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U-Cef Tablet

Generic Name(s): Cefuroxime

Why it's used

U-Cef Tablet is a prescription medicine that is used to treat various type of infections. These include bacterial infections of the skin, urinary tract infections, sexually transmitted infections (uncomplicated gonorrhea) and middle ear infections. U-Cef is also used to treat inflammation of the pharynx or tonsils, maxillary sinuses, and bronchial tubes inside the lungs. U-Cef is also used to treat skin rash caused by bacterial infection (early Lyme disease, erythema migrans). This medicine works by weakening the outermost layer of bacteria which leads to the breakdown of the bacterial cells. This medicine helps by preventing the growth of bacteria and removing the bacterial infection from the body.
When not to use
U-Cef Tablet cannot be used to treat viral infections such as common cold.
Cephalosporin Antibacterials
U-Cef belongs to the Cephalosporin Antibacterials class of medicines. Cephalosporins are antibacterial medicines that kill bacteria by interfering with how bacteria build their cell walls.

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How to use

Read the medicine guide provided by your pharmacist, your doctor, or the medicine company. If you have any questions related to U-Cef, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Use U-Cef Tablet as per the instructions provided by your doctor.
U-Cef is used with or without food. Take U-Cef tablets with or without food and suspension with food. Swallow the whole tablet without crushing it. If a patient is unable to take the whole tablet, take its suspension form. Shake suspension well before use.

Typical Dosage

The typical dose of U-Cef for adults is 250 or 500 mg, every 12 hours for up to 10 days. The usual dose for children is 250 mg every 12 hours for up to 10 days. The maximum dose for adult patients of U-Cef is 1000 mg per day. This medicine is generally used for a period of 10 days for inflammation of pharynx or tonsils, 10 days for inflammation of maxillary sinuses, 10 days for inflammation of the bronchial tubes, and 20 days for skin rash caused by bacterial infection. U-Cef is commonly used at the same time every day.
This medicine should be used on an as-needed basis. U-Cef should be used as directed by the doctor even if you feel well, or even if you think that there is no need for you to use your medicine.
If using the liquid form of this medicine, measure the dose using the provided measuring cup, spoon, or dropper. Before pouring the medicine into the measuring device, you should check the measurement markings carefully. Then, pour the dose amount into the device. After use, clean and store the measuring device in a safe place for your next use. You should not use a tablespoon or teaspoon as the dose measuring devices since it can result in an incorrect dose. If indicated on the product package, shake the medicine before use.
The injection form of the medicine may be used on the large muscles. The U-Cef injection can be given directly into veins or large muscles such as hip or thigh muscles. Intravenous injection should be injected slowly into a vein over a period of 3 to 5 minutes. Before injecting the dose into large muscles, aspiration is essential to avoid accidental leakage of ingredients of injection into a blood vessel. The solution is used for intravenous purpose after keeping the frozen product at room temperature.

Talk to Your Doctor

Discuss with your doctor if your condition persists or worsens or if you develop new symptoms. Discuss with your doctor if diarrhea. If you have any kidney disease, a lower dose is recommended for patients with kidney damage.
Your doctor may prescribe a lower starting dose of this medicine to understand the impact on the body. Please follow your doctor's recommendations. A lower dose of this medicine may be recommended to reduce the risk of side-effects. Older patients may see an increase in the incidence of side-effects. As a result, a lower dose may be recommended for older patients.

Use in Children

If you are giving U-Cef Tablet to a child, be sure to use a product that is for use in children. Use the child's weight or age to find the right dose from the product package or medicine label. You can also read the dosage section of this page to know the correct dose for your child. Else, consult with your doctor and follow their recommendation.

Lab Tests

Your doctor may request that specific lab tests be performed before you start using U-Cef Tablet. Your doctor may ask you to undergo Antibiotic Susceptibility test. Antibiotic susceptibility test is required to help in selecting an appropriate antibacterial drug for treatment.
Medicines may be recommended for uses other than those listed in the medicine guide. You should not use U-Cef Tablet for conditions or symptoms for which it was not prescribed. Do not give U-Cef Tablet to other people, even if they have the same conditions or symptoms that you have. The use of this medicine without the advice of a doctor may cause harm.

Storage

Follow storage instructions on the product package if available. Store U-Cef Tablet 15°C and 30°C (59°F and 86°F), away from moisture, and away from light. Store this medicine away from children and pets.

