Cefuroxime Axetil — Compare Prices at US & Canada Pharmacies
Compare real Cefuroxime Axetil prices at US and Canadian pharmacies, see official FDA uses and warnings, and find generic alternatives.
How much does Ceftin cost without insurance?
Generic cefuroxime axetil is typically inexpensive with a discount card. See the pharmacy-by-pharmacy pricing above for real current numbers for your strength and quantity.
Is there a generic version of Ceftin?
Yes — generic cefuroxime axetil is what's dispensed by default at most pharmacies.
Do I need a prescription for Ceftin?
Yes, in the US and Canada. It's not available over the counter.
How can I save on cefuroxime?
Compare discount-card pricing across pharmacies for the exact strength and quantity prescribed — the spread can be meaningful even for a well-established generic.
Cefuroxime Axetil prices at US pharmacies
(Cefuroxime Axetil) — tablet, 500mg, qty 14
| Pharmacy | Retail price | With discount card |
|---|---|---|
| Kroger Pharmacy Lowest | $17.70 | $14.70 |
| Harris Teeter Pharmacy | $17.70 | $14.70 |
| Food Lion | $15.91 | — |
| Walmart Neighborhood Market | $19.62 | $16.62 |
| Walmart Pharmacy | $19.62 | $16.62 |
| Walgreens | $20.25 | $17.25 |
| Publix | $23.29 | — |
| CVS Pharmacy | $27.21 | $24.21 |
Cefuroxime Axetil prices at Canadian pharmacies
No Canadian pharmacy pricing was found for Cefuroxime Axetil in our latest data pull.
Canada prices are converted to USD at time of collection and shown per tablet where available. Ordering from Canadian pharmacies is legal for personal use in most cases but subject to FDA/CBSA rules — see US vs Canada, explained.
What is Cefuroxime Axetil used for?
Cefuroxime axetil is a second-generation cephalosporin — a step up in bacterial coverage from first-generation cephalosporins like cephalexin, while still being taken by mouth rather than requiring an IV. It's commonly used for sinus infections, some ear infections, certain respiratory infections, and early Lyme disease as an alternative to doxycycline (particularly during pregnancy, when doxycycline is generally avoided).
One practical note that trips people up: it needs to be taken with food specifically, because food meaningfully increases how much of the drug your body actually absorbs — taking it on an empty stomach can mean getting less of the intended dose.
It's related to (but distinct from) penicillin-class antibiotics; people with a penicillin allergy have a small but real chance of also reacting to cephalosporins, which is worth discussing with your prescriber if your allergy history includes a serious reaction.
How Cefuroxime Axetil works
Targets the bacterial cell wall
Like penicillins, cefuroxime is a beta-lactam antibiotic that blocks the construction of the bacterial cell wall.
Resists some bacterial defenses
It's more stable against certain beta-lactamase enzymes than first-generation cephalosporins or plain penicillins, extending its reach to some bacteria that have developed resistance to older drugs.
The bacterial cell ruptures
Without an intact wall, the bacterial cell can't withstand internal pressure and breaks apart — a direct, bactericidal effect.
Typical dosage forms & strengths
| Use | Typical adult dose | Form |
|---|---|---|
| Most common infections (adults) | 250–500 mg every 12 hours, with food | Tablet |
| Early Lyme disease | 500 mg every 12 hours for 20 days | Tablet |
| Children | Weight-based, divided into 2 doses | Oral suspension |
General reference dosing from the FDA label — not personalized advice. Your prescribed dose may differ based on your infection, kidney function, age, and weight. Always follow your prescriber's instructions.
Related & alternative drugs
Commonly used for
Warnings & interactions
This is a summary of the official FDA label text, not personalized medical advice. It does not list every possible interaction or side effect. Always tell your prescriber and pharmacist about every medicine and supplement you take.
