Cefuroxime

Antibiotic (cephalosporin)
PRESCRIPTION ONLY IN INDIA

Cefuroxime is a antibiotic (cephalosporin) found in 13 medicines sold in India, such as Ceftum 500, Cefakind 500, Ceftum 250. Below: what it is for, how it works, how to take it, side effects, interactions and pregnancy advice.

What it is used for

Treats chest, sinus, ear, skin and urine infections.

How it works

A second-generation cephalosporin antibiotic for chest, sinus, ear, skin, urinary infections and Lyme disease.

How to take it

Usually 250 to 500 mg twice a day after food (food improves absorption). Take at evenly spaced times and finish the full course even when you feel better, unless your doctor says otherwise.

Common side effects

  • Diarrhoea
  • Nausea
  • Headache
  • Thrush

Get medical help straight away if

  • Severe diarrhoea
  • Allergic reaction
  • Blistering rash

Be careful

Finish the course. Take with food.

Other medicines and interactions

Antacids and acid reducers lower absorption. Caution with penicillin allergy.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Considered acceptable in pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Brands of Cefuroxime (13)

Altacef-500Cefakind 500Cefoxim-500Ceftum 250Ceftum 500Ceroxim 500Ceroxitum-500Cetil 500Forcef 500Oratil 500Pulmocef 500Saferoxim 500Zocef 500

Common questions

What is Cefuroxime used for?

Treats chest, sinus, ear, skin and urine infections.

How does Cefuroxime work?

A second-generation cephalosporin antibiotic for chest, sinus, ear, skin, urinary infections and Lyme disease.

How should I take Cefuroxime?

Usually 250 to 500 mg twice a day after food (food improves absorption). Take at evenly spaced times and finish the full course even when you feel better, unless your doctor says otherwise.

What are the side effects of Cefuroxime?

Common: Diarrhoea, nausea, headache, thrush. Get help straight away for: Severe diarrhoea, allergic reaction, blistering rash.

Does Cefuroxime interact with other medicines?

Antacids and acid reducers lower absorption. Caution with penicillin allergy.

Is Cefuroxime safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Considered acceptable in pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Does Cefuroxime need a prescription in India?

Yes. In India it is a prescription (Schedule H) medicine, so a pharmacist should sell it only with a doctor's prescription.

Which brands contain Cefuroxime?

Altacef-500, Cefakind 500, Cefoxim-500, Ceftum 250, Ceftum 500, Ceroxim 500, Ceroxitum-500, Cetil 500, Forcef 500, Oratil 500, Pulmocef 500, Saferoxim 500, Zocef 500.

Sources and further reading

NHS (UK National Health Service) and MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine) are free, reviewed medicine guides. Brand names and doses there may differ from India.

Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu from standard prescribing information.

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For information only, not medical advice. This page is a plain-language summary written from standard prescribing information and the public guides linked below. Brands sometimes change their formula, so always check the composition printed on the pack. Doses here are typical adult doses; yours may differ. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without your doctor or pharmacist, and keep all medicines away from children. In an emergency, call 112 (India) or your local emergency number.