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How to take U-Cef

The dose and frequency of using U-Cef will depend on the following factors:
  • age of the patient
  • the weight of the patient
  • patient's health
  • the health of the patient's liver
  • medicines recommended by the doctor
  • any other medicines being used
  • herbal supplements being used
  • response to the medicine

U-Cef Dosage

Dosage for inflammation of pharynx or tonsils (pharyngitis/tonsillitis)

Adult (adults and children (weight more than or equal to 40 kg))
  • Recommended: 250 mg twice daily for 5-10 days
Children (children (weight less than 40 kg or 88.2 lb))
  • Recommended: 10 mg/kg (4.5 mg/lb) twice daily for 5-10 days
  • Maximum: 125 mg twice daily for 5-10 days
Children (children of 3 months to 12 years (for oral suspension))
  • Recommended: 20 mg/kg (9.1 mg/lb) twice daily divided in equal doses for 10 days
  • Maximum: 500 mg twice daily divided in equal doses for 10 days

Dosage for inflammation of maxillary sinuses

Adult (adults and children (13 years and older))
  • Recommended: 250 mg twice daily for 10 days
Children (children of 3 months to 12 years (for oral suspension))
  • Recommended: 30 mg/kg (13.6 mg/lb) twice daily divided in equal doses for 10 days
  • Maximum: 1000 mg twice daily divided in equal doses for 10 days
Children (children younger than 13 years)
  • Recommended: 250 mg twice daily for 10 days

Dosage for inflammation of the bronchial tubes

Adult (adults and children (13 years and older))
  • Recommended: 250 or 500 mg every 12 hours for 5-10 days

Dosage for skin and skin structure related infections

Adult (adults and children (13 years and older))
  • Recommended: 250 or 500 mg every 12 hours for 10 days
Children (children (weight less than 40 kg or 88.2 lb))
  • Recommended: 15 mg/kg (6.8 mg/lb) twice daily for 5-10 days
  • Maximum: 250 mg twice daily for 5-10 days

Dosage for bacterial infection of skin (impetigo)

Children (children from 3 months to 12 years (oral suspension))
  • Recommended: 30 mg/kg (13.6 mg/lb) twice daily for 10 days divided into equal doses
  • Maximum: 1000 mg twice daily for 10 days divided into equal doses

Dosage for infection of kidneys and urinary system

Adult (adults and children (13 years and older, weight more than or equal to 40 kg/88.2 lb))
  • Recommended: 250 mg twice daily for 7-10 days
Children (children (weight less than 40 kg or 88.2 lb))
  • Recommended: 15 mg/kg (6.8 mg/lb) twice daily for 7-14 days
  • Maximum: 250 mg twice daily for 7-14 days

Dosage for sexually transmitted disease (uncomplicated gonorrhea)

Adult (adults and children (13 years and older))
  • Recommended: 1000 mg as a single dose

Dosage for skin rash caused by bacterial infection

Adult (adults and children (weight more than or equal to 40 kg))
  • Recommended: 500 mg twice daily for 14 days
Children (children (weight less than 40 kg or 88.2 lb))
  • Recommended: 15 mg/kg (6.8 mg/lb) twice daily for 14 days
  • Maximum: 250 mg twice daily for 14 days

Dosage for middle ear infection

Adult (adults and children (weight more than or equal to 40 kg))
  • Recommended: 500 mg twice daily for 5-10 days
Children (children younger than 13 years)
  • Recommended: 250 mg every 12 hours for 10 days
Children (children of 3 months to 12 years (for oral suspension))
  • Recommended: 30 mg/kg (13.6 mg/lb) twice daily for 10 days divided into equal doses
  • Maximum: 1000 mg twice daily for 10 days divided into equal doses

Minimum Age

3 months

Dosage calculation for children

To calculate the dosage for children please use the weight based dose calculator to calculate the appropriate dosage as per the weight of your child.

Forms

Tablet
Strength: 125 mg, 250 mg, 500 mg
Oral suspension
Strength: 125 mg/5 mL, 250 mg/5 mL
Injection
Strength: 750-mg and 1.5-g
Infusion pack
Strength: 750-mg and 1.5-g
U-Cef injection, frozen as a premixed solution
Strength: 750-mg and 1.5-g
Tablet, film coated
Strength: 125 mg, 250 mg, 500 mg

Special Instructions

Tablet
Patients who cannot swallow the whole tablet should take the oral suspension.
Injection

Missed Dose

A missed dose should be taken as early as you remember it. However, if the time for the next dose is almost there, then the missed dose should be skipped, and the regular dosing schedule should be continued. Avoid taking a repeated dose to make up for a missed one.

