From the Guidelines
Ceftin (Cefuroxime) is a second-generation cephalosporin antibiotic. This classification is based on its mechanism of action, which involves interfering with bacterial cell wall synthesis, ultimately leading to bacterial cell death 1. As a second-generation cephalosporin, Ceftin is effective against a wide range of gram-positive and some gram-negative bacteria, making it a useful treatment option for various infections, including respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, skin infections, and Lyme disease.
Some key points to consider when prescribing Ceftin include:
- Typical adult dosage ranges from 250-500 mg twice daily
- Treatment duration usually lasts 7-14 days, depending on the infection being treated
- Available in both oral tablet form and as an injectable solution
- May cause side effects such as diarrhea, nausea, and skin rash
- Patients with a history of penicillin allergy should use caution due to potential cross-reactivity between penicillins and cephalosporins, although this risk is lower with second-generation cephalosporins like Ceftin 1.
It's worth noting that Ceftin has been recommended as a treatment option for acute bacterial sinusitis in children with hypersensitivity to amoxicillin, with a dosage and treatment duration similar to those for adults 1. Additionally, Ceftin has been listed as a suitable agent for the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia, particularly for patients with penicillin-susceptible S. pneumoniae 1. Overall, Ceftin is a valuable treatment option for a range of bacterial infections, and its use should be guided by careful consideration of the patient's medical history, allergy status, and the specific infection being treated.
From the FDA Drug Label
Cefuroxime, USP is a sterile semisynthetic, broad-spectrum, cephalosporin antibiotic for parenteral administration. The antibiotic class of Ceftin (Cefuroxime) is Cephalosporin 2.
- Key points:
- Cefuroxime is a semisynthetic antibiotic
- It is a broad-spectrum antibiotic
- It belongs to the cephalosporin class of antibiotics
From the Research
Antibiotic Class of Ceftin (Cefuroxime)
- Ceftin, also known as Cefuroxime, belongs to the antibiotic class of second-generation cephalosporins 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
- Second-generation cephalosporins have a broad spectrum of activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms 4, 6, 7
- Cefuroxime is a semi-synthetic cephalosporin obtained from the 7-cephalosporanic acid nucleus of cephalosporin C 3
- It has excellent in vitro activity against staphylococcal strains, streptococcal strains, and certain Gram-negative organisms such as Haemophilus influenzae and Moraxella catarrhalis 4, 5, 7
Mechanism of Action and Pharmacokinetics
- Cefuroxime works by inhibiting cell wall synthesis in bacteria, ultimately leading to cell lysis and death 4, 6
- It is metabolically stable and most of it is excreted unchanged in the urine 4
- Cefuroxime has an extended half-life, allowing for dosing every 8 hours 6
- It penetrates into bodily tissues and fluids, including the cerebrospinal fluid, in therapeutic concentrations 6
Clinical Efficacy and Therapeutic Indications
- Cefuroxime has been shown to be effective in the treatment of various infections, including respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, skin and soft tissue infections, and gonorrhea 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
- It is also effective against infections caused by beta-lactamase-positive organisms such as Haemophilus influenzae and Moraxella catarrhalis 5, 7
- Cefuroxime axetil, an oral form of cefuroxime, has been shown to be as effective as other antibiotics in the treatment of upper and lower respiratory tract infections 5, 7