Common, usually mild
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Headache
- Mild rash
Serious — seek care promptly
- Severe or watery diarrhea (possible C. diff)
- Signs of an allergic reaction: hives, facial/throat swelling, trouble breathing
- Severe skin reaction (blistering, peeling)
- Unusual bruising or bleeding
Contraindications
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Cefuroxime axetil tablets are contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity (e.g., anaphylaxis) to cefuroxime axetil tablets or to other β-lactam antibacterial drugs (e.g., penicillins and cephalosporins). Known hypersensitivity (e.g., anaphylaxis) to cefuroxime axetil tablets or to other β-lactams (e.g., penicillins and cephalosporins). ( 4 )
Notable drug interactions
| Drug / substance | What can happen |
|---|---|
| Antacids or acid reducers (H2 blockers, PPIs) | Can reduce cefuroxime absorption — timing matters more with this drug than with many antibiotics. |
| Probenecid | Slows elimination, raising and prolonging blood levels. |
| Oral contraceptives | Rarely reported to reduce effectiveness; a backup method is a reasonable precaution. |
| Warfarin | May enhance anticoagulant effect in some people; monitoring is a reasonable precaution. |
Pregnancy & breastfeeding
8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Available data from published epidemiologic studies, case series, and case reports over several decades with cephalosporin use, including cefuroxime axetil, in pregnant women have not established drug-associated risks of major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes (see Data) .
Cefuroxime Axetil, by the numbers
Additional public data points beyond retail pricing — useful context, not a price quote.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Cefuroxime Axetil cost without insurance?
Is there a generic version of Cefuroxime Axetil?
What drug class is Cefuroxime Axetil in?
Learn more about Cefuroxime Axetil
In-depth answers to common Cefuroxime Axetil questions, fact-checked against the sources cited in each.
What does cefuroxime axetil (Ceftin) treat?
Cefuroxime axetil is FDA-approved for a broader list of infections than its most common uses (sinusitis, ear infections, early Lyme disease) might suggest:
- Strep throat and tonsillitis
- Bacterial ear infections (children)
- Acute bacterial sinusitis
- Flare-ups of chronic bronchitis
- Uncomplicated skin infections
- Uncomplicated urinary tract infections
- Uncomplicated gonorrhea
- Early Lyme disease
It's not effective against viral infections like a cold or the flu, and — like other antibiotics — it should only be used for a confirmed or strongly suspected bacterial infection matching one of the uses above.
Is cefuroxime a penicillin?
No — cefuroxime is a cephalosporin, a related but separate class of antibiotics. Cephalosporins and penicillins share the same core beta-lactam structure and mechanism, which is why there's a small but real cross-reactivity risk: someone with a history of a severe penicillin reaction (anaphylaxis, throat swelling) has a somewhat higher chance of also reacting to cefuroxime, and that history is worth mentioning to your prescriber before starting it.
Can you drink alcohol while taking cefuroxime?
There's no FDA-documented severe interaction between cefuroxime and alcohol — it's not in the same category as metronidazole or similar drugs that can trigger a genuinely dangerous reaction. Still, alcohol can worsen the nausea and stomach upset cefuroxime sometimes causes, and it won't help your body clear the infection, so it's reasonable to limit or avoid it until you've finished your course.
How long do cefuroxime side effects last, and how fast does it start working?
Most people notice symptom improvement within a few days of starting cefuroxime, though the timeline depends on the infection being treated — early Lyme disease, for example, is treated for a full 20 days regardless of how quickly symptoms ease. Common side effects like nausea, diarrhea, or headache typically fade within a few days of finishing the course; if diarrhea is severe or persists after you stop taking it, contact your provider, since that can signal a C. difficile infection that needs separate treatment. If you see no improvement in your original symptoms after several days on cefuroxime, or symptoms get worse, check in with your prescriber rather than waiting out the full course.
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Prices last checked 2026-08-21. Reviewed against FDA and DailyMed official sources — see our review process. Not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Kami Kim, M.D., Infectious Diseases, Global Health