Overdose

What to do if you overdose on U-Cef?
If you have taken more than the recommended dose of U-Cef, purification of blood (hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis) can be useful to reduce the levels of U-Cef.
Symptoms of an overdose of U-Cef
If you use too much of this medicine, it could lead to dangerous levels of the medicine in your body. In such cases, symptoms of an overdose may include:
If you think you have overdosed on U-Cef Tablet, call a poison control center immediately. You can look up the poison control center information from the Poison Center Finder at TabletWise.com.

Precautions while using U-Cef

Before you use U-Cef, tell your doctor of your medical and health history including the following:
  • allergic to U-Cef
  • inflammation of the colon (colitis)
  • inherited disoder such as phenylketonuria
  • kidney disease
  • liver disease
  • previous history of stomach and intestinal disorders
  • use of antacids
  • use of oral contraceptives
Before you use U-Cef, tell your doctor if you are allergic to it or its ingredients. Your doctor may prescribe an alternative medicine and update your medical records to record this information. Discuss with your doctor if you are allergic to penicillin, or other beta-lactam antibacterial drugs.
The use of this medicine may change the short-term increase in liver enzymes (AST/ALT/LDH).
The use of U-Cef Tablet may change increased time for blood to clot (prothrombin time).

Use when Pregnant

U-Cef should be used only when required in patients who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Use this medicine only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

If Breastfeeding

Consult with your doctor on the use of U-Cef Tablet during breastfeeding. This medicine may pass into breast milk in small quantity and may cause side effects such as diarrhea and fungal infection of the mucous membrane. During breastfeeding, U-Cef should only be used after discussing with your doctor.

If trying to Conceive

It is not known if this medicine is safe for use in women who are conceiving. Consult with your doctor before you use U-Cef.

Seizures

U-Cef can make you feel sleepy. Be careful, especially while driving, while using heavy machinery, or when doing any activity that needs you to be completely alert. The consumption of alcohol with U-Cef can worsen the sleepiness. U-Cef may cause seizures in some people. Hence, you should discuss with your doctor before performing any activities where a loss of consciousness may cause harm to you or others.

Increase in Risk

U-Cef Tablet can increase your risk of getting infections/worsen existing infections. Reduce your chances of getting new infections by washing your hand regularly. Prevent cuts, bruises or injuries. Avoid people who may have infectious diseases. Avoid getting vaccinated. Use of U-Cef may increase the risk of viral infection.

Side-effects in Older Patients

Older patients may have a higher incidence of side-effects when using U-Cef Tablet.

Side-effects in Children

Younger patients may have a higher incidence of side-effects with U-Cef Tablet. Younger patients may see an increased risk of diarrhea, and vomiting.

What precautions should be taken during Pregnancy and Nursing, and administering U-Cef to Children or the Older Adults?

Pregnant Women

Only When Necessary
Warning: U-Cef should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit to the mother justifies the possible risk to the fetus.

Breastfeeding

Only When Necessary
Warning: This medicine should be used in breastfeeding only after considering the importance and risk of the drug to the mother by the doctor.

Younger Adults Population

Possibly safe
Warning: This medicine is not recommended in children under the age of 3 months.

Older Adults Population

Precaution
Warning: Proper dose selection is required in elderly patients to monitor the functioning of the kidneys.

