Product Monograph PrCEFTIN® PrCEFTIN® - GlaxoSmithKline

Drug Interactions
Drugs which reduce gastric acidity may result in a lower bioavailability of CEFTIN ®
compared with that of the fasting state and tend to cancel the effect of enhanced post-
prandial absorption.
In common with other antibiotics, cefuroxime axetil may affect the gut flora, leading to
lower estrogen reabsorption and reduced efficacy of combined oral contraceptives.
Drug-Laboratory Test Interactions
A false-positive reaction for glucose in the urine may occur with copper reduction tests
(Benedict's or Fehling's solution or with Clinitest ® Tablets) but not with enzyme-based
tests for glycosuria (e.g. Clinistix ® , Tes-Tape ® ). As a false-negative result may occur in
the ferricyanide test, it is recommended that either the glucose oxidase or hexokinase
method be used to determine blood plasma glucose levels in patients receiving
CEFTIN ® .
Cefuroxime does not interfere with the assay of serum and urine creatinine by the
alkaline picrate method.
Cephalosporins as a class tend to be absorbed onto the surface of red cell 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 hemolytic anemia
(See WARNINGS and ADVERSE REACTIONS).
Ability to Perform Tasks That Require Judgement, Motor or Cognitive Skills
As this medicine may cause dizziness, patients should be warned to be cautious when
driving or operating machinery.
November 30, 2010
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