Ceftizoxime injection

What is ceftizoxime injection?

CEFTIZOXIME (Cefizox®) is a cephalosporin antibiotic. It treats many kinds of infections, including those of the skin, bone, stomach, brain, blood, respiratory tract, and urinary tract. Ceftizoxime also treats some sexually transmitted diseases. Generic ceftizoxime injections are not yet available.

What does my health care professional need to know before I receive ceftizoxime?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• stomach or intestinal problems (especially colitis)

• other chronic illness

• an unusual or allergic reaction to ceftizoxime, other cephalosporin antibiotics, penicillin, penicillamine, other foods, dyes or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Ceftizoxime is for injection into a muscle or infusion into a vein. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Use your doses at regular intervals. Do not use your medicine more often than directed. Finish the full course prescribed by your prescriber or health care professional even if you think your condition is better. Do not stop using except on your prescriber's advice.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with ceftizoxime?

• certain antibiotics given by injection

• probenecid

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking ceftizoxime?

Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms do not begin to improve in a few days.

If you get severe or watery diarrhea, do not treat yourself. Call your prescriber or health care professional for advice.

If you are being treated for a sexually transmitted disease, avoid sexual contact until you have finished your treatment. Having sex can infect your sexual partner.

What side effects may I notice from receiving ceftizoxime?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• difficulty breathing, wheezing

• dizziness

• fever or chills, sore throat

• headache

• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

• seizures (convulsions)

• severe or watery diarrhea

• skin rash, itching

• stomach pain or cramps

• swollen joints

• unusual bleeding or bruising

• unusual weakness or tiredness

• vomiting

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• diarrhea

• nausea

• pain, swelling and irritation at the injection site

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store the dry powder for injection at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light. After preparing the injection solution storage depends upon the diluent used and the concentration of ceftizoxime. Follow manufacturer's advice on the storage of diluted solutions.