Cefuroxime Axetil

Introduction

Cefuroxime Axetil is an antibiotic belonging to the class of cephalosporins. It is used for the treatment a wide variety of bacterial infections. It works by stopping the bacteria from producing the proteins that are essential for them to cause infection. Its brand name is Ceftin.

Uses

Cefuroxime Axetil is used to treat bacterial infections in adults and children. It can treat a variety of conditions, including: sinusitis, middle ear infections (otitis media), tonsillitis, throat infections, laryngitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, urinary tract infections, skin infections, and Lyme disease.

Brand Name	Cefuroxime Axetil
Type
Weight
Generic	Cefuroxime Axetil
Manufacturer
Available in	English বাংলা

Mechanism of Action

Cefuroxime Axetil is a bactericidal antibiotic, meaning it kills bacteria by interfering with their reproductive cycle. By binding to the penicillin binding protein of the bacterial cell wall, it stops the cells from producing the peptidoglycan component that is essential for bacterial cell wall structure. Without these peptidoglycan components, the bacteria cannot replicate and are destroyed by the body's immune system.

How Long Does It Take To Work?

Most antibiotic medications start to work immediately, but it can take up to 2 days for symptoms to improve. Cefuroxime Axetil usually starts to work within 24 hours.

Absorption

Cefuroxime Axetil is absorbed from the GI tract and reaches peak levels in the blood 30 minutes to 6 hours after it is taken. It is also highly lipophilic, meaning it easily passes through cell membranes and is well-distributed throughout the body.

Route of Elimination

Cefuroxime Axetil is eliminated mainly through the kidneys. Some of the drug is also metabolized and eliminated through the bile.

Dosage

Tablet or Suspension-

Adolescents and adults (13 years and older)-

Pharyngitis/tonsillitis: 250 mg b.i.d. for 5-10 days
Acute bacterial maxillary sinusitis: 250 mg b.i.d. for 10 days
Acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis: 250-500 mg b.i.d. for 10 days
Secondary bacterial infections of acute bronchitis: 250-500 mg b.i.d. for 5-10 days
Uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections: 250-500 mg b.i.d. for 10 days
Uncomplicated urinary tract infections: 250 mg b.i.d. for 7-10 days
Uncomplicated Gonorrhoea: 1000 mg Single dose
Community acquired pneumonia: 250-500 mg b.i.d. for 5-10 days
MDR Typhoid Fever: 500 mg b.i.d. for 10-14 days
Early Lyme disease: 500 mg b.i.d. for 20 days

Paediatric Patients (3 months to 12 years)-

Pharyngitis/Tonsillitis: 20 mg/kg/day b.i.d for 5-10 days
Acute otitis media: 30 mg/kg/day b.i.d for 10 days
Acute bacterial maxillary sinusitis: 30 mg/kg/day b.i.d for 10 days
Impetigo: 30 mg/kg/day b.i.d for 10 days

Parenteral-

Adult: 750 mg three times daily by IM or IV injection. In severe infections, dose can be increased upto 1.5 gm three times daily by IV injection. The frequency may be increased to four times daily, if necessary, giving total daily doses of 3 to 6 gms.
Children (above 3 months of age): 30 - 100 mg/kg/day given in 3 or 4 equally divided doses. A dose of 60 mg/kg/day is appropriate for most infections.
Neonate: 30 - 100 mg/kg/day given in 2 or 3 equally divided doses.
Surgical prophylaxis: 1.5 gm by IV injection at induction of anaesthesia; up to 3 further doses of 750 mg may be given by IV/IM injection every 8 hours for high risk procedures.
Pneumonia: 1.5 gm IV injection twice daily for 2-3 days, followed by 500 mg twice daily (oral) for 7-10 days.
Acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis: 750 mg twice daily (IM or IV injection) for 2-3 days, followed by 500 mg twice daily (oral) for 5-10 days. (Duration of both parenteral and oral therapy is determined by the severity of the infection and the clinical status of the patient.)
In Gonorrhoea: Adult: 1.5 gm as a single dose (as 2 x 750mg injections intramuscularly with different sites, e.g. each buttock).

In Meningitis:

Adult: 3 gm IV injection three times daily.
Children (above 3 months of age): 200-240 mg/kg/day by IV injection in 3 or 4 divided doses reduced to 100 mg/kg/day after 3 days or on clinical improvement.
Neonate: 100 mg/kg/day by IV injection at initial dose, reduced to 50 mg/kg/day, When clinically indicated.

In bone and joint infections:

Adult: 1.5 gm IV injection four times daily.
Children (above 3 months of age): 150 mg/kg/day (not to exceed the maximum adult dose) in equally divided doses every 8 hours.

The recommended dosages of cefuroxime axetil are as follows:

Adults – 250 to 500 mg twice per day
Children aged 2 to 12 years – 15 to 30 mg/kg/day in two divided doses
Infants aged 1 month to 2 years – 15 to 30 mg/kg/day, in two divided doses.

Administration

Cefuroxime Axetil can be taken orally or as an injection into a muscle or vein. If taking it orally, it should be taken with food to aid in absorption.

Side Effects

Common side effects of cefuroxime axetil include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, headache, abdominal pain, and rash. Rarely, more serious side effects may occur, including confusion, seizures, fever, easy bruising or bleeding, yellowing of the eyes or skin, or allergic reactions.

Toxicity

Cefuroxime axetil is generally safe and well-tolerated. Overdose of the medication may cause seizures, confusion, fever, and easy bruising or bleeding. It is important to contact a healthcare professional right away if these or any other serious side effects are experienced.

Precaution

Cefuroxime Axetil should be used with caution in persons with a history of allergy or penicillin, as it is a cephalosporin and may cross react with penicillins. It should also be used with caution in persons with kidney disease, as it is eliminated mainly via the kidneys. Pregnant and nursing women should consult their healthcare provider before using cefuroxime axetil.

Interactions

Cefuroxime Axetil may interact with other medications, such as probenecid and methazolamide. It is important to tell your healthcare provider about all medications and supplements that you are taking before starting treatment with cefuroxime axetil.

Disease Interactions

Drug Interactions

Cefuroxime axetil may interact with other medications, such as probenecid and methazolamide. It is important to tell your healthcare provider about all medications and supplements that you are taking before starting treatment with cefuroxime axetil.

Food Interactions

Cefuroxime Axetil should be taken with food to aid in absorption. However, the drug may interact with some dairy products, such as yogurt or cheese. You should avoid these foods while taking cefuroxime axetil.

Pregnancy and Lactation Use

Cefuroxime Axetil should be used with caution during pregnancy and lactation. Before using the medication, women should consult their healthcare provider.

Acute Overdose

Overdose of cefuroxime axetil may cause seizures, confusion, fever, and easy bruising or bleeding. Contact a healthcare professional or poison control center for advice on how to proceed.

Contraindication

Cefuroxime Axetil is contraindicated in persons with an allergy to it or penicillin, and should be used with caution in persons with kidney disease.

Use Direction

Cefuroxime Axetil should be taken according to the instructions provided by the healthcare provider. It can be taken orally or as an injection into a muscle or vein. If taking it orally, it should be taken with food to aid in absorption.

Storage Condition

Cefuroxime axetil should be stored at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and excessive moisture. It should also be kept out of reach of children.