U-Cef Side-effects

The following side-effects may commonly occur when using U-Cef Tablet. If any of these side-effects worsen or last for a long time, you should consult with your doctor:
  • diaper rash
  • diarrhea
  • dislike of taste
  • dizziness
  • gas formation
  • headache
  • increase in the level of liver enzymes
  • increased number of eosinophils
  • inflammation of the vagina (vaginitis, early Lyme disease)
  • microbial overgrowth (candida overgrowth)
  • mouth ulcers
  • nausea
  • reaction caused by harmful products released into the body after killing of microbes (Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction)
  • thirst
  • vomiting
  • whitish fluid secretion from vagina (vaginal discharge)
Rarely, the use of U-Cef Tablet may cause the following side-effects:
The following severe side-effects may also occur when using U-Cef Tablet:
  • blood and lymphatic system disorders
    Symptoms: abnormal breakdown of red blood cells (hemolytic anemia), deficiency of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets (pancytopenia), low levels of thrombocytes low levels of white blood cells (leukopenia)
  • Symptoms: abnormal functioning of the kidneys
  • stomach and intestinal disorders (possibly fatal)
    Symptoms: inflammation of the large intestine due to bacterial overgrowth (pseudomembranous colitis)
  • skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
    Symptoms: skin rash, redness of the skin (erythema multiforme), severe skin reaction (Stevens-Johnson syndrome) swelling of the lower layer of skin
  • nervous system disorders
    Symptoms: seizures, abnormal functioning of the brain (encephalopathy) drowsiness
  • hepatobiliary disorders
    Symptoms: inflammation of the liver, jaundice blockage of bile flow from the liver (cholestasis)
  • immune system disorders
    Symptoms: life-threatening allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) an allergic reaction induced by foreign proteins
  • heart disorders
    Symptoms: increased heartbeat
  • certain type of infections
    Symptoms: upper respiratory tract infection, urinary tract infection, inflammation of the nasal passages (sinusitis) viral infection
  • nutrition disorders
    Symptoms: an eating disorder with abnormally low body weight (anorexia)
Your doctor has prescribed this U-Cef because they have judged that the benefits outweigh the risks posed by side-effects. Many people using this medicine do not have serious side-effects. This is not a complete list of possible side-effects for U-Cef.
If you experience side-effects or notice other side-effects not listed above, contact your doctor for medical advice. You may also report side-effects to your local food and drug administration authority. You can look up the drug authority contact information from the Drug Authority Finder at TabletWise.com.

Side-effects and Allergic Reactions of U-Cef by Severity and Frequency

Common Side-effects

Following are the common side-effects of this medicine:

Infrequent and Rare Side-effects

Following are the infrequent and rare side-effects of this medicine:

Severe Side-effects

Following are the severe side-effects of this medicine:

Mild Allergic Reactions

Following are the symptoms of mild allergic reactions to this medicine:

Serious Allergic Reactions

Following are the symptoms of serious allergic reactions to this medicine:
Discontinue the use of U-Cef in allergic reactions and start appropriate therapy.
If you experience side-effects or notice other side-effects not listed above, contact your doctor for medical advice. You may also report side-effects to your local food and drug administration authority. You can look up the drug authority contact information from the Drug Authority Finder at TabletWise.com.

Warnings

Interference with Glucose Test

Patients on treatment with U-Cef are at an increased risk for the false-positive result for glucose in the urine and a false-negative result for blood glucose. It is recommended to follow other alternative methods of testing such as glucose oxidase and hexokinase methods to determine blood glucose levels in patients receiving U-Cef.

Jarisch-Herxheimer Reaction

Patients while treatment with U-Cef is at an increased risk to develop the reaction caused by harmful products released into the body after killing of microbes.

Interference with Diagnostic Tests

Use of U-Cef may interfere with cross-matching compatibility of blood in between donor and recipient. It is recommended to follow other alternative methods of testing such as glucose oxidase and hexokinase methods to determine blood glucose levels in patients receiving U-Cef.

Severe Allergic Reaction (Anaphylactic Reaction)

Patients who are on treatment with U-Cef and allergic to beta-lactam antibacterials are at an increased risk when using this medicine. Such patients are more likely to have an increased risk of fatal allergic reactions. This medicine is not recommended for use in patients who are allergic to beta-lactam antibacterials. Discontinue the use of U-Cef, if any allergic reaction occurs.

Diarrhea due to Bacterial Infection

Patients on treatment with antibacterials are at an increased risk when using this medicine. Such patients are more likely to develop mild diarrhea to the fatal inflammation of the digestive tract. If there is an existence of Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea, the ongoing antibiotic treatment should be discontinued. Appropriate fluid and electrolyte management, supplementation with protein, antibiotic treatment of Clostridium difficile, and surgical evaluation should be employed as required.

Microbial Overgrowth

Patients on treatment with antibacterials are at an increased risk to develop superinfection with fungal or bacterial microbes. If there is a possibility of fungal or bacterial superinfections, then discontinue or interrupt the treatment with U-Cef.

Development of Drug Resistance

Patients who are on treatment with antibiotics in the absence of a bacterial infection are at an increased risk to develop drug resistance. Antibiotics including U-Cef should only be taken in the presence of confirmed bacterial infection.

Phenylketonuric Patients

Such patients should take U-Cef with care because it contains aspartame.

