HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Causes Excessive Tearing Of Eyes And Facial Numbness After Taking Cefuroxime?

default
Posted on Thu, 16 Jul 2015
Question: Hello, I'm ending a course of antibiotics prescribed for a middle ear infection and strep throat. Along the way, the right side of my face has become numb. Right eye tear duct is producing tears, lips are numb as if I had been given novocaine, hard to squint close my right eye. Could this be a side effect of the cefuroxime?

doctor
Answered by Dr. Kathy Robinson (31 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Bell's Palsy

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
It sounds like you have developed Bell's palsy. That is an inflammation of the facial nerve. You should see your doctor because a course of steroids is often helpful in this illness. The good news is that in time Bell's palsy usually resolves and your face will go back to normal. This is not an effect of the cefuroxime but is could be due to the same virus that was causing problems in your ear.
Here is a site where you can read more about Bell's Palsy.
http://www.uptodate.com/contents/bells-palsy-beyond-the-basics?source=search_result&search=bell%27s+palsy&selectedTitle=2~50
I suggest that you see your doctor as soon as possible
Regards,
Dr. Robinson
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Kathy Robinson

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1989

Answered : 3535 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Causes Excessive Tearing Of Eyes And Facial Numbness After Taking Cefuroxime?

Brief Answer: Bell's Palsy Detailed Answer: Hello, It sounds like you have developed Bell's palsy. That is an inflammation of the facial nerve. You should see your doctor because a course of steroids is often helpful in this illness. The good news is that in time Bell's palsy usually resolves and your face will go back to normal. This is not an effect of the cefuroxime but is could be due to the same virus that was causing problems in your ear. Here is a site where you can read more about Bell's Palsy. http://www.uptodate.com/contents/bells-palsy-beyond-the-basics?source=search_result&search=bell%27s+palsy&selectedTitle=2~50 I suggest that you see your doctor as soon as possible Regards, Dr. Robinson