Here are the common side effects of Ceftum 500 mg tablets:
- Headache: It is related to the medicine's impact on the central nervous system.
- Dizziness: Ceftum 500 mg tablets can cause dizziness as a side effect, leading to lightheadedness or vertigo.
- Stomach upset: The medication can cause stomach upset, including nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhoea. These symptoms usually resolve after the completion of the antibiotic therapy.
- Experiencing an unpleasant taste in the mouth: This is a common side effect of Ceftum 500 mg tablets. Patients may experience a metallic or bitter taste in the mouth during treatment.
- Fungal skin infection: Ceftum 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: This medicine can cause an increase in eosinophils, a type of white blood cell linked to the immune response. While this increase is usually harmless, 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 500 mg tablet:
- Headache: To alleviate headache symptoms, patients may find relief by sleeping in a quiet, dark room or applying a cool compress on their forehead.
- Dizziness: Patients should avoid sudden movements and standing up too quickly while taking Ceftum 500 mg tablets. If dizziness occurs, sitting or lying down is recommended until it subsides.
- Stomach upset: If you have stomach discomfort, eat smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day. Additionally, they should avoid greasy, acidic, or spicy foods that might irritate their stomach. Drinking water in large quantities and maintaining hydration may also be helpful.
- Experiencing unpleasant taste in the mouth: Patients can try rinsing their mouth with salt water or drinking a lot of water to wash away the taste. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking on sweet candy may also be helpful.
- Overgrowth of candida (fungal skin infection): Patients should keep the affected area clean and dry.
- Eosinophilia or increased WBC: There are no specific home/herbal remedies to treat eosinophilia, but patients should monitor their signs and report any changes to their healthcare provider. It is essential to check out regular blood tests to monitor the levels of disease-fighting cells in the blood.
Precautions
Pregnancy
Due to the lack of reliable studies on cefuroxime in pregnant women, it is advised to exercise caution when using Ceftum 500 mg tablets during pregnancy.
Breastfeeding
Ceftum 500 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 500 mg tablets during breastfeeding is advisable.
Alcohol
Please avoid consuming alcohol when using Ceftum 500 mg tablets, as it may increase the chance of specific side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, and liver damage.
Liver
Ceftum 500 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 likelihood of side effects, especially those affecting the central nervous system. Please consult your physician before taking the tablet.
Kidney
The available data on using Ceftum 500 mg tablets in patients with kidney dysfunction is limited. It is suggested to consult your physician for guidance in such cases.
Using machines and driving
Ceftum 500 mg tablets may lead to dizziness or confusion. Do not drive a vehicle or operate machinery after taking this medicine.
Allergy
Patients allergic to cefuroxime or other cephalosporin antibiotics should not use Ceftum 500 mg tablets. Inform about your medical condition to the doctor before being prescribed this medication.
Use in children
Ceftum 500 mg tablet, is not advised for children under 12. Consult the paediatrician for advice to treat the infection effectively.
Use in older patients.
This medication is generally well-tolerated in older patients. Dosage adjustments may be necessary based on age and kidney function. However, they 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 500 mg tablets:
- Antacids like Omeprazole
- Immuno-suppressing drugs, such as Mycophenolate or Mycophenolic acid
- Medicines for reducing uric acids, such as Probenecid
- Typhoid and BCG vaccines
Drug-food interactions
Ceftum 500 mg tablets can interact with foods, including:
- Grapefruit juice: It has the potential to interact with various medications, including Ceftum 500 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: Calcium supplements may also interact with Ceftum 500 mg tablets. Cefuroxime can bind to calcium, decreasing its absorption and efficacy. As a result, it is advised to refrain from taking calcium supplements within 2 hours of using these pills.
Drug-disease interactions
Ceftum 500 mg tablets can interact with diseases, including:
- Colitis - an inflammatory colon condition
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Epilepsy or seizure
- Diarrhoea