From the Guidelines
Cefuroxime is a second-generation cephalosporin antibiotic, belonging to the beta-lactam class of antibiotics, which work by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis.
Key Characteristics of Cefuroxime
- It is effective against many gram-positive bacteria (including some Staphylococcus and Streptococcus species) and gram-negative bacteria (such as Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, and some Enterobacteriaceae) 1.
- Cefuroxime is commonly used to treat various infections including respiratory tract infections, otitis media, sinusitis, urinary tract infections, skin infections, and early Lyme disease.
- The medication works by binding to penicillin-binding proteins in bacterial cell walls, disrupting cell wall synthesis and causing bacterial cell death.
- Patients should be aware that cefuroxime may cause allergic reactions in those with penicillin allergies due to cross-reactivity, and common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, and skin rash.
Usage and Administration
- Cefuroxime is available in oral form (cefuroxime axetil) and intravenous form.
- Typical adult oral dosing ranges from 250-500 mg twice daily depending on the infection being treated 1.
- The choice of cefuroxime as a treatment option should consider the susceptibility of the causative organism, as well as the patient's medical history and potential for allergic reactions 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Cefuroxime, USP is a sterile semisynthetic, broad-spectrum, cephalosporin antibiotic for parenteral administration. Cefuroxime is a cephalosporin antibiotic, which is a type of broad-spectrum antibiotic.
- Key points:
- Class: Cephalosporin
- Spectrum: Broad-spectrum
- Type: Semisynthetic 2
From the Research
Type of Antibiotic
- Cefuroxime is a second-generation cephalosporin antibiotic 3, 4, 5
- It is a semi-synthetic cephalosporin obtained from the 7-cephalosporanic acid nucleus of cephalosporin C 3
Mechanism of Action and Spectrum of Activity
- Cefuroxime has a broad spectrum of in vitro antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms 4, 6, 7
- It is active against staphylococcal strains, streptococcal strains, N. gonorrhoeae, H. influenzae, and N. meningitidis 4
- It also has excellent in vitro activity against members of the Enterobacteriaceae, with the exception of Serratia and indole-positive Proteus 4
Pharmacokinetics and Clinical Applications
- Cefuroxime axetil is an oral prodrug of cefuroxime, which is rapidly hydrolysed to the active parent compound 6, 7
- Cefuroxime has an extended half-life, allowing dosing every 8 hours 5
- It penetrates into bodily tissues and fluids, including the cerebrospinal fluid, in therapeutic concentrations 5
- Cefuroxime axetil is effective in the treatment of various infections, including upper and lower respiratory tract infections, genitourinary tract infections, skin and soft tissue infections, and Lyme disease 3, 6, 7