Zinnat Tablet (Cefuroxime) Side Effects in Pakistan

Complete guide on Zinnat (Cefuroxime axetil) side effects — from diarrhea to rare but serious allergic reactions. When to monitor symptoms and when to see a doctor immediately.

Compiled by the PakVita Editorial Team · AI-assisted drafting with editorial review · Sourced from DRAP, WHO, BNF · Last updated: 2026-06-17

Side Effects

Quick Answer

Zinnat (Cefuroxime) common side effects include diarrhea/GI upset, nausea, headache, and Candida overgrowth (thrush — longer courses). Serious: severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis — especially with penicillin allergy history), Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) colitis. Report on the DRAP pharmacovigilance portal.

Side Effects at a Glance

Common

Diarrhea / GI upset (bahut common — cephalosporin class effect; loose motions)
Nausea
Headache
Dizziness
Candida overgrowth
Abnormal liver function tests

Serious — See a Doctor

Severe allergic reaction / anaphylaxis
Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) colitis
Haemolytic anaemia (rare — RBC destruction)
Nephrotoxicity (rare)

When to See a Doctor Immediately

Severe rash, hives (urticaria), swelling of face/throat, breathing difficulty (anaphylaxis — EMERGENCY: stop drug, hospital)
Severe watery or bloody diarrhea, fever, severe stomach cramping
Jaundice (yellowing of skin/eyes — hepatotoxicity)
Extreme fatigue, pallor (haemolytic anaemia — rare)

Zinnat Tablet (Cefuroxime) Side Effects (Nuksanat)

Zinnat Tablet (Cefuroxime axetil) is well-tolerated in most patients — but some side effects can occur. Diarrhea is the most common (cephalosporin class effect).

Common Side Effects (Aam Nuksanat)

Diarrhea / GI upset (very common) — loose motions, cephalosporin class effect; generally mild; probiotics may provide some relief
Nausea
Headache
Dizziness
Candida overgrowth — oral thrush, vaginal thrush — especially with longer courses; get antifungal from doctor
Abnormal LFTs
Skin rash (mild, uncommon)

These side effects are generally mild. If they continue or become severe, inform your doctor.

Serious Side Effects (Sanjeedah Nuksanat)

Allergic Reaction / Anaphylaxis (EMERGENCY)

Severe rash, urticaria (hives), swelling of face, throat, tongue
Breathing difficulty, wheezing
IMMEDIATELY: stop the drug and go to hospital
Risk is higher with penicillin allergy history (cross-reactivity ~1–2%)

C. diff (Clostridioides difficile) Colitis

Severe watery or bloody diarrhea, fever, severe stomach cramping during or after the course
See a doctor IMMEDIATELY — C. diff is serious but treatable
The antibiotic may need to be stopped or an alternative given
This is different from normal diarrhea — blood or mucus + fever = red flag

Other Serious (Rare)

Haemolytic anaemia (extreme fatigue, pallor)
Hepatotoxicity (jaundice)
Nephrotoxicity (rare)

When to See a Doctor (Kab Doctor Se Milna Zaroori Hai)

Severe rash, urticaria, swelling, breathing difficulty (anaphylaxis — EMERGENCY)
Severe watery or bloody diarrhea, fever
Jaundice (yellowing of skin/eyes)
Extreme fatigue, pallor (haemolytic anaemia)

Side Effects Summary Table

Type	Side Effect	Action
Very Common	Diarrhea / GI upset	Monitor; severe = doctor
Common	Nausea, headache	Monitor
Common	Candida thrush	Get antifungal from doctor
Serious	Anaphylaxis	EMERGENCY — stop, hospital
Serious	C. diff colitis	See doctor IMMEDIATELY
Rare	Haemolytic anaemia	See a doctor

Reporting Side Effects

If you notice any unexpected side effect, report it on the DRAP pharmacovigilance portal: https://www.dra.gov.pk/pharmacovigilance

The information in this guide is for educational purposes only. If you notice any side effect, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Zinnat (Cefuroxime) ke common side effects kya hain?

The most common are diarrhea/loose motions and GI upset (cephalosporin class effect), nausea, headache, and Candida thrush. Most are mild and resolve after the course is complete.

Zinnat se diarrhea kyun hoti hai?

Cephalosporin antibiotics disturb gut bacteria — diarrhea is a very common side effect. Probiotics may provide some relief. If diarrhea is severe or bloody, see a doctor immediately (C. diff colitis).

Cefuroxime se C. diff colitis kya hai?

During or after antibiotic use, Clostridioides difficile bacteria can overgrow — causing severe watery or bloody diarrhea, fever, and cramping. This is serious — see a doctor IMMEDIATELY. The antibiotic may need to be stopped mid-course or an alternative given.

Kya Zinnat penicillin allergy mein safe hai?

Cross-reactivity between cefuroxime and penicillin is approximately 1–2%. If you have a penicillin allergy history, be sure to tell your doctor. With a history of severe penicillin anaphylaxis, it is better to avoid cefuroxime — the doctor will decide on an alternative.

Zinnat se thrush (Candida) kyun hoti hai?

Antibiotics also affect beneficial gut/body bacteria — Candida overgrowth can occur. More common with longer courses. A doctor can prescribe antifungal treatment.

Brand alternatives, same-class options, and other medicines used for the same conditions as Zinnat Tablet.

Other antibiotics

Sibling medicines in the Antibiotics class.

All in class →

Sources

DRAP Registered Products Database — Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan
WHO Model List of Essential Medicines, 23rd ed. (2023) — World Health Organization
British National Formulary (BNF) — BMJ Group & Pharmaceutical Press

Medical disclaimer

This page is for educational use only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always confirm diagnosis, dose, and interactions with a qualified doctor or pharmacist before starting or changing any medicine.