I Have Been Prescribed Cefuroxime For A Bacterial Infection In

Posted on Mon, 22 Oct 2018

Question: I have been prescribed cefuroxime for a bacterial infection in my throat, connected to a regrowth of tonsil tissue. The side effects concern me greatly, as I am 77 years old and take medications that may cause additional side effects, ie, ranitidine and dexlansoprazole. Would zithromax be effective? I have taken this medication in the past without difficulty. Thank you

Answered by Dr. Remy Koshy (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Safe

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to "Ask A Doctor"

I have gone through your query and can understand your concern,

The medicines that you are on are: cefuroxime, ranitidine and dexlansoprazole; Another is a combination of tetracycline, nystatin and dexamethasone.

There is no know interactions between cefuroxime and the combination of tetracycline, nystatin and dexamethasone. However, taking ranitidine and dexlansoprazole alongwith cefuroxime can decrease the absorption and thereby the bioavailability of the antibiotic. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid both the drug when taking cefuroxime.

Otherwise, it is perfectly safe to add cefuroxime, as it is a good drug to treat bacterial infection of the throat. Yes, azithromycin is also another safer alternative. Your doctor must have prescribed you with cefuroxime as it is a broad spectrum antibiotic to fight against potent infections.

I hope this helps,

Please feel free to discuss further,
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy

Follow up: Dr. Remy Koshy (20 hours later)

Thank you for your answer. If I start taking cefuroxime and it makes me as sick as I believe it will, what will be the issues if I stop taking it?

Follow up: Dr. Remy Koshy (17 minutes later)

as above

Answered by Dr. Remy Koshy (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Explained below,

Detailed Answer:
Hello again,
Thanks for writing back,

Yes, you should discontinue cefuroxime, if at all you may begin to experience any side effects. Ideally the medication has to be taken for a period of 7 -10 days.

Discontinuing the antibiotic amidst its course, may lead to the resistance to that particular antibiotic in the future. If you believe that you may develop any side effects to this medication, you can always discuss this with your treating physician and can get a prescription for a better alternative.

I hope this helps,

Let me know if I can assist you further,

Wishing you good health,
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy

Follow up: Dr. Remy Koshy (6 hours later)

Thank you so much. My doctor has not responded to this issue. I started the medication last night and hope for the best. If I may, I shall leave this communication open for awhile in case I run into difficulties unanticipated.

Answered by Dr. Remy Koshy (19 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Wishing good health

Detailed Answer:
Hello again,
Thanks for writing back,

Yes definitely, I shall be available for any further assistance. Please note that this query will remain open for another 3 days, after which you may be charged to open up the query.

I hope this finds you in good health,

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy

Follow up: Dr. Remy Koshy (2 days later)

I've been taking the medication since Friday night, and apart from the sensitivity caused by suspending the ranitidine and dexilant, I am doing well.

Thank you so much for you availability and help. It is very much appreciated.

The best to you and yours.

Lorraine Gorlick

Answered by Dr. Remy Koshy (11 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Best wishes

Detailed Answer:
Hello again,
Thanks so much for replying back,

Good to know that you are keeping fine. You can resume with either ranitidine or dexlansoprazole now.

It was a pleasure serving you,

Please feel free to approach me in future for any direct query at https://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/doctors/dr-remy-koshy/72169

Wishing you a good health,
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy