cefuroxime (as axetil)
Consumer Medicine Information
What is in this leaflet?
Please read this leaflet carefully before you take PHARMACOR CEFUROXIME tablets.
This leaflet answers some common questions about PHARMACOR CEFUROXIME. It does not contain all of the available information.
It does not take the place of talking to your doctor or pharmacist.
All medicines have risks and benefits. Your doctor has weighed the expected benefits of you taking PHARMACOR CEFUROXIME against the risks this medicine could have for you.
If you have any concerns about taking this medicine, ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
Keep this leaflet with the medicine. You may need to read it again.
What PHARMACOR CEFUROXIME is used for
PHARMACOR CEFUROXIME works by killing bacteria (germs) that cause infections such as infections of the:
- ear, nose and throat
- lungs or chest
- urinary tract
- skin and soft tissues
PHARMACOR CEFUROXIME is also used to treat sexually transmitted infections (urethritis and cervictis)
PHARMACOR CEFUROXIME belongs to a group of medicines called cephalosporin antibiotics.
PHARMACOR CEFUROXIME is not addictive.
Before you take PHARMACOR CEFUROXIME tablets
Do not take if
You must not take PHARMACOR CEFUROXIME tablets if:
- you have ever had an allergic reaction to cefuroxime, penicillin or any of the ingredients listed toward the end of this leaflet. (See Ingredients)
- the expiry date (EXP) printed on the pack has passed.
- the packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering.
Tell your doctor if:
You must tell your doctor if:
- you are allergic to foods, dyes, preservatives or any other medicines.
- you have had to stop taking another medicine for your infection.
- you test your urine for sugar. PHARMACOR CEFUROXIME tablets may interfere with some urine tests.
- you have kidney problems.
- you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or are breastfeeding.
- you are taking any other medicines, including medicines you buy without a prescription.
- you need a blood test. PHARMACOR CEFUROXIME can affect the results of a test for blood sugar levels, or a blood screen called the Coombs test.
- you are taking the contraceptive pill. PHARMACOR CEFUROXIME may reduce how well the ceontraceptive pill works.
How to use PHARMACOR CEFUROXIME
Take your complete course of tablets as your doctor has prescribed. Do not stop just because you feel better, as the medicine may not have killed all the germs and you may start feeling unwell again.
How much to take
Take PHARMACOR CEFUROXIME tablets as directed by your doctor or pharmacist. The usual dose of PHARMACOR CEFUROXIME is one 250 mg tablet twice a day. Your doctor may have prescribed a different dosage.
How to take it
The tablet should be swallowed whole with a drink of water.
PHARMACOR CEFUROXIME tablets work better when taken after food.
How long to take it
PHARMACOR CEFUROXIME tablets should be taken for 7 to 10 days. Your doctor may prescribe a different duration of treatment.
If you take too much (Overdose)
Immediately telephone your doctor or Poisons Information Centre (telephone 131126) for advice, or go to Accident and Emergency at the nearest hospital, if you think you or anyone else may have taken too much PHARMACOR CEFUROXIME, even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. You may need urgent medical attention.
If you are not sure what to do, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
While you are taking PHARMACOR CEFUROXIME tablets
Things you must do
Tell your doctor if, for any reason, you have not taken your medicine exactly as directed. Otherwise, your doctor may think that it was not effective and change your treatment unnecessarily.
If you forget to take it
If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose when you are meant to. Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember then go back to taking it as you would normally.
Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose that you missed.
Things you must not do
Do not give this medicine to anyone else, even if their symptoms seem similar to yours.
Do not use PHARMACOR CEFUROXIME tablets to treat any other complaints unless your doctor tells you to.
Be careful driving or operating machinery until you know how PHARMACOR CEFUROXIME affects you.
Side effects
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if you think you are having any side effects or allergic reactions due to PHARMACOR CEFUROXIME tablets, even if the problem is not listed below.
Like other medicines, PHARMACOR CEFUROXIME tablets can cause some side-effects. If they occur, they are most likely to be minor and temporary. However, some may be serious and need medical attention.
The most commonly reported side-effects are:
- headache,
- abdominal pain,
- dizziness,
- nausea or vomiting,
- mild diarrhoea,
- indigestion or wind,
- dry mouth.
Tell your doctor immediately if you notice any of the following:
- 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) erythema multiforme
- a widespread rash with blisters and skin peeling on much of the body surface (toxic epidermal necrolysis), particularly around the mouth, nose, eyes and genitals (Stevens-Johnson syndrome)
- an overgrowth of yeast (Candida) in the body which can lead to fungal infections (such as thrush). This side effect is more likely if you take PHARMACOR CEFUROXIME for a long time.
- persistent diarrhoea, even if it occurs sometime after you have stopped taking your PHARMACOR CEFUROXIME.
If you think you are having an allergic reaction to PHARMACOR CEFUROXIME tablets, STOP TAKING THE TABLETS AND TELL YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY or go to the casualty department at your nearest hospital.
Symptoms usually include some or all of the following:
- wheezing
- swelling of the lips/mouth
- difficulty in breathing
- lumpy rash (“hives”)
- fainting
- hayfever
This is not a complete list of all possible side-effects. Others may occur in some people and there may be some side-effects not yet known.
Do not be alarmed by this list of possible side-effects. You may not experience any of them.
After using it
Storage
Keep this medicine where children cannot reach it, such as in a locked cupboard.
Keep PHARMACOR CEFUROXIME tablets in a cool, dry place where it stays below 25 degrees C. Do not leave in a car, on a window sill or in a bathroom.
Keep your PHARMACOR CEFUROXIME in its pack until it is time to take it.
Return any unused or expired medicine to your pharmacist.
Product description
What PHARMACOR CEFUROXIME tablets looks like.
PHARMACOR CEFUROXIME tablets 250 mg: Blue color capsule shaped biconvex film coated tablets with ‘204’ debossed on one side and plain on the other side in 2’s, 6’s, 10’s, 14’s, 20’s and 50’s Al-Al foil blister pack.
PHARMACOR CEFUROXIME tablets 500 mg: Blue color capsule shaped biconvex film coated tablets with ‘203’ debossed on one side and plain on the other side in 2’s, 6’s, 10’s, 14’s, 20’s and 50’s Al-Al foil blister pack.
Ingredients
PHARMACOR CEFUROXIME tablets contain 250/500 mg of the active ingredient cefuroxime (as axetil). PHARMACOR CEFUROXIME also contains the following inactive ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose, croscarmellose sodium, sodium lauryl sulfate, colloidal anhydrous silica, calcium stearate, calcium carbonate, crospovidone and OPADRY complete film coating system 03H50807 BLUE
Supplier
Your PHARMACOR CEFUROXIME is supplied by:
Pharmacor Pty Ltd.
CHATSWOOD, NSW,2067,
Australia.
Where to go for further information
Pharmaceutical companies are not in a position to give people an individual diagnosis or medical advice. Your doctor or pharmacist is the best person to give you advice on the treatment of your condition. You may also be able to find general information about your disease and its treatment from books, for example in public libraries.
This leaflet was prepared on March 2020
The information provided applies only to: PHARMACOR CEFUROXIME® tablets.
PHARMACOR CEFUROXIME 250 mg tablets: AUST R 273229
PHARMACOR CEFUROXIME 500 mg tablets: AUST R 273228
This leaflet is subject to copyright.
Published by MIMS May 2020