DrugInfoSys

Cefuroxime

Drug #2156

Cefuroxime is a second generation, semisynthetic cephalosporin antibiotic. Cephalosporins are derivatives of 7-aminocephalosporic acid and are closely related to penicillins in structure. Cephalosporins have a six membered sulfur containing ring adjoining a ß lactam ring. Cefuroxime is a broad spectrum ß lactamase resistant antibiotic effective against a wide range of gram positive and gram negative bacteria. Cefuroxime (Na) is less effective against gram positive bacterias than first generation drugs. Antibiotics require constant drug level in body for therapeutic effect. This is achieved by taking the medication at regular interval of time throughout the day and night as prescribed. Cefuroxime (Na) is important to take the drug for the full time period as prescribed. If you discontinue the therapy, it may result in ineffective treatment.<BR>Cefuroxime axetil is an oral second generation cephalosporin antibiotic and used in the treatment of uncomplicated urinary tract infection, respiratory infections, bone and joints infection, gonorrhoea, otitis media, sinusitis and some skin infections.

← Previous drugNext drug →

Primary Characteristics

Cefuroxime is also known as Cefuroxime (Na), Cefuroxime axetil.

It is of Semi Synthetic origin and belongs to Cephalosporin.

It belongs to Peptidoglycan synthesis inhibitor pharmacological group on the basis of mechanism of action and also classified in Antibiotic, Cephalosporin-2nd Gen pharmacological group.

Molecular Weight: 424.4 · pKa: 2.5 · Solubility in Water: 1 in 1 - 1 in 10 · Solubility in Alcohol: 1 in 10 - 1 in 30 · Non-proprietary name: Cefuroxime.

Molecular structure of Cefuroxime

Pharmacokinetics

Distribution: Cefuroxime has a volume of distribution is 11.1-13.7 litre. plasma protein binding is up to 50%.

Elimination: plasma half-life is 1.25 hr, renal excretion is 96%.

Advertisement

Indications

Cefuroxime is primarily indicated in conditions like Acute bronchitis, Bone and joint infection, Chronic bronchitis, Cystitis, Early lyme disease, Genitourinary tract infections, Gonococcal infections, Gonorrhoea, Impetigo, Infected wounds, Late lyme disease prevention, Meningitis, Muscle relaxation (long duration) for surgery and intubation, NSAID-associated gastric or duodenal ulcers, Otitis media, Peritonitis, Pharyngitis, Pneumonia, Post-operative infections, Prophylaxis of acute rejection in allogenic renal transplantation, Pyelonephritis, Respiratory tract infections, Sinusitis, Skin infections, Soft tissue infections, Surgical prophylaxis, Urinary tract infection.

Contraindications

Cefuroxime is contraindicated in conditions like Hypersensitivity.

Dosage

Cefuroxime's dosage details are as follows:

DoseSingle DoseFrequencyRouteInstructions
Adult Dosage
750 mg750 mgEvery 12hivfor pneumonia and with acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis 1.5 mg may be given every 8 hour in more severe conditions.
375 mg375 mgEvery 12hPOShould be taken after food for optimum absorption. The usual course is seven days. For respiratory tract infection.
Paediatric Dosage (20kg)
250 – 0 mg—Every 12hotitus media over 2 years of age.
15 – 0 mg/kg—Every 12hmaximum of 500mg daily
Neonatal Dosage (3kg)
10 mg/kg10 mg/kgEvery 12hmaximum of 250mg daily. More than 3 months of age.
125 mg125 mgEvery 12hmaximum of 500mg daily. More than 3 months of age.

Drug Interactions

1 interaction

Always consult your physician for the change of dose regimen or an alternative drug of choice that may strictly be required.

Side Effects

Cefuroxime in overdosage may give rise to further complications which include Hemolytic anemia , Thrombophlebitis , Positive coombs test , Skin rashes , Serum sickness , Neutropenia , Pseudomembranous colitis , Leucopenia, Hypersensitivity reactions , Drug fever , Pruritus, Thrombocytopenia , Urticaria .

Cefuroxime produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Stevens Johnson syndrome, Anaphylaxis , Erythema multiforme, Toxic epidermal necrolysis. Careful monitoring is needed with proper medical management.

The signs and symptoms that are produced after acute overdosage of Cefuroxime are Cerebral irritation, Convulsions .

Cefuroxime is known to cause more or less tolerable side effects which are usually transient. These include Diarrhea, Drug fever, Elevation of liver enzymes, Epidermal necrolysis, Erythema multiforme, GI disturbance, Interstitial nephritis, Jaundice , Nausea, Pruritus , Pseudomembranous colitis , Serum sickness, Skin RashX, Urticaria, Vomiting .

Warnings / Precautions

Cefuroxime axetil may be given to the patient who are hypersensitive to penicillins, although cross-reactions have been reported. Special care is indicated in patients who have experienced penicillin anaphylaxis. prolong use may result in the over-growth of non-suseptible organisms. Cefuroxime should be used with caution in patients with impaired kidney or liver function, hypersensitive to penicillin. Caution is required in early months of pregnancy and in nursing mothers. Appropriate measures should be taken if secondary infection occurs. Reduce dosage when renal function is markedly impaired. High doses should be given with caution along with potent diuretics and aminoglycosides.

Interference in Pathology

Cefuroxime may interfere in the diagnosis of False +ve reaction to glucose in urine. , Early +ve coombs test.

Available Brands

Click on a strength to view available brands.

Single Ingredient

Caps
125 mg250 mg500 mg
Inj
1 g1.5 g125 mg250 mg500 mg750 mg
Inj IM/IV
250 mg750 mg
Susp
125 mg/5ml250 mg/5ml
Tabs
125 mg250 mg

Storage Conditions

Cefuroxime should be stored Dry Powder for Inj. Oral Susp (reconstituted). Premixed Frozen Soln for Inj. Tab, Syrup, Dry Powder for Oral Susp. Thawed .

Drug Classification

  1. 1.6.2.1.3 — Cephalosporins

Manufacturers