Here are the common side effects of Ceftum 250 mg tablets:
- Headache is a common side effect of Ceftum 250 mg tablets; it is thought to be related to the drug's impact on the central nervous system.
- Dizziness: Ceftum 250 mg tablets can cause dizziness as a side effect, leading to lightheadedness or vertigo.
- Stomach upset: Ceftum 250 mg tablets can cause stomach upset, including nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhoea. These symptoms usually resolve after the completion of the antibiotic therapy.
- Unpleasant taste in the mouth: This is a common side effect of Ceftum 250 mg tablets. Patients may experience a metallic or bitter taste in the mouth during treatment.
- Fungal skin infection: Ceftum 250 mg tablets can lead to the overgrowth of Candida, a type of fungus, which can cause skin and mucous membrane infections, including thrush, diaper rash, and vaginal yeast infection.
- Eosinophilia or increased WBC: Ceftum 250 mg tablets can cause an increase in eosinophils, a type of white blood cell linked to the immune response. This increase can be benign, but in rare cases, it can lead to eosinophilic pneumonia.
Managing the Side Effects
Here are some home or herbal remedies to manage the side effects of Ceftum 250 mg tablet:
- Headache: Patients can try resting in a quiet, dark room or applying a cool compress to their forehead.
- Dizziness: Patients should avoid sudden movements and standing up too quickly. They can also try sitting or lying down until the dizziness subsides.
- Overgrowth of Candida (fungal skin infection): Patients should keep the affected area clean and dry.
- Unpleasant taste in the mouth: Patients can try rinsing their mouth with salt water or drinking plenty of water to help wash away the taste. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking on sweet candy may also be helpful.
- Eosinophilia or increased WBC: There are no specific home/herbal remedies to treat eosinophilia, but patients should monitor their symptoms and report any changes to their healthcare provider. It is essential to follow up with regular blood tests to monitor the levels of disease-fighting cells in the blood.
- Stomach upset: Consider eating smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day if you have stomach discomfort. Additionally, they should avoid greasy, acidic, or spicy foods that might irritate their stomachs. Drinking water in large quantities and maintaining hydration may also be helpful.
Precautions
Pregnancy
Since, No adequate and well-controlled studies of Cefuroxime use in pregnant women, it is recommended to use Ceftum 250 mg tablets cautiously during pregnancy.
Breastfeeding
Ceftum 250 mg tablets should be used with caution during breastfeeding. Cefuroxime may pass into breast milk and cause harm to the nursing baby. Therefore, avoiding using Ceftum 250 mg tablets during breastfeeding is advisable.
Alcohol
The consumption of alcohol should be avoided when using Ceftum 250 mg tablets as it may increase the risk of specific side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, and liver damage.
Liver
Ceftum 250 mg tablets should be used carefully in patients with liver problems. Since the liver primarily eliminates cefuroxime, a decrease in liver function can cause higher levels of the drug in the blood, increasing the risk of side effects, especially those affecting the central nervous system. Please consult your physician before taking Ceftum 250 mg tablets.
Kidney
There is little data on using Ceftum 250 mg tablets in patients with kidney dysfunction. Please consult your physician.
Using Machine and Driving
Ceftum 250 mg tablets may lead to dizziness or confusion. Do not drive a vehicle or operate machinery after taking this medicine.
Allergy
Patients with a known allergy to cefuroxime or other cephalosporin antibiotics should not use Ceftum 250 mg tablets. Inform your doctor and seek emergency medical assistance.
Use In Children
Ceftum 250 mg tablet is not advised for children under 12. Consult the paediatrician for advice to treat the infection effectively.
Use In Older Patients
Dosage adjustments may be necessary based on age and kidney function. Ceftum 250 mg tablets are generally well-tolerated in older patients. However, older patients may be more prone to specific side effects, particularly those affecting the central nervous system.
Interaction
Drug-Drug Interactions
Here are some drug-drug interactions that should be considered when using Ceftum 250 mg tablets:
- Antacid: Ceftum 250 mg tablets should not be taken with antacids, omeprazole or other medicines that reduce gastric acidity as they can reduce the absorption of cefuroxime.
- Immuno-suppressing drugs: Ceftum 250 mg tablets may interact with immuno-suppressing drugs such as mycophenolate or mycophenolic acid, which are used to prevent organ rejection in transplant patients. These drugs can reduce the effectiveness of cefuroxime, and hence, they should be avoided or used with caution.
- Medicines for reducing uric acid: Ceftum 250 mg tablets can interact with probenecid, which reduces uric acid levels in patients with gout. Probenecid can increase the levels of cefuroxime in the bloodstream, leading to an increased risk of side effects.
- Typhoid and BCG vaccines: Ceftum 250 mg tablets can interfere with the effectiveness of typhoid and BCG vaccines. Therefore, avoid these vaccines while taking Ceftum 250 mg tablets.
Drug-Food Interactions
- Ceftum 250 mg tablets do not have significant drug-food interactions. However, some drug-food interactions are reported when using Ceftum 250 mg tablets:
- To minimise the risk of gastrointestinal adverse effects, take Ceftum 250 mg tablet with food.
- Grapefruit juice may interfere with a person's other medications and Ceftum 250 mg tablets. Grapefruit juice includes chemicals that can disrupt the metabolism of certain drugs, resulting in higher levels of the medication in the bloodstream and an increased risk of side effects.
- Mineral supplements like calcium may also interact with Ceftum 250 mg tablets. Cefuroxime can bind to calcium, decreasing its absorption and efficacy. As a result, it is advised to avoid taking calcium supplements within 2 hours of using Ceftum 250 mg pills.
Drug-Disease Interactions
Here are the drug-disease interactions for Ceftum 250 mg tablets:
- Colitis: Ceftum 250 mg tablets may worsen the signs of colitis, an inflammatory colon condition. Patients with a history of colitis should use Ceftum 250 mg tablets with caution, as it may increase the risk of developing antibiotic-associated diarrhoea, which can be severe.
- Kidney disease: Ceftum 250 mg tablets should be used cautiously in patients with kidney disease and patients on dialysis. The dose of Ceftum 250 mg tablets may need to be adjusted in patients with severe kidney disease, as cefuroxime is eliminated primarily by the kidneys.
- Patient planning for ferricyanide tests: Patients taking Ceftum 250 mg tablets may experience a false positive reaction in specific laboratory tests for glucose in urine using ferricyanide. Therefore, patients undergoing these tests should inform their healthcare provider about their medication use.
- Liver disease: Ceftum 250 mg tablets should be used judiciously in patients with liver disease. The liver primarily eliminates Cefuroxime and a decrease in liver function can lead to higher levels of cefuroxime in the bloodstream, increasing the risk of side effects.
- Epilepsy: Ceftum 250 mg tablets may lower the seizure threshold in some patients, leading to an increased risk of seizures.
- Diarrhoea: Ceftum 250 mg tablets may cause diarrhoea, which can be severe. Patients with a history of diarrhoea should use Ceftum 250 mg tablets with caution, as it may increase the risk of developing antibiotic-associated diarrhoea, which can be severe.