Cefuroxime: what it treats, how to take it, side effects
Last updated September 3, 2026.
Cefuroxime is a cephalosporin antibiotic - it stops the growth of bacteria. You may know it as Ceftin. It covers a broad range of infections, and it is one of the antibiotics used for early Lyme disease.
What does it treat?
Certain bacterial infections and Lyme disease, the tick-borne infection. It is also used, as a single dose, to treat gonorrhea. It does not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.
How do you take it?
Every 12 hours for 5 to 20 days depending on the infection, with or without food, same times every day - gonorrhea is the exception, a single dose. The label's common regimens run 250 mg every 12 hours, rising to 500 mg for tougher infections. Swallow the tablets whole: MedlinePlus warns the crushed tablet has a strong bitter taste, so crushing is off the table. Finish the whole prescription even when you feel better. Missed dose: take it when you remember unless the next one is close; never double up.
Side effects to know
- Common: nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
- Serious - call your doctor immediately or get emergency care: rash, itching, hives, trouble breathing or swallowing, wheezing, or swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, or eyes; watery or bloody stools, stomach cramps, or fever during treatment or up to 2 or more months after stopping; and a return of fever, sore throat, chills, or other infection signs.
Who should not take it?
Flag gastrointestinal disease, especially colitis, and kidney or liver disease. The interaction list names common acid reducers: cimetidine, famotidine, omeprazole, and ranitidine - do not start them on cefuroxime without discussing first - and antacids with magnesium or aluminum go at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a dose. Cefuroxime may decrease the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives, so a backup method for the course. If you become pregnant, call your doctor.
When is it an emergency?
Trouble breathing, wheezing, or swelling of the face, tongue, or throat is a 911 call. Bloody diarrhea with cramps and fever means same-day care. For an overdose, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. Pymander's escalation routing is built and tested specifically for this class of decision; see the safety architecture working paper.
What a Pymander AI doctor consult looks like
Illustrative example, not a real member's messages.
Common questions
Why can't I crush a cefuroxime tablet?
Taste, practically - MedlinePlus says the crushed tablet has a strong bitter taste and should not be crushed. If swallowing tablets is a problem, tell your doctor or pharmacist rather than crushing; the answer may be a different formulation or a different antibiotic.
Why does cefuroxime clash with my heartburn medicine?
Several acid reducers are on its interaction list: MedlinePlus names cimetidine, famotidine, omeprazole, and ranitidine - do not start them on cefuroxime without discussing first. Antacids with magnesium or aluminum need spacing instead: at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after your dose.
Does cefuroxime affect birth control?
It can. MedlinePlus says cefuroxime may decrease the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives - pills, patches, rings, and injections - and that you will need another method while taking it. Have the backup ready before the course starts.
How does cefuroxime treat Lyme disease?
By killing the bacteria the tick delivered. Cefuroxime is one of the standard antibiotics for early Lyme, taken every 12 hours for the full prescribed stretch - Lyme courses can run toward 20 days. The finish-the-course rule carries extra weight here: undertreated Lyme is the version that lingers in joints and nerves.
Can I drink alcohol while taking cefuroxime?
Neither the label nor MedlinePlus gives cefuroxime-specific alcohol language. Alcohol adds nausea to a drug that already lists it, and your body is fighting an infection. Skip it for the course - it is measured in days.
What happens if I miss a dose of cefuroxime?
Take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for the next one - then skip it and never double up. The 12-hour rhythm is what keeps drug levels above the bacteria's survival line for the whole course.