| Common Brands | Ceftin, Zinacef |
|---|---|
|
Drug Class |
Second-generation cephalosporin antibiotic |
|
Controlled Substance Classification |
Not a controlled medication |
|
Generic Status |
Lower-cost generic available |
|
Availability |
Prescription only |
Cefuroxime is a second-generation cephalosporin antibiotic that fights a wide range of infections caused by bacteria. Its oral and injectable presentations make it versatile in use for outpatient and hospital conditions. This broad-spectrum antibiotic is used to cure infections caused by gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria by inhibiting the synthesis of the bacterial cell wall.
Cefuroxime is often prescribed for diseases such as respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, skin and soft tissue infections, ear infections, and more. It is said to be effective for mild to moderate infections and, for more severe infections, intravenous administration can be done in the hospital setting.
Cefuroxime can be administered in two forms: oral tablets/suspension and injectable (IV or IM). The method of administration depends on the severity of the infection and whether the patient is being treated in an outpatient or inpatient setting.
Oral formulation: When cefuroxime is to be administered orally, it is taken in an oral form twice in a day along with meals as it enhances absorption. It depends on the nature of the infection and how grave it is. An oral dose of cefuroxime for an adult is 250-500 mg every 12 hours. In children, dosing is based on the body weight.
Injectable form: The IV preparation of cefuroxime is usually administered in a 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on the severity of the infection. The oral dose for adults with serious infections is between 1.5 to 3 grams per day and is administered in divided doses with an interval of usually every 8 hours. For IM injections, the usual procedure is to inject in the gluteal muscle; thus it is used more often with less severe infections compared to the IV.
Renal adjustments: In the case of patients with compromised renal function, the dosage of cefuroxime may have to be adjusted to avoid drug accumulation in the body and hence minimize the risk of toxicity.
Cefuroxime interferes with the synthesis of bacterial cell walls. The bacterial cell wall is necessary for providing structural integrity to the bacteria. Without it, the bacteria cannot survive because they could not maintain structural integrity. Binding with and inactivating PBPs leads to an essential process in forming the bacterial cell wall, hence stopping the synthesis of new cell walls, leading to the rupture of cells and ultimately, the death of these bacteria.
Cefuroxime is active against many gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, including strains responsible for infections such as upper respiratory infections, sinusitis, pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and otitis media. It has a good tissue penetration capacity into bronchial secretions, bile, and urine, making it an efficient agent in the treatment of infections in various parts of the body.
Cefuroxime like other medicines can lead to various side effects. Most of them are not major ones:
GI symptoms: These may range from diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. More serious gastrointestinal complications, such as Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea, can be caused by this drug in some patients.
Allergic reactions: The allergic reaction to cefuroxime can include rash, hives, itching, and anaphylaxis. A person with a documented allergy to penicillins or cephalosporins should not receive this drug.
Liver enzyme elevations: Cefuroxime may occasionally induce elevations in liver enzymes, which are generally mild and transient and resolve when the drug is discontinued.
Renal impairment: Nephritis or renal failure have been reported rarely in patients receiving cefuroxime, especially those with predisposing renal conditions.
Hematologic: Low blood cell counts, including anemia, leukopenia, or thrombocytopenia, have been reported rarely with cefuroxime.
Allergic reactions: Patients with allergies to cephalosporins, penicillins, or other beta-lactam antibiotics should not use cefuroxime. Cross-reactivity between these drug classes can occur.
Renal or hepatic disease: Patients with impaired renal or liver function should use cefuroxime cautiously. In patients with decreased renal function, a dosing adjustment may be required.
Pregnancy and lactation: The drug is considered safe for use during pregnancy (Category B), but it must be used only when really necessary. It is excreted in breast milk, so caution is observed in breastfeeding mothers.
Superinfections: As in all antibiotics, prolonged cefuroxime usage can lead to the overgrowth of non-susceptible organisms, fungi or Clostridium difficile.
Other medications with which cefuroxime may interact include either enhancing its effect or increasing the risk of side effects. Some important interactions include:
Probenecid: Probenecid is a medication used to treat gout. It increases the concentration of cefuroxime in the blood by inhibiting its renal excretion. This may increase the risk of side effects and toxicity.
Aminoglycoside antibiotics (such as gentamicin): When cefuroxime is administered with aminoglycoside antibiotics, there is a potential for increased risk of renal impairment. Renal function should be monitored closely when both drugs are given together.
Oral contraceptives: Although very rare, antibiotics such as cefuroxime may reduce the efficacy of oral contraceptives. Other forms of contraception may need to be used during treatment with cefuroxime.
Warfarin: Cefuroxime may increase the effects of the blood-thinning medication warfarin, thereby increasing the chances of bleeding. Prothrombin time (PT) and international normalized ratio (INR) must be monitored regularly.
Oral use: For most infections, the recommended dose of cefuroxime for adults is 250 milligrams to 500 milligrams, given twice a day. Higher doses should be used in more serious infections.
Intravenous use: For serious infections, the typical adult dose of cefuroxime is 1.5 to 3 grams per day, administered in divided doses every 8 hours. A child’s dose is dosed based on weight.
Cefuroxime is available only by prescription. It should be prescribed based on the type of infection, the severity of the condition, and the patient’s medical history. It is generally used in clinical settings; oral cefuroxime is more common for outpatient treatment, while the injectable form is used for more severe infections.
It treats bacterial infections like respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, skin infections, and Lyme disease.
Cefuroxime is available as oral tablets, oral suspension, and injectable forms.
It is a cephalosporin antibiotic that kills bacteria by disrupting their cell wall synthesis.
Mainly respiratory infections, ear infections, and Lyme disease.
For more severe infections or when oral administration isn’t possible.
By intramuscular (IM) or intravenous (IV) injection in a hospital or clinic.
Yes, both oral and injectable forms are used in pediatric patients with weight-based dosing.
Diarrhea, nausea, rash, headache, and injection site pain (for injection).
No, it only works against bacterial infections.
Yes, taking oral Cefuroxime with food helps reduce stomach upset and improves absorption.
Yes, Cefuroxime can interact with blood thinners, antacids, and some other medicines.
Yes, especially if allergic to penicillin or cephalosporin antibiotics.
Usually 7 to 14 days, depending on infection severity and type.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, unless it’s close to the next dose; do not double dose.
Yes, dosage may need adjustment in kidney impairment cases.
Yes, disrupting normal flora may lead to fungal infections.
It’s generally considered safe but only if clearly needed and prescribed by a doctor.
Yes, to prevent resistance and ensure infection clearance.
Tablets and powder should be stored at room temperature; liquid suspension should be refrigerated after reconstitution.
Yes, it is one of the recommended antibiotics for early-stage Lyme disease.
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