Zinacef 250mg Injection

Cefuroxime injection is an antibiotic from the cephalosporin group. It kills the bacteria that cause infection.

It is used for infections of the:

• lungs or chest
• urinary tract
• abdomen
• skin and soft tissues

It can also be given before surgery to help prevent infection.

A doctor or nurse gives cefuroxime as an injection into a muscle or vein, or adds it to a drip.

• The dose depends on the infection, your age, weight and kidney function.
• Complete the full course, even if you feel better, so the infection does not come back.
• If you think a dose has been missed, tell your nurse or doctor.

Common side effects include:

• pain, swelling or redness where it is injected
• diarrhoea, feeling sick or stomach pain
• changes in blood tests

Get medical help straight away if you have:

• wheezing, trouble breathing, fainting, swelling of the face or mouth, or a raised itchy rash
• a target-like rash, or widespread rash with blisters, peeling skin, fever or swollen glands
• severe or bloody diarrhoea, with stomach pain or fever
• chest pain during an allergic reaction

Tell your doctor before treatment if you:

• have ever had an allergic reaction to cefuroxime, any cephalosporin, penicillin or a similar antibiotic
• have had a severe skin reaction to an antibiotic
• have kidney problems
• take water tablets such as furosemide, gentamicin-type antibiotics, probenecid or warfarin

Hospital staff store the unopened vials below 25°C in the original pack. Once mixed, it is best used straight away, or kept in a fridge for up to 24 hours.

Contraceptive pill: cefuroxime may make the pill less effective, so use condoms as well and ask your doctor.

Thrush: longer courses can lead to yeast infections such as thrush.

Tests: it can affect some blood and urine sugar tests, so tell staff taking samples.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: tell your doctor, who will weigh up benefits and risks.

Driving: unlikely to be affected, but do not drive if you feel unwell.