Cefuroxime Side Effects: What You Need to Know Before Taking It

When you take Cefuroxime, a second-generation cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections like pneumonia, sinusitis, and skin infections. Also known as Ceftin, it works by stopping bacteria from building cell walls, which kills them or stops them from spreading. But like all antibiotics, it doesn’t just target the bad bugs—it can upset your body’s balance too.

Most people tolerate Cefuroxime fine, but about 1 in 10 report side effects. The most common? Upset stomach, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. These aren’t usually dangerous, but they’re annoying enough to make people stop taking it early—which is a bad idea. Stopping antibiotics too soon can let surviving bacteria become resistant. More serious reactions, like severe diarrhea from Clostridioides difficile, a bacteria that can overgrow after antibiotics wipe out good gut flora, happen in fewer than 1% of cases but can be life-threatening. Watch for watery or bloody stools, fever, or stomach cramps. If you see them, stop the drug and call your doctor immediately.

Some people develop allergic reactions. A rash is the most common sign, but if you get swelling of the face, lips, or throat, or have trouble breathing, that’s an emergency. Cefuroxime belongs to the cephalosporin class, so if you’re allergic to penicillin, there’s a small chance you could react to it too—about 5-10% of penicillin-allergic people do. It’s not a guarantee, but your doctor should know your history before prescribing it. Also, Cefuroxime can interfere with certain lab tests, like urine glucose tests, making them show false highs. If you’re diabetic, tell your provider you’re taking it.

Long-term use or repeated courses can lead to superinfections, new infections caused by organisms that weren’t affected by the antibiotic. Yeast infections in the mouth or vagina are common examples. These aren’t rare—they happen often enough that doctors often recommend probiotics or antifungal treatments alongside antibiotics, especially for women or people on long courses.

It’s not just about what Cefuroxime does to your body—it’s also about what your body does to Cefuroxime. The drug is cleared mostly by the kidneys. If you have kidney problems, your doctor needs to adjust the dose. Taking too much can build up in your system and cause neurological side effects like seizures, especially in older adults or those with poor kidney function. That’s why dosage isn’t one-size-fits-all.

And while Cefuroxime is effective against many bacteria, it doesn’t work against viruses. Taking it for a cold or flu won’t help—and only increases your risk of side effects without benefit. That’s why proper diagnosis matters. A sore throat could be strep (which Cefuroxime treats) or a virus (which it doesn’t). Testing before prescribing reduces unnecessary use and cuts down on side effects.

Below, you’ll find real-world reports and expert breakdowns on how Cefuroxime compares to other antibiotics, what patients actually experience, and how to spot the warning signs before they become emergencies. Whether you’re taking it now or just researching options, this collection gives you the facts—not the fluff.