Recommended Oral Dose of Cefuroxime (Cefuroxime Axetil) for Adults
The standard recommended oral dose of cefuroxime axetil for adults is 250 mg to 500 mg twice daily, with the specific dosage depending on the type and severity of infection being treated.
Dosing Guidelines by Infection Type
Respiratory Tract Infections
- Mild to moderate infections: 250 mg twice daily for 7-10 days 1, 2
- More severe infections or pneumonia: 500 mg twice daily for 10 days 1, 2
- For cardiac surgery prophylaxis: 1.5g IV followed by 0.75g every 2 hours during surgery 3
Urinary Tract Infections
- Uncomplicated UTIs: 125-250 mg twice daily 1
- Single daily dose of 250 mg has also shown efficacy in uncomplicated UTIs 4
Skin and Soft Tissue Infections
Lyme Disease
- 500 mg twice daily for 14 days 5
Gonorrhea
- Uncomplicated gonorrhea: Single 1g dose 1
Administration Guidelines
- Cefuroxime axetil should be taken with food to enhance absorption 1, 6
- Available in tablet form (125 mg, 250 mg, or 500 mg) and as oral suspension 1
- The absolute bioavailability of tablets is approximately 68% when taken with food 1
Special Considerations
- For patients transitioning from IV to oral therapy, 500 mg twice daily is typically used 2
- For vascular surgery prophylaxis: 1.5g IV slow, with reinjection of 0.75g if surgery duration exceeds 2 hours 3
- In patients with renal impairment, dosage adjustment may be necessary
Common Adverse Effects
- Gastrointestinal disturbances (most common): diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting 1, 2
- Most adverse effects are mild to moderate and resolve upon discontinuation 2
Clinical Efficacy
Cefuroxime axetil has demonstrated effectiveness against common pathogens including:
- Respiratory pathogens: Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis 6
- Methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus 1
- Common urinary tract pathogens 4
The drug has shown comparable efficacy to other antibiotics including amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, cefaclor, and macrolides in clinical trials 6, 2.
When selecting the appropriate dose, consider the severity of infection, the suspected pathogens, and the patient's clinical status to ensure optimal therapeutic outcomes.