Frequently asked questions about the antibiotic Zinnat

This is an automatically translated article.

Article written by Pharmacist Quang Anh Nguyet - Faculty of Pharmacy - Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital
Zinnat is an antibiotic used very commonly for many infections with many dosage forms and concentrations suitable for many subjects and ages. The main active ingredient is cefuroxime, which belongs to the group of broad-spectrum cephalosporin antibiotics against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.

1. What happens if a patient overdoses on Zinnat?

Even at normal doses, Zinnat can cause side effects such as gastrointestinal disturbances (diarrhea, nausea and vomiting), pseudomembranous colitis, headache, eosinophilia, elevated enzymes liver.
Because the drug is eliminated mainly by the kidneys, for patients with impaired renal function, the dose of the drug will be adjusted according to the degree of impairment.
An overdose of Zinnat can cause brain irritation leading to convulsions. Cefuroxime concentrations can be reduced by hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis.

2. People with liver disease should take Zinnat or not?

Because the drug is not metabolized by the liver, it can be used in patients with liver disease.
The drug is eliminated mainly by the kidneys (in the unchanged form) so the dose must be adjusted in patients with impaired renal function.
The drug should not be used in patients with known hypersensitivity to cefuroxime or any of its components, or in patients with a history of hypersensitivity (such as anaphylaxis ...) to penicillins or betalactam antibiotics (such as amoxicillin). , cephalexine, cefaclor, cefixime...) due to the risk of cross-allergy.

3. Can Zinnat be used for pregnant women?

The drug crosses the placenta, but there is no experimental evidence that the drug has an effect on the embryo or fetus. However, as with all drugs, care should be taken during the first months of pregnancy.

4. Can breastfeeding women take Zinnat?

Cefuroxime (the active ingredient of Zinnat) is excreted in breast milk, so caution should be exercised when administering Zinnat to a nursing mother. If use is mandatory because the benefit to the mother outweighs the risk to the child, note the manifestation of digestive disorders or allergies in the child.

5. Does the drug affect the driver?

Because the drug can cause dizziness, warn the patient to be careful when driving or operating machinery.

6. Can children under 3 months old use Zinnat?

Due to the lack of data from the manufacturer on the use of Zinnat in children under 3 months of age, its use in this population needs to be used with extreme caution, weighing the benefits and risks.

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