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 treating urinary tract infections (UTIs) is 750 mg every 8 hours.
- The treatment duration is usually for 5 to 10 days.
- In cases of severe or complicated infections, a dose of 1.5 grams every 8 hours may be recommended 1.
From the Research
For uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs), the recommended dose of Ceftin (cefuroxime) 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, depending on the severity of the infection.
- Ceftin should be taken with food to enhance absorption and reduce stomach upset.
- It's essential to complete the entire prescribed course of antibiotics, even if symptoms improve before finishing the medication, to ensure the infection is completely eliminated and reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance.
- Patients should drink plenty of water while taking Ceftin to help flush the urinary system.
- Ceftin works by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis, which is effective against many common UTI-causing bacteria, including Escherichia coli.
Special Considerations
- Those with kidney impairment may require dosage adjustments.
- Patients should inform their healthcare provider about any allergies to cephalosporin antibiotics before starting treatment.
Evidence Summary
The most recent study 2 compared the rates of treatment failure between patients prescribed cephalexin twice daily versus four times daily for the management of UTIs and found no statistically significant difference in treatment failure rates, suggesting that twice-daily dosing may be a reasonable option for the outpatient management of UTIs. Another study 3 also supported the use of twice-daily cephalexin for the empiric treatment of uncomplicated UTIs, with a clinical success rate of 81.1%. A review of cephalexin and cefadroxil for the treatment of acute uncomplicated lower urinary tract infections 4 concluded that these drugs have good early bacteriological and clinical cures in uLUTIs due to non-extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae.