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Peds Calc

Pediatric Reference

Cefuroxime Side EffectsComprehensive Pediatric Safety Guide

Most side effects are mild and self‑limited. Gastrointestinal symptoms (diarrhea, nausea) and rash are most common in children. Serious reactions like anaphylaxis or C. difficile–associated diarrhea (CDAD) are rare but require urgent care.

4 Categories
9 Clinical Sources
Evidence-Based
Back to Cefuroxime Overview

Essential Information

1

Give with food to reduce stomach upset and improve absorption.

2

Maintain hydration; call for severe or bloody diarrhea or signs of dehydration.

3

Stop immediately and seek urgent care for hives, facial swelling, or breathing trouble.

Clinical Overview

Cefuroxime’s pediatric safety profile is similar to other oral cephalosporins. GI upset often improves if given with food. Allergic reactions can occur in those with beta‑lactam hypersensitivity.

Side Effect Categories

4 Systems

Gastrointestinal

3 documented effects

Total Sources: 5

Diarrhea

Incidence: Common
Onset: Typically within the first 2–3 days
mild
2 sources
Duration

Usually resolves within a few days after completion

Management

Maintain hydration; consider giving with food; avoid antidiarrheals unless instructed

Monitoring Guidelines

Call if severe, persistent >3 days, bloody, or accompanied by fever

2 clinical sources• PubMed • Clinical Guidelines • FDA

Nausea/Vomiting

Incidence: Common
Onset: Early in treatment
mild
2 sources
Duration

Not specified

Management

Give with food; small sips of fluids after dosing

Monitoring Guidelines

Call if persistent vomiting or signs of dehydration

2 clinical sources• PubMed • Clinical Guidelines • FDA

C. difficile–associated diarrhea (CDAD)

Incidence: Rare
Onset: During or up to several weeks after treatment
severe
1 sources
Duration

Not specified

Management

Stop drug; prompt clinical evaluation

Monitoring Guidelines

Watch for watery diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever; seek care immediately

1 clinical sources• PubMed • Clinical Guidelines • FDA

Skin

2 documented effects

Total Sources: 3

Rash (maculopapular)

Incidence: Common
Onset: Not specified
variable
2 sources
Duration

Not specified

Management

Call clinician for evaluation; continue if mild and child otherwise well unless advised

Monitoring Guidelines

Stop and seek urgent care for hives, facial swelling, mucosal involvement, or blistering

2 clinical sources• PubMed • Clinical Guidelines • FDA

Urticaria (hives)

Incidence: Uncommon
Onset: Not specified
moderate
1 sources
Duration

Not specified

Management

Stop medication and seek urgent care

Monitoring Guidelines

Monitor for symptom escalation or new adverse effects.

1 clinical sources• PubMed • Clinical Guidelines • FDA

Allergic/Immunologic

1 documented effect

Total Sources: 1

Anaphylaxis

Incidence: Rare
Onset: Not specified
severe
1 sources
Duration

Not specified

Management

Stop immediately; emergency care

Monitoring Guidelines

Monitor for symptom escalation or new adverse effects.

1 clinical sources• PubMed • Clinical Guidelines • FDA

Neurologic

1 documented effect

Total Sources: 0

Headache

Incidence: Common
Onset: Not specified
mild
Duration

Not specified

Management

Supportive care

Monitoring Guidelines

Monitor for symptom escalation or new adverse effects.

Parent Communication Guide

Age-Appropriate Explanations

Infants (0-12 months)

Mild tummy upset can happen and usually goes away.

Toddlers (1-3 years)

A little stomach upset or loose stools can occur and is usually mild.

Children (4-12 years)

Mild diarrhea or stomach upset can happen. Encourage fluids.

Adolescents (13+ years)

Mild GI upset may occur; taking with food can help if advised.

Common Parent Concerns

Q: Loose stools on cefuroxime

A: Often mild and self‑limited.

When to validate: Call if severe, bloody, or dehydrated.

Q: Rash while taking cefuroxime

A: A mild rash can occur. Seek care urgently for hives, swelling, or breathing trouble.

When to validate: Stop and call urgently for signs of allergy.

Clinical Decision Support

Severity Assessment Framework

Clinical assessment framework for cefuroxime adverse effects by severity and functional impact.

Mild
Indicators: Minimal GI upset, No functional impairment
Action: Continue medication, supportive care, routine follow‑up
Moderate
Indicators: Persistent GI symptoms, Parent/patient concern
Action: Consider dose timing with food, supportive measures, closer follow‑up
Severe
Indicators: Allergic signs, Severe diarrhea/dehydration
Action: Stop medication, evaluate urgently, consider alternative

Treatment Decision Guidelines

Immediate Discontinuation

  • • Anaphylaxis or airway involvement
  • • Severe cutaneous reaction

Consider Alternatives

  • • Persistent moderate side effects
  • • Patient/family request despite counseling

Dose Modification

  • • Mild effects with good response
  • • GI upset improved by taking with food

Clinical References

Cefuroxime Axetil Oral Suspension — FDA DailyMed•U.S. National Library of Medicine (2025)Label
Cefuroxime — MedlinePlus Drug Information•MedlinePlus / NIH (2025)Database

Frequently Asked Questions

Parent and clinician concerns about Cefuroxime