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: Lower Respiratory Tract Infections, including pneumonia, caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae (including ampicillin-resistant strains), Klebsiella spp., Staphylococcus aureus (penicillinase- and non–penicillinase-producing strains), Streptococcus pyogenes, and Escherichia coli.
When culture and susceptibility information are available, they should be considered in selecting or modifying antibacterial therapy. In the absence of such data, local epidemiology and susceptibility patterns may contribute to the empiric selection of therapy
The patient can be switched to Cefuroxime for the treatment of potential exposure to bilateral pneumonia, as it is indicated for the treatment of lower respiratory tract infections, including pneumonia, caused by susceptible strains of the designated organisms. However, the decision to switch or retreat with Cefixime should be based on culture and susceptibility information, if available.
- Retreatment with Cefixime: There is no direct information in the provided drug labels to support the use of Cefixime 200mg every 12 hours for the treatment of pneumonia.
- Switching to Cefuroxime: Cefuroxime can be considered for the treatment of pneumonia, but the dosage and administration should be based on the patient's condition and the severity of the infection, as stated in the drug label 1.
It is essential to consider the patient's previous treatment with Cefixime and the potential for resistance when making a decision. Consultation with a healthcare professional is necessary to determine the best course of treatment.
From the Research
I would not recommend giving the 68-year-old woman either cefixime or cefuroxime without consulting a healthcare provider first. Since she is 68 years old with a recurring cough and possible exposure to pneumonia from a family member, she needs proper medical evaluation before starting antibiotics. Self-prescribing antibiotics can lead to antibiotic resistance, mask symptoms of a more serious condition, or cause adverse effects. The cough could be due to various causes including viral infections, which don't respond to antibiotics, or could be a sign of a more serious condition requiring different treatment.
Some key points to consider in this scenario include:
- The potential for antibiotic resistance, as noted in studies such as 2, which highlights the importance of judicious antibiotic use.
- The need for proper diagnosis, as different conditions may require different treatments, and antibiotics may not always be the appropriate choice.
- The importance of considering the patient's medical history and potential drug interactions, as certain medications may not be suitable for patients with specific conditions or taking certain other medications.
Additionally, if she does need antibiotics, the correct choice, dosage, and duration should be determined by a healthcare provider based on her specific condition, medical history, and potential drug interactions. Please take her to see a doctor who can properly diagnose her condition and prescribe appropriate treatment. It's also worth noting that cefixime has been shown to be effective in treating lower respiratory tract infections, as seen in studies such as 3 and 4, but the decision to use this medication should still be made by a healthcare provider.