Consumer Information for: CEFUROXIME FOR INJECTION, USP

Consumer Information

Information about the product including what the product is used for, dosage, warnings, proper use and side effects. This summary will not tell you everything about the product. Contact your healthcare professional if you have any questions about the product.


What the medication is used for

Cefuroxime for Injection, USP is used for the treatment of infections caused by certain bacteria in many different parts of the body.

Cefuroxime for Injection, USP can also be used to prevent infections, before and after surgery.

Antibacterial drugs like Cefuroxime for Injection, USP treat only bacterial infections. They do not treat viral infections.

What it does

Cefuroxime for Injection, USP is an antibiotic, which belongs to a class of drugs called cephalosporins. Cefuroxime for Injection, USP works by killing bacteria that cause infections in the body.

When it should not be used

You are allergic to cefuroxime or to cephalosporin antibiotics.

What the medicinal ingredient is

cefuroxime sodium

What the non-medicinal ingredients are

None

What dosage form it comes in

Sterile powder for injection: 750 mg / 15 mL, 1.5 g / 50 mL, 7.5 g / 100 mL

Warnings and precautions

To help avoid side effects and ensure proper use, talk to your healthcare professional before you take Cefuroxime for Injection, USP. Talk about any health conditions or problems you may have, including if you:

  • are allergic to or react badly to penicillins or other antibiotics.
  • have kidney problems, as your healthcare professional may reduce your dose.
  • have a history of bowel disease, particularly colitis.
  • are taking other antibiotics called aminoglycosides, such as streptomycin, neomycin, gentamicin and tobramycin.
  • are taking “water pills” or diuretics used to lower high blood pressure, such as furosemide and ethacrynic acid.
  • are having a urine test for sugar as Cefuroxime for Injection, USP can affect the results.
  • are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
  • are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. Cefuroxime for Injection, USP is passed into breast milk. Discuss whether you should breastfeed while taking Cefuroxime for Injection, USP with your health care professional.

Driving and using machines: Cefuroxime for Injection, USP can cause dizziness. Do not drive or operate machinery if you are feeling dizzy.

Tell your healthcare professional about all the medicines you take, including any drugs, vitamins, minerals, natural supplements or alternative medicines.

Interactions with this medication
  • Diuretics or “water pills” used to lower high blood pressure, such as furosemide and ethacrynic acid

Proper use of this medication
  • Cefuroxime for Injection, USP will be given to you by a healthcare professional who will inject it into a vein.
  • Although you may feel better early in treatment, Cefuroxime for Injection, USP should be used exactly as directed.
  • Misuse or overuse of Cefuroxime for Injection, USP could lead to the growth of bacteria that will not be killed by Cefuroxime for Injection, USP (resistance). This means that Cefuroxime for Injection, USP may not work for you in the future.
  • Do not share your medicine.

Usual Dose

Your healthcare professional will decide how much, how often and for how long you will receive Cefuroxime for Injection, USP.

Overdose

If you think you have been given too much Cefuroxime for Injection, USP, contact your healthcare professional, hospital emergency department or regional poison control centre immediately, even if there are no symptoms.

Missed Dose

If you miss an appointment to receive an injection of Cefuroxime for Injection, USP contact your healthcare professional as soon as possible.

Side effects and what to do about them

These are not all the possible side effects you may feel when taking Cefuroxime for Injection, USP. If you experience any side effects not listed here, contact your healthcare professional.

Side effects may include:

  • Drowsiness, feeling faint
  • Loose stool
  • Sweating
  • Pain and stiffness at the injection site

Cefuroxime for Injection, USP can cause abnormal blood test results. Your healthcare professional will decide when to perform blood tests and interpret the results. Also, tell any healthcare professionals you see before having blood work that you are taking Cefuroxime for Injection, USP as it may affect your results.

Serious side effects and what to do about them
Symptom / effect Talk to your healthcare professional Only if severe Talk to your healthcare professional In all cases Stop taking drug and get immediate medical help
RARE
Yeast infection of the skin: redness, burning and itching in the skin folds, commonly in the groin, under the breasts and in the arm pit   ✔  
Pseudomembranous colitis: watery, bloody diarrhea, mucus in the stool, abdominal cramps and pain, fever     ✔
VERY RARE
Allergic Reaction: wheeziness and tightness of chest, swelling of eyelids, face or lips, or develop skin lumps or hives, or a skin rash (red spots), high fever.     ✔
Skin Reaction: skin rash, which may blister, and looks like small targets (central dark spots surrounded by a paler area, with a dark ring around the edge), widespread rash with blisters and skin peeling on much of the body, particularly around the mouth, nose, eyes and genitals.     ✔
Heart palpitations: fast, slow or irregular heartbeat   ✔  
Kidney problems: decreased urination, nausea, vomiting, swelling of extremities, fatigue   ✔  
Liver problems: yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite   ✔  
Anemia: fatigue, loss of energy, weakness, shortness of breath   ✔  
Low levels of white blood cells: infection, fatigue, fever, aches, pain, flu-like symptoms   ✔  
Phlebitis: swelling of a vein near the injection site, with pain, tenderness, redness   ✔  
UNKNOWN
Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions (SCAR) (severe skin reactions that may also affect other organs):
  • Skin peeling, scaling, or blistering (with or without pus) which may also affect your eyes, mouth, nose or genitals, itching, severe rash, bumps under the skin, skin pain, skin color changes (redness, yellowing, purplish)
  • Swelling and redness of eyes or face
  • Flu-like feeling, fever, chills, body aches, swollen glands, cough
  • Shortness of breath, chest pain or discomfort
     ✔

If you have a troublesome symptom or side effect that is not listed here or becomes bad enough to interfere with your daily activities, talk to your healthcare professional.

How to store
  • Cefuroxime for Injection, USP will be stored by your healthcare professional at room temperature (15 °C and 30 °C) in a dry place, protected from light.
  • Keep out of reach and sight of children.

Reporting side effects

You can report any suspected side effects associated with the use of health products to Health Canada by:

NOTE: Contact your health professional if you need information about how to manage your side effects. The Canada Vigilance Program does not provide medical advice.

More information

If you want more information about Cefuroxime for Injection, USP:

  • Talk to your healthcare professional
  • Find the full product monograph that is prepared for healthcare professionals and includes this Patient Medication Information by visiting the Health Canada website (http://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada.html); or by calling Fresenius Kabi Canada Ltd., at 1-877-821-7724.

This leaflet was prepared by:
Fresenius Kabi Canada Ltd.
165 Galaxy Blvd, Suite 100
Toronto, ON M9W 0C8

Last Revised: April 17, 2020

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