Cefuroxime 500 mg: uses, price & cheaper substitutes
Prescription required (Schedule H)
Common uses: Throat, tonsil, ear and sinus infections; Chest infections such as bronchitis flare-ups and pneumonia.
Listed MRPs range from ₹13.31 to ₹55.30 per tablet across 9 listings. Use only on a doctor's prescription.
Price comparison
| Brand | Manufacturer | Pack | MRP | ₹ / tablet | As on |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cefuroxime Axetil Tablets IP 500 mgJan Aushadhi | Jan Aushadhi (PMBJP) | 10 | ₹133.13 | ₹13.31 | 19 October 2026 |
| Zefu 500 | FDC Ltd | 10 | ₹411.70 | ₹41.17 | 19 October 2026 |
| Cefakind 500 | Mankind Pharma Ltd | 10 | ₹462.70 | ₹46.27 | 19 October 2026 |
| Oratil 500 | Macleods Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd | 10 | ₹507.98 | ₹50.80 | 19 October 2026 |
| Pulmocef 500 | Micro Labs Ltd | 10 | ₹514.92 | ₹51.49 | 19 October 2026 |
| Altacef 500 | Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd | 10 | ₹549.47 | ₹54.95 | 19 October 2026 |
| Cetil 500 | Lupin Ltd | 10 | ₹552.90 | ₹55.29 | 19 October 2026 |
| Ceftum 500 | Glaxo SmithKline Pharmaceuticals Ltd | 10 | ₹552.97 | ₹55.30 | 19 October 2026 |
| Zocef 500 | Alkem Laboratories Ltd | 10 | ₹552.95 | ₹55.30 | 19 October 2026 |
MRPs as printed/listed on the date shown; actual price may vary.
Uses
- Throat, tonsil, ear and sinus infections.
- Chest infections such as bronchitis flare-ups and pneumonia.
- Urinary tract infections.
- Skin and soft tissue infections.
- Lyme disease and gonorrhoea (single dose), as prescribed.
How to take it
Take one 500 mg tablet every 12 hours, usually twice a day, exactly as prescribed. Take it with food – this improves absorption. Swallow it whole with water; do not crush it, because it tastes very bitter. Keep taking it at the same times every day and finish the full course, typically 5 to 10 days depending on the infection, even if you feel better earlier. Keep antacids at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after the dose. See a doctor if you are not improving in a few days, if you develop watery or bloody diarrhoea, or a rash.
Side effects
Common
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Diarrhoea.
- Stomach discomfort.
- Vaginal thrush, mild rash.
Serious
Stop and get medical help urgently if you notice any of these.
- Severe allergic reaction – hives, swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing (more likely if you are allergic to penicillin).
- Watery or bloody diarrhoea with cramps or fever, during or up to 2 months after the course (bowel infection).
- Blistering or peeling skin rash.
- Signs that the infection has returned after the course.
Safety information
Alcohol
No direct interaction is listed, but avoid alcohol while you are unwell; it worsens stomach upset and dehydration.
Pregnancy
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Cefuroxime is used in pregnancy when a doctor decides it is needed.
Kidney problems
Tell your doctor about kidney disease – the dose may need to be reduced.
Liver problems
Tell your doctor about liver disease; no routine dose change is listed.
Children
Children usually get cefuroxime syrup or a lower-strength tablet dosed by weight; the 500 mg tablet is for adults and older children as a doctor directs.
Missed dose
Take it when you remember unless the next dose is nearly due – then skip it. Do not double up.
Interactions
- Antacids (Gelusil, Digene) – reduce absorption; take at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after cefuroxime.
- Acid-reducing medicines – omeprazole, pantoprazole, ranitidine, famotidine – reduce absorption; do not start them without asking your doctor.
- Hormonal contraceptive pills – may be less effective during the course; use an extra method.
- Blood thinners such as warfarin – bleeding risk may change.
- Probenecid – raises cefuroxime levels.
Frequently asked questions
What is Ceftum 500 used for?
Ceftum (cefuroxime) is a cephalosporin antibiotic for throat, ear, sinus, chest, urinary and skin infections caused by bacteria. It does not work for viral fevers, colds or flu.
Ceftum 500 before or after food?
After food. Cefuroxime tablets are absorbed much better with a meal. Swallow whole with water – do not crush, as it is very bitter.
Can I take Ceftum 500 with alcohol?
There is no direct interaction, but alcohol worsens stomach upset and slows recovery, so it is best avoided during the course.
Ceftum 500 vs Ceftum 250 – which do I need?
Both are cefuroxime; 500 mg is the usual adult dose for chest, sinus and skin infections, while 250 mg is used for milder infections or children. Your doctor chooses the strength.
Can I take Zocef 500 if I am allergic to penicillin?
Tell your doctor. Some people allergic to penicillin also react to cephalosporins, especially if the earlier reaction was severe. Your doctor will decide whether it is safe.
Is Ceftum 500 safe in pregnancy?
It is used in pregnancy when a doctor decides it is needed. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before starting.
How many days should I take Ceftum 500?
For the full course your doctor prescribes, usually 5 to 10 days. Stopping early lets the infection return and encourages resistance.
Does Ceftum 500 affect birth control pills?
It may make hormonal contraceptives less effective. Use condoms or another method during the course and for a few days after.
Does Ceftum 500 need a prescription?
Yes. Cefuroxime is a Schedule H antibiotic in India and should be dispensed only against a prescription.
Sources
- MedlinePlus – Cefuroxime (19 October 2026)
- NPPA Pharma Sahi Daam (ceiling prices) (19 October 2026)
- PMBI Jan Aushadhi Product & MRP List (19 October 2026)
Medyzen Editorial Team · Last updated
This page is general information, not medical advice. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without asking a doctor or pharmacist. Terms