Ceftin is a prescription drug used for treating various bacterial infections, such as strep throat, ear infections, urinary tract infections, and sinus infections. It works by preventing bacteria from making cell walls, which causes the bacteria to die. This medication comes in the form of tablets or an oral liquid, and is typically taken twice daily. Common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.
What Is Ceftin?Ceftin® (cefuroxime axetil) is a prescription antibiotic. It is used to treat various infections, such as strep throat, ear infections, urinary tract infections, and sinus infections.
(Click Ceftin Uses for more information on what Ceftin is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
Who Makes This Medication?Brand-name Ceftin is made by GlaxoSmithKline. Generic versions are made by various manufacturers.
How Does Ceftin Work?Ceftin is a cephalosporin antibiotic. Cephalosporins are part of a larger group of medications known as beta-lactam antibiotics (named after the ring-like "lactam" structure of these antibiotics). Ceftin works by stopping bacteria from making cell walls, which eventually causes the bacteria to die. Cephalosporins are related to penicillins.
Ceftin is a prodrug, which means that the body converts Ceftin (cefuroxime axetil) into its active form (cefuroxime). Cefuroxime by itself is used as an injectable antibiotic, but it is not absorbed into the bloodstream well when taken in an oral form. However, slightly changing its chemical structure (to turn it into cefuroxime axetil) improves the absorption of the medication into the bloodstream so it can be taken orally.