Interactions with U-Cef

When two or more medicines are taken together, it can change how the medicines work and increase the risk of side-effects. In medical terms, this is called as a Drug Interaction.
This page does not contain all the possible interactions of U-Cef Tablet. Share a list of all medicines that you use with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medicines without the approval of your doctor.

Uricosuric Agent

U-Cef Tablet interacts with Uricosuric Agent such as probenecid, which is used to increase the excretion of uric acid in urine. Use of probenecid with U-Cef increases levels of U-Cef in blood. The combined use of U-Cef with probenecid is not recommended.

Antacids

There may be an interaction of U-Cef with Antacids, which are used to treat acidity. Antacids may reduce the availability of U-Cef and may also neutralize the effect of food that increases the absorption of U-Cef when taken after meals. U-Cef should be taken at least 1 hour before or after 2 hours of taking antacids. Avoid the use of histamine-2 (H2) antagonists and proton pump inhibitors while the treatment with U-Cef.

Oral Contraceptives

U-Cef Tablet may interact with Oral Contraceptives, which are used to prevent pregnancy. Use of U-Cef may affect the bacterial activity in the digestive tract and result in lower reabsorption of estrogen. It may also lead to reduced effectiveness of combined estrogen and progesterone contraceptive. Patients are advised to use another supplementary (non-hormonal) contraceptive methods during treatment.

Anticoagulant

Your doctor's guidelines may need to be followed while taking this medicine along with Anticoagulant, which is used to prevent blood clotting. Use of U-Cef and anticoagulants together may result in the increased international normalized ratio (INR), which is the measure of how long blood takes to clot.

Laboratory Test

Special instructions need to be followed while taking this medicine along with Laboratory Test. A false-positive test for glucose in the urine may occur with copper reduction test but not with enzyme-based tests conducted for high levels of glucose in the urine. Glucose oxidase or hexokinase tests may be used for determination of blood sugar in patients who are on treatment with U-Cef.

Interactions of U-Cef by Severity

Severe

The following medicines are usually not to be taken together without consulting with your doctor or pharmacist.

Serious

The following medicines may interact when taken together and can cause harmful effects in the body. Please consult with your doctor or pharmacist before taking these medicines together.

Moderate

The following medicines may interact when taken together and can increase your risk of harmful effects. Please consult with your doctor or pharmacist before taking these medicines together.

When should U-Cef be not used?

Allergic Reaction to U-Cef

This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with known allergic reaction to U-Cef. Such patients may see an increased risk of sensitivity to antibiotics and possibly fatal allergic reactions.

Allergic Reaction to Other Beta-Lactam Antibacterials

This medicine is not recommended for use in patients who are allergic to beta-lactam antibacterials.

Traveling With Medication

  • Ensure that you carry enough doses of each of your prescription medicines to last the entire trip. The best place to store your medicines is in the carry on baggage. However, while flying, if carrying liquid medicines, make sure you do not go over the limits imposed for carry-on liquids.
  • While traveling overseas, make sure that you can carry each of your prescription medicines legally to your destination country. One way to ensure this is by checking with your destination country's embassy or website.
  • Make sure that you carry each of your medicines in their original packaging, which should typically include your name and address, and the details of the prescribing doctor.
  • If your travel involves crossing time zones, and you are required to take your medicine as per a fixed schedule, make sure that you adjust for the change in time.

Expired Medication

Taking a single dose of expired U-Cef is unlikely to cause a side-effect. However, please discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, if you feel unwell or sick. An expired medicine may become ineffective in treating your prescribed conditions. To be on the safe side, it is important not to use an expired drug. You are much safer by always keeping a fresh supply of unexpired medicines.

Safe Disposal of Medication

  • If there are disposal instructions on the package, please follow the instructions.
  • If there are medicine take-back programs in your country, you should contact the respective authority to arrange for the disposal of the medicine. For example, in the USA, the Drug Enforcement Administration regularly hosts National Prescription Drug Take-Back events.
  • If there are no take-back programs, mix the medicine with dirt and place them in a sealed plastic bag. Throw the plastic bag in your household trash. Separately, remove all personal information including the prescription label from the medicine packaging and then dispose off the container.
  • If specifically indicated on the medicine package that it needs to be flushed down the toilet when no longer needed, perform the required step.
This page provides information for U-Cef Tablet .
Bacterial Infections
Lyme Disease
Urinary Tract Infections
Gonorrhea

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