What is the recommended dose and frequency of Cefuroxime (Ceftin) for Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)?

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Last updated: May 5, 2025 • View editorial policy

From the FDA Drug Label

In uncomplicated urinary tract infections, skin and skin­-structure infections, disseminated gonococcal infections, and uncomplicated pneumonia, a 750 mg dose every 8 hours is recommended. The recommended dose and frequency of Ceftin (Cefuroxime) for uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) is:

  • Dose: 750 mg
  • Frequency: every 8 hours 1

From the Research

For uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs), the typical Ceftin (cefuroxime axetil) dosage is 250 mg taken orally twice daily for 7-10 days, as supported by the most recent and highest quality study 2.

Key Considerations

  • The dosage may be increased to 500 mg twice daily for 7-14 days for more complicated UTIs.
  • Ceftin should be taken with food to enhance absorption and reduce stomach upset.
  • It's essential to complete the entire prescribed course even if symptoms improve before finishing the medication to ensure complete eradication of the infection.
  • Patients should drink plenty of water while taking Ceftin to help flush bacteria from the urinary tract.
  • Ceftin works by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis, which is effective against many common UTI-causing organisms, including most strains of E. coli.

Important Notes

  • Common side effects may include diarrhea, nausea, and headache.
  • If you have a penicillin allergy, inform your healthcare provider as there is potential for cross-reactivity with cephalosporins like Ceftin.
  • The choice of antibiotic should be guided by local susceptibility patterns and the severity of the infection, as outlined in recent studies 3, 4.

Additional Guidance

  • Recent studies have highlighted the importance of considering alternative treatment options, such as cephalexin and cefadroxil, in the era of increasing antibiotic resistance 2, 4.
  • The use of cefixime, another oral cephalosporin, has also been shown to be effective in treating UTIs, particularly in cases where other options are limited 5.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.