What are the potential allergic reactions to Ceftin?
Ceftin(cefuroxime axetil) is a semi-synthetic cephalosporin type antibiotic. These are structurally similar to penicillin, although there is only about a 5-10% cross reactivity in terms of allergy. Ceftin is very effective against gram negative organisms and has fairly good gram positive coverage. It differs from earlier generation cephalosporins in being better gram negative coverage at the cost of some gram positive coverage. It is also much more expensive than its earlier cephalosporin cousins. Allergies tend to be rashes and respiratory involvement. However, more severe reactions like Steven-Johnson syndrome, erythema multiforme and toxic epidermal necrosis have occurred (these mainly involve ulcers and loss of skin or mucosal membranes). Diarrhea and nausea are common side effects, but not allergies per se.
