant and pneumonia.
There are over 100 different kinds of antibiotics that are used as a treatment for bacterial infections. But there are those that are primary and is commonly used as a treatment which is composed of seven kinds.
Cefuroxime belongs to the seven main classes of antibiotics, which we would discuss for today’s medical information in regards to the treatment of bacterial infection through antibiotics. Thus, read thoroughly throughout the entire article to get the knowledge that you need concerning the said drug.
What is Cefuroxime?
So, what is Cefuroxime? Cefuroxime belongs to a class of cephalosporin antibiotic which function is to fight off the bacteria inside your body. The cephalosporins are a broad spectrum of antibiotics, which is similar to penicillin.
The cefuroxime works through the class cephalosporin, which has beta-lactam rings that interfere with the bacterial cell wall binding to the penicillin proteins, eventually leading to the bacteria cell’s lysis and death. Also, the medication is used to treat many kinds of bacterial infection that include severe and life-threatening forms.
Fast Facts for Cefuroxime
Here are the highlights that you need to know before absorbing all of the information that will be discussed further:
• Cefuroxime is an oral tablet that is available both as a generic drug and brand-name drug. It is available in all local pharmacies and can be purchased with a cefuroxime axetil coupon.
• Cefuroxime can also come as a liquid suspension which is also taken orally.
• This medication can also be used to treat certain infections that are caused by bacteria. The said infections include sinusitis, otitis media, pharyngitis, and bronchitis.
Important Information that You Need to Know
This information is one of the precautions when taking cefuroxime as a medication for the treatment of a bacterial infection. What you need to know before treating the infection with cefuroxime is that you should be wary whether you are allergic to the medicine or not.
Also, know if you have any reactions towards its similar antibiotics such as cefdinir (Omnicef), cephalexin (Keflex), and cefprozil (Cefzil).
Before Taking Cefuroxime
The first priority that your doctor or healthcare provider needs to know is whether you are allergic to the medicine or not.
Now, there are also other factors that you need to look out for before and during your medication with cefuroxime. Thus, to make sure cefuroxime is safe for you to consume as a treatment, then tell your doctor of the following if you have:
• Kidney or liver disease
• A history of gastrointestinal problem like colitis
• Diabetes
• Malnourished
• Pregnant
The liquid form of cefuroxime contains phenylalanine. Thus, you need to inform your doctor before you use this kind of form of cefuroxime if you have the PKU or phenylketonuria. Phenylketonuria is a metabolism inborn error which results in a decreased metabolism of phenylalanine.
If the PKU is left untreated, then it may result in intellectual disability, behavioral problems, mental disorders, and seizures. This also results in a musty smell and a lighter skin.
Additionally, for pregnant women, planning to get pregnant, and become pregnant during the treatment, although this drug is not expected to harm an unborn baby, it is best if you inform your doctor or healthcare provider about it.
Also, this drug can pass into breast milk and may harm your nursing baby. Thus, inform your doctor about this issue too.
Cefuroxime Side Effects
Cefuroxime tablets will not cause any drowsiness, so rest assured that you can take your medicine in the middle of the day while at work. However, like any other medicine, it can cause different side effects that you may experience during treatment.
The common side effects for this medication include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and the Jarisch/ Herxheimer reaction. The Jarisch reaction is a short-term reaction that is seen after antibiotic treatment for certain diseases. With this said, the symptoms might include some fever, muscle pain, and/or chill.
Now, remember that if the said symptoms are mild, then it may go away within a few days or weeks. However, if they are severe and serious, then immediately call for your doctor’s attention. Call 911 if necessary or if you feel like it is already life-threatening.
Allergic reactions are one of the severe or severe side effects of the medication, so you should look for the symptoms like hives, trouble breathing, or the swelling of your lips, throat, tongue, or face.
By Christine Simmons