Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Apo Cefuroxime.
Allergy: Before taking cefuroxime, tell your doctor about any adverse reactions you have had to medications, especially cefuroxime, cephalosporins, and penicillins. Some people who are allergic to penicillin may also be allergic to cephalosporins such as cefuroxime. If you have an allergic reaction, contact a doctor immediately.
Bacterial resistance: Misuse of an antibiotic such as cefuroxime may lead to the growth of resistant bacteria that will not be killed by the antibiotic. If this happens, the antibiotic may not work for you in the future. Although you may begin to feel better when you first start taking cefuroxime, you need to take all the medication exactly as directed by your doctor to finish ridding your body of the infection and to prevent resistant bacteria from growing. Do not take cefuroxime or other antibiotics to treat a viral infection such as The Common Cold; antibiotics do not kill viruses, and using them to treat viral infections can lead to the growth of resistant bacteria.
Blood cells: Rarely, cefuroxime may cause a faster breakdown of red blood cells, leading to a form of Anemia (hemolytic anemia). If you experience symptoms of anemia such as fatigue or lack of energy, pale skin, dizziness, or weakness, contact your doctor as soon as possible. If you are taking a blood test, let your doctor know that you are taking cefuroxime. Apo Cefuroxime may affect the results of blood tests.
If you have a history of anemia caused by cephalosporin antibiotics, this anemia can be much more severe. Discuss with your doctor how Apo Cefuroxime may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Apo Cefuroxime, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Diabetes: The suspension form of Apo Cefuroxime contains approximately 3 grams of sugar in each teaspoonful. If you have diabetes, it may affect your blood sugar control. If you have diabetes, discuss with your doctor how Apo Cefuroxime may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Apo Cefuroxime, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Diarrhea: People taking Apo Cefuroxime may develop diarrhea caused by an infection with the bacteria C. difficile. If you have loose, watery, and bloody bowel movements, with or without fever, or stomach cramps after taking cefuroxime, get medical attention as soon as possible. Diarrhea caused by C. difficile infection can lead to serious health problems if it is not properly treated.
Kidney function: Kidney Disease or reduced kidney function may cause Apo Cefuroxime to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have reduced kidney function or kidney disease, discuss with your doctor how Apo Cefuroxime may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Apo Cefuroxime, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Other infections: Use of cefuroxime for a long time may result in the overgrowth of organisms not affected by the medication, such as yeast, which can lead to other infections.
Phenylketonuria: People with phenylketonuria are not able to break down the amino acid phenylalanine, allowing it to build up in the body, causing harmful effects. The suspension form of Apo Cefuroxime contains aspartame, a sweetener that is a source of phenylalanine, and should not be used by people with phenylketonuria.
Stomach and bowel problems: If you have had stomach or bowel problems (especially colitis), discuss with your doctor how Apo Cefuroxime may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Apo Cefuroxime, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Pregnancy: Apo Cefuroxime should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Apo Cefuroxime, contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: Apo Cefuroxime passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking cefuroxime, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
