Zinnat
Drug name: Zinnat
Other names used:
- Biofuroksym®
Therapeutic actions: Zinnat Tablets contain an antibiotic called cefuroxime, which treats infections caused by bacteria, in different parts of the body.
Cefuroxime axetil is an oral prodrug of the bactericidal cephalosporin antibiotic cefuroxime, which is resistant to most beta-lactamases and is active against a wide range of gram-positive and gram-negative organisms.
Indications: Cefuroxime is usually active against the following organisms in vitro: Aerobes, Gram-negative: Haemophilus influenzae (including ampicillin-resistant strains); Haemophilus parainfluenzae; Moraxella catarrhalis; Escherichia coli; Klebsiella species; Proteus mirabilis; Proteus inconstans; Providencia species; Proteus rettgeri and Neisseria gonorrhoea (including penicillinase and non-penicillinase-producing strains).
Contraindications and cautions: Special care is indicated in patients who have experienced an allergic reaction to penicillins or other beta-lactams. As with other antibiotics, prolonged use of cefuroxime axetil may result in the overgrowth of non-susceptible organisms (e.g. Candida, Enterococci, Clostridium difficile), which may require interruption of treatment. Pseudomembranous colitis has been reported with the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, therefore, it is important to consider its diagnosis in patients who develop serious diarrhoea during or after antibiotic use.
The dosage depends on the type of infection that you are suffering from. Your doctor or pharmacist will usually tell you how many Zinnat tablets to take and how often to take them. You will also find this information on the label of your medicine.
- Do not take extra tablets.
- Do not take the tablets more often than you have been told.
- Take all the tablets your doctor has prescribed for you, even if you feel better.
Zinnat should not be given to children less than 3 months of age. Zinnat is usually taken twice a day. Follow the directions of your doctor or see the label of your medicine.
- It works best when taken with food
- Swallow Zinnat tablets whole, and take with a glass of water.
- Do not crush Zinnat tablets.
- Even if you feel better, finish the course of Zinnat. Otherwise the infection may come back.
Adverse effects: Tell your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible if you have any problems while using Zinnat even if you do not think the problems are connected with the medicine or are not listed in this leaflet.
Like other medicines, Zinnat can cause some side effects. If they occur, they are most likely to be minor and temporary. However, some may be serious and need medical attention.
Some reported side effects are:
- White, furry, sore tongue and mouth (oral thrush)
- Sore, itchy vagina and/or discharge (vaginal thrush)
- Diarrhoea, feeling sick, vomiting, abdominal pain
- Headache
If any of these side effects persist, or are troublesome, see your doctor or pharmacist. Tell your doctor immediately if you notice any of the following:
- yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice).
- symptoms such as fever, severe chills, sore throat or mouth ulcers which can be a sign of lack of white blood cells
- rash - even if it starts a few days or more after starting Zinnat
- itchy or burning skin - even if it starts a few days or more after starting Zinnat
Do not take any diarrhea medicine without first checking with your doctor.
Serious side effects are rare.
Interactions: In common with other antibiotics, Zinnat may affect the gut flora, leading to lower oestrogen reabsorption and reduced efficacy of combined oral contraceptives.
Cephalosporins as a class tend to be absorbed onto the surface of red cells membranes and react with antibodies directed against the drug to produce a positive Coombs' test (which can interfere with cross-matching of blood) and very rarely haemolytic anaemia.
Additional Information: DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS PRODUCT, as well as syringes and needles, if needed during treatment, out of the reach of children. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials.
