Altacef 500mg Tab

ALTACEF 500MG TAB

Name

• Brand Name: ALTACEF 500MG TAB
• Common Name: Cefuroxime 500mg (as Cefuroxime Axetil)

Composition

Each tablet contains 500 mg of Cefuroxime (as Cefuroxime Axetil).

Uses

ALTACEF 500MG TAB is an antibiotic belonging to the cephalosporin class, used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections. It is not effective against viral infections like the common cold or flu. It is prescribed for:

• Respiratory tract infections, including bronchitis (acute and chronic exacerbations), pneumonia, and secondary bacterial infections of acute bronchitis.
• Ear infections (otitis media).
• Sinus infections (sinusitis).
• Throat and tonsil infections (pharyngitis/tonsillitis, strep throat).
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs) and bladder infections (cystitis, pyelonephritis).
• Skin and soft tissue infections (e.g., impetigo).
• Gonorrhea.
• Lyme disease.

Dosage and Administration

ALTACEF 500MG TAB should be taken as directed by a healthcare professional.

• Adults: The typical dosage is 250 mg or 500 mg every 12 hours (twice daily) for 5 to 10 days, depending on the infection. For early Lyme disease, the dosage may be 500 mg every 12 hours for 20 days. For uncomplicated gonorrhea, a single 1-gram dose may be prescribed.
• Children (13-17 years): Dosage is generally similar to adults, 250 mg or 500 mg every 12 hours for 10 days.
• Children (3 months to 12 years who can swallow tablets whole): The usual dosage can be 250 mg twice daily for 10 days for conditions like pharyngitis/tonsillitis.
• It is generally recommended to take cefuroxime with food to enhance absorption and minimize stomach upset.
• Tablets should be swallowed whole and not crushed, as crushed tablets have a bitter taste.
• Complete the full course of treatment, even if symptoms improve, to prevent the infection from returning and to reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance.

Side Effects

Common Side Effects:

• Diarrhea.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Headache.
• Abdominal pain or stomach cramps.
• Vaginal itching or discharge, or oral thrush (new yeast infection).
• Dizziness and drowsiness (especially with higher doses).

Serious Side Effects (Seek immediate medical attention if experienced):

• Allergic reactions (rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, throat, difficulty breathing or swallowing, wheezing).
• Severe diarrhea (watery or bloody stools, stomach cramps, fever) during treatment or even weeks/months after stopping, potentially indicating Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea.
• Signs of liver problems (nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine).
• Signs of kidney problems (change in the amount of urine).
• A return of fever, sore throat, chills, or other signs of infection.
• Unusual tiredness/weakness, easy bruising/bleeding, jerky movements, mental/mood changes.
• Severe skin reactions (skin pain, red or purple rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling, burning eyes).
• Seizures.

Precautions

• Allergies: Inform your doctor about any allergies, especially to cefuroxime, other penicillin, or cephalosporin antibiotics.
• Medical Conditions: Discuss your medical history, particularly kidney disease, liver disease, stomach or intestine problems (like colitis), or a bleeding disorder.
• Drug Interactions:
  • Antacids or proton pump inhibitors may reduce the absorption of cefuroxime. Take cefuroxime at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after antacids.
  • Cefuroxime may interfere with certain lab tests (e.g., diabetic urine tests, blood glucose tests), potentially causing false results.
  • Cefuroxime can decrease the effectiveness of live bacterial vaccines (e.g., typhoid vaccine). Inform healthcare professionals before any immunizations.
  • It may interact with blood thinners (like warfarin), certain antibiotics, diuretics, and probenecid.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding. Cefuroxime passes into breast milk.
• Driving and Machinery: This medication may cause dizziness or drowsiness; avoid driving or operating machinery if affected.
• Antibiotic Resistance: Do not use for viral infections. Taking antibiotics unnecessarily or not completing the full course can lead to antibiotic resistance.

