Cefuroxime Can Cause Abdominal Pain
Yes, cefuroxime can cause abdominal pain as a gastrointestinal side effect. According to the FDA drug label, gastrointestinal symptoms occur in approximately 1 in 150 patients taking cefuroxime, with specific symptoms including diarrhea (1 in 220 patients) and nausea (1 in 440 patients) 1.
Gastrointestinal Side Effects of Cefuroxime
- Abdominal pain is listed among the adverse reactions in the cephalosporin class, which includes cefuroxime 1
- Diarrhea is the most common gastrointestinal adverse event observed with cefuroxime treatment 2, 1
- Other gastrointestinal side effects include nausea and vomiting 1, 3
- In clinical trials, gastrointestinal disturbances from cefuroxime have generally been mild and transient in nature 3
Clinical Evidence
- In a randomized clinical trial by Namyslowski et al., diarrhea was the most common adverse event observed in patients treated with cefuroxime 2
- Approximately 9.5% of patients in the cefuroxime-treated group experienced adverse events, with gastrointestinal symptoms being predominant 2
- Four patients in this study discontinued treatment due to cefuroxime-related adverse events 2
Management of Cefuroxime-Associated Abdominal Pain
- For mild symptoms, supportive measures including hydration and dietary modifications are recommended 4
- Antispasmodics may help manage pain, and low-dose tricyclic antidepressants can be considered for persistent visceral pain 4
- Probiotics during antibiotic therapy may help restore gut flora and potentially reduce gastrointestinal side effects 4
- In cases of severe or persistent abdominal pain, consider alternative antibiotics with lower rates of gastrointestinal side effects 4
Special Considerations
- Monitor for signs of pseudomembranous colitis, which may occur during or after cefuroxime treatment 1
- Be vigilant for more serious gastrointestinal complications such as colitis, which is a rare but reported adverse effect of cephalosporins 1
- Patients with a history of gastrointestinal disorders may be at higher risk for developing abdominal pain while taking cefuroxime 4
When to Discontinue Cefuroxime
- Consider discontinuation if abdominal pain is severe or accompanied by signs of serious complications such as bloody diarrhea or fever 1
- If pseudomembranous colitis is suspected, cefuroxime should be discontinued immediately and appropriate therapy initiated 1
In conclusion, while cefuroxime is generally well-tolerated, abdominal pain is a recognized side effect that occurs in some patients. Healthcare providers should inform patients about this potential side effect and monitor for symptoms during treatment.