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Side Effects
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
More common- Black, tarry stools
- Chest pain
- Chills
- Cough
- Fever
- Painful or difficult urination
- Shortness of breath
- Sore throat
- Sores, ulcers, or white spots on lips or in mouth
- Swollen glands
- Unusual bleeding or bruising (more common for cefamandole, cefoperazone, cefotetan and cefuroxime)
- Unusual tiredness or weakness
- Abdominal or stomach cramps and pain (severe)
- Abdominal tenderness
- Diarrhea (watery and severe, which may also be bloody)
- Hives or welts, itching redness of skin, or skin rash
- Pain, redness and swelling at site of injection
- Peeling of skin
- Seizures
After you stop using this medicine, it may still produce some side effects that need attention. During this period of time, check with your doctor immediately if you notice the following side effects:
Rare- Blistering, peeling, or loosening of skin
- Decrease in urine output
- Hearing loss (more common with cefuroxime treatment for meningitis)
- Joint pain
- Loss of appetite, nausea, or vomiting (more common with ceftriaxone)
- Red or irritated eyes
- Trouble in breathing
- Yellowing of the eyes or skin
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common (less common with some cephalosporins)- Diarrhea (mild)
- Headache
- Sore mouth or tongue
- Stomach cramps (mild)
- Vaginal itching or discharge
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
