Cefuroxime

Listed in Dosage.

Adult: PO Susceptible infections As cefuroxime axetil: 250 or 500 mg 12 hourly for 7-10 days. Uncomplicated UTI 250 mg 12 hourly for 7-10 days. Resp tract infections250 - 500 mg 12 hourly for 7-10 days. Lyme disease 500 mg bid for 20 days. Uncomplicated gonorrhoea 1 g as a single dose. May be given w/ oral probenecid 1 g. IM/IV Susceptible infections 0.75 g 8 hrly, may increase up to 1.5 g 6-8 hrly in more severe infections. Pneumonia 1.5 g bid, followed by an oral dose of 0.5 g bid. Acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis 750 mg bid, followed by an oral dose 500 mg bid. Prophylaxis of surgical infections 1.5 g IV before the procedure, followed by 750 mg IM 8 hrly for up to 24-48 hr. For total joint replacement: 1.5 g, may be mixed w/ methylmethacrylate cement. IV Meningitis 3 g 8 hrly. IM Gonorrhoea 1.5 g as a single dose divided between 2 inj sites. May be given w/ oral probenecid 1 g.

Cefuroxime: May be taken with or without food.
Cefuroxime: Should be taken with food.

Hypersensitivity to cefuroxime or to other cephalosporins.

History of hypersensitivity to penicillin, and GI disease (particularly colitis). Renal impairment. Pregnancy and lactation. Monitoring Parameters Monitor renal, hepatic and haematologic function periodically. Monitor prothrombin time in patients at risk of prolongation. Observe for signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis during 1st dose.

Rash, fever, pruritus, erythema, urticaria, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, erythema multiforme, toxic epidermal necrolysis, serum sickness-like reactions, angioedema; mild to moderate hearing loss (childn); nausea, vomiting, gagging, epigastric burning, GI bleeding and infection, abdominal pain, flatulence, ptyalism, indigestion, mouth ulcers, swollen tongue, anorexia, thirst, dyspepsia, stomach cramps, diarrhoea; decreased Hb and haematocrit, thrombocytosis, lymphocytosis, haemolytic anaemia, increased prothrombin time; transient increase in serum AST (SGOT), ALT (SGPT), alkaline phosphatase, LDH and bilirubin levels; transient increase in BUN and/or serum creatinine concentration, decreased CrCl, bilateral renal cortical necrosis; UTI, kidney pain, urethral pain or bleeding, dysuria, vaginitis, vag candidiasis, vulvovaginal pruritus, vag discharge or irritation; Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction; neck muscle spasm, muscle cramps or stiffness, chest pain or tightness, shortness of breath, tachycardia, chills, lockjaw-type reaction, viral illness, upper resp infection, sinusitis, cough, joint swelling, arthralgia; pain at inj site, thrombophlebitis (IV). Rarely, transient eosinophilia and neutropenia, pancytopenia, leucopenia, thrombocytopenia; headache, somnolence or sleepiness, dizziness, hyperactivity, irritable behaviour, myoclonic jerks, seizures, generalised hyperexcitability; jaundice; acute renal failure, interstitial nephritis.
Potentially Fatal: Anaphylaxis, pseudomembranous colitis.

May enhance the nephrotoxic effect of strong-acting diuretics (e.g. furosemide) and aminoglycosides. May enhance the effect of oral anticoagulants. May reduce the efficacy of OCs. Probenecid prolongs the excretion of cefuroxime and elevated peak serum level.

Cephalosporins

S01AA27 - cefuroxime ; Belongs to the class of second-generation cephalosporins. Used in the treatment of eye infections.
J01DC02 - cefuroxime ; Belongs to the class of second-generation cephalosporins. Used in the systemic treatment of infections.