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 Cefuroxime (Ceftin) for Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is 750 mg every 8 hours.
- The duration of treatment is usually for 5 to 10 days.
- In cases of impaired renal function, the dosage should be adjusted based on the degree of renal impairment and the susceptibility of the causative organism 1.
From the Research
Ceftin (cefuroxime) for urinary tract infections is typically prescribed at a dose of 250-500 mg taken orally twice daily for 7-10 days. The standard regimen for uncomplicated UTIs is usually 250 mg twice daily, while more severe or complicated infections may require the higher 500 mg twice-daily dose.
Key Considerations
- The medication should be taken with food to enhance absorption and reduce stomach upset.
- It's essential to complete the entire prescribed course even if symptoms improve before finishing the medication to ensure complete eradication of the infection.
- Ceftin works by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis, effectively killing the bacteria causing the UTI.
- Patients should drink plenty of water while taking this medication to help flush the urinary system.
- Common side effects may include diarrhea, nausea, and headache.
- If you have a penicillin allergy, inform your healthcare provider as there is potential for cross-reactivity with cephalosporins like Ceftin.
- Improvement in symptoms should occur within 1-2 days, but contact your healthcare provider if symptoms worsen or don't improve after 3 days.
Evidence-Based Recommendation
The most recent and highest quality study 2 supports the use of twice-daily dosing for uncomplicated urinary tract infections, which is consistent with the recommended dosing for Ceftin. Although this study specifically looked at cephalexin, the principles of twice-daily dosing for uncomplicated UTIs can be applied to Ceftin as well, given its similar mechanism of action and pharmacokinetics.
Additional Considerations
- Other studies 3, 4, 5, 6 provide additional context for the treatment of UTIs, but the most recent and highest quality study 2 takes precedence in guiding the recommendation for Ceftin dosing.
- The choice of antibiotic and dosing regimen should always consider local resistance patterns and patient-specific factors, such as allergy history and renal function.