From the Guidelines
Ceftin (Cefuroxime) is not the first-line treatment for streptococcal pharyngitis, but it can be used as an alternative in patients with penicillin allergy, with a recommended dosage of 250 mg taken twice daily for 10 days for adults, and 125-250 mg twice daily for children based on weight and age, as supported by the Infectious Diseases Society of America guidelines 1. The treatment of streptococcal pharyngitis, commonly known as strep throat, typically involves the use of antibiotics to eliminate the infection and prevent complications.
- The first-line treatment for strep throat is penicillin, due to its proven efficacy, narrow spectrum, and lower cost, as recommended by the American Heart Association 1.
- However, for patients with a penicillin allergy, alternative antibiotics such as cephalosporins, including Ceftin (Cefuroxime), can be used, as stated in the guidelines from the Infectious Diseases Society of America 1.
- It is essential to complete the full course of antibiotics, even if symptoms improve before completion, to ensure the infection is fully eliminated and to prevent complications like rheumatic fever.
- Ceftin works by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis, which kills the Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria causing the infection, and is generally well-tolerated, though some patients may experience side effects such as diarrhea, nausea, or allergic reactions.
- The Infectious Diseases Society of America guidelines recommend Cephalexin, a first-generation cephalosporin, as an alternative for patients with penicillin allergy, but Ceftin (Cefuroxime) can also be used, as mentioned in the 2002 practice guidelines 1.
- It is crucial to note that the diagnosis of streptococcal pharyngitis should be established through a combination of clinical judgment and diagnostic test results, such as throat culture, to ensure accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment, as emphasized in the guidelines from the American Heart Association 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Cefuroxime for Injection, USP is indicated for the treatment of patients with infections caused by susceptible strains of the designated organisms in the following diseases: ... Skin and Skin-Structure Infections caused by ... Streptococcus pyogenes, ... Lower Respiratory Tract Infections, including pneumonia, caused by ... Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes
Ceftin (Cefuroxime) can treat strep throat caused by Streptococcus pyogenes, as it is indicated for the treatment of skin and skin-structure infections, as well as lower respiratory tract infections caused by this organism 2.
From the Research
Ceftin (Cefuroxime) for Strep Throat
- Ceftin (Cefuroxime) is a second-generation cephalosporin antibiotic, which is different from the first-generation cephalosporins recommended for patients with nonanaphylactic allergies to penicillin 3.
- There is no direct evidence in the provided studies that specifically addresses the effectiveness of Ceftin (Cefuroxime) in treating streptococcal pharyngitis (strep throat).
- However, the studies suggest that first-generation cephalosporins are recommended for patients with nonanaphylactic allergies to penicillin 3, 4.
- A study comparing different antibiotics for group A streptococcal pharyngitis found that cephalosporins may have a lower rate of clinical relapse compared to penicillin, but the evidence is uncertain 5.
- Another study compared the efficacy of clarithromycin, amoxicillin/clavulanate, and penicillin V in treating acute group A streptococcal tonsillopharyngitis, but did not include Ceftin (Cefuroxime) in the comparison 6.
Alternative Treatment Options
- Penicillin and amoxicillin are first-line antibiotics for treating streptococcal pharyngitis, with a recommended course of 10 days 3, 4.
- First-generation cephalosporins are recommended for patients with nonanaphylactic allergies to penicillin 3, 4.
- Macrolides, such as erythromycin, are also an option for patients with penicillin allergy, but there is significant resistance to azithromycin and clarithromycin in some parts of the United States 3, 4.