Storage

Store cefuroxime tablets at room temperature, ideally between 59°F and 86°F (15°C and 30°C). Keep the medicine in a closed container, away from light and moisture. Do not store it in moist or damp areas, such as bathrooms. Keep out of reach of children and pets. The oral liquid suspension, if prescribed, may require refrigeration and should be discarded after 10 days of reconstitution.

Frequently Asked Questions About ALTACEF 500MG TAB

ALTACEF 500MG TAB contains the active ingredient cefuroxime, which is a type of antibiotic. Below are some frequently asked questions about this medication.

What is ALTACEF 500MG TAB used for?

ALTACEF 500MG TAB is an antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections throughout the body. These include infections of the respiratory tract (like bronchitis and pneumonia), ear (otitis media), throat (pharyngitis, tonsillitis), sinuses (sinusitis), urinary tract, skin and soft tissues, bones, and joints. It is also used to treat gonorrhea and early Lyme disease.

How does ALTACEF 500MG TAB work?

This medication is a second-generation cephalosporin antibiotic. It works by interfering with the synthesis of the bacterial cell wall. By binding to specific proteins within the bacterial cell wall (penicillin-binding proteins or PBPs), it prevents the bacteria from forming the protective covering they need to survive, ultimately leading to the death of the bacteria.

What is the usual dosage for ALTACEF 500MG TAB?

For adults and teenagers, the typical dosage is 250 mg to 500 mg taken orally twice a day, usually for 5 to 10 days, depending on the specific infection being treated. For certain conditions like gonorrhea, a single 1-gram dose may be prescribed. The exact dose and duration will be determined by your doctor. It is important to complete the full course of treatment as prescribed. ALTACEF tablets can be taken with or without food, but taking them with food may help reduce stomach discomfort.

What are the possible side effects of ALTACEF 500MG TAB?

Common side effects can include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, headache, and skin rash. More serious, though less common, side effects can include severe allergic reactions (such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat), severe Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea (watery or bloody stools), and seizures. If you experience any severe symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.

Is ALTACEF 500MG TAB safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

During Pregnancy: ALTACEF 500MG TAB (cefuroxime) is generally considered safe during pregnancy and is classified as FDA pregnancy category B. However, it should only be used if clearly needed and after consulting your doctor, who will weigh the potential benefits against any risks.

During Breastfeeding: Cefuroxime does pass into breast milk in small amounts. While severe adverse effects in breastfed infants are not generally expected, caution is advised. There is a possibility it could cause diarrhea or thrush in the infant. It is recommended to consult your doctor before using this medicine while breastfeeding.

Can ALTACEF 500MG TAB be taken with other medications?

Yes, ALTACEF 500MG TAB can interact with certain medications. For example, probenecid can increase the levels of cefuroxime in the blood. Antacids containing aluminum or magnesium, as well as other medications that reduce stomach acidity (like H2-blockers or proton pump inhibitors), can decrease the absorption of cefuroxime. It can also interact with blood thinners (e.g., warfarin) and certain other antibiotics. Furthermore, it may reduce the effectiveness of live bacterial vaccines, such as the typhoid vaccine. Always inform your doctor or pharmacist about all other medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements you are taking.

What precautions should be taken while using ALTACEF 500MG TAB?

Before taking this medication, inform your doctor if you have any allergies, especially to penicillin or other cephalosporin antibiotics. Exercise caution if you have kidney disease or a history of gastrointestinal problems, particularly colitis. It is crucial to complete the entire prescribed course of treatment, even if your symptoms improve sooner, to prevent the infection from returning and to reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance. This medication is not effective against viral infections like the common cold or flu. Tablets should be swallowed whole and not crushed, broken, or chewed. If you experience severe or persistent diarrhea, contact your doctor immediately.

What happens if a dose of ALTACEF 500MG TAB is missed?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

How should ALTACEF 500MG TAB be stored?

ALTACEF 500MG TAB tablets should be stored in a closed container at room temperature, away from excessive heat, moisture, and direct light. If you have the oral suspension form, it typically needs to be refrigerated after reconstitution and should be discarded after 10 days. Always keep medication out of reach of children.