Ceftizoxime Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 28, 2023.

Applies to ceftizoxime: injectable powder for injection, intravenous solution.

Important warnings This medicine can cause some serious health issues

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to ceftizoxime, or to similar antibiotics, such as Ceclor, Ceftin, Cefzil, Duricef, Keflex, Omnicef, Spectracef, Suprax, and others.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs (especially penicillin). Also tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease, a stomach or intestinal disorder, or if you are malnourished.

Use this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Ceftizoxime will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or has blood in it, call your doctor. Do not use any medicine to stop the diarrhea unless your doctor has told you to.

This medication can cause you to have unusual results with certain lab tests to check for glucose (sugar) in the urine. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using ceftizoxime.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• diarrhea that is watery or bloody;

• severe pain, burning, irritation, or skin changes where the needle was placed;

• skin rash, bruising, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness;

• uneven heartbeats;

• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;

• easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness;

• fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash;

• seizure (black-out or convulsions); or

• jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin).

Less serious side effects are more likely to occur, such as:

• pain, irritation, or hardening where the injection was given;

• stomach pain, nausea, vomiting;

• numbness or tingling;

• headache; or

• vaginal itching or discharge.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

For healthcare professionals

Applies to ceftizoxime: injectable powder for injection, intravenous solution.

General

Ceftizoxime is generally well-tolerated.^[Ref]

Adverse effects may be more likely or more severe in patients with renal and/or liver dysfunction.^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

Hypersensitivity reactions including rash, pruritus, and fever have been reported in 1% to 5% of patients. Numbness and anaphylaxis have been reported in less than 1% of patients. Cephalosporin class antibiotics have been associated with anaphylaxis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, erythema multiforme, and toxic epidermal necrolysis.^[Ref]

A case of occupational contact dermatitis due to cephalosporin allergy has been reported in a nurse who prepared cephalosporin solutions for administration to patients. The dermatitis resolved after the nurse stopped preparing the solutions.^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Gastrointestinal side effects have included diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting in less than 1% of patients. Pseudomembranous colitis has been reported in patients treated with cephalosporins. If diarrhea occurs and is unresponsive to discontinuation of the drug and/or standard therapy, pseudomembranous colitis should be considered.^[Ref]

Hematologic

Hematologic side effects have included transient eosinophilia, thrombocytosis, and positive Coombs' test in 1% to 5% of patients. Anemia, including occasionally fatal hemolytic anemia, leukopenia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia have been reported in less than 1% of patients. Cephalosporins as a class have been associated with aplastic anemia, hemolytic anemia, prolonged prothrombin time, hemorrhage, neutropenia, pancytopenia, and agranulocytosis.^[Ref]

Renal

Renal side effects have included transient elevations of BUN and creatinine (less than 1%). Interstitial nephritis has been reported with some cephalosporins, and presents as reversible fever, azotemia, pyuria, and eosinophiluria. Cephalosporins as a class have been associated with renal dysfunction and toxic nephropathy.^[Ref]

Hepatic

Hepatic side effects have included transient elevation of AST, ALT, and alkaline phosphatase in 1% to 5% of patients, and bilirubin increases in less than 1%. Cephalosporins as a class have been associated with hepatic dysfunction including cholestasis.^[Ref]

Nervous system

Nervous system side effects including seizures have been associated with some cephalosporins in renally impaired patients.^[Ref]

Local

Local side effects have included burning, cellulitis, phlebitis, pain, induration, tenderness, and paresthesia at the injection site in 1% to 5% of patients.^[Ref]

Genitourinary

Genitourinary side effects have included vaginitis (less than 1%).^[Ref]

Further information

Ceftizoxime side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

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