Cefuroxime : Therapeutic uses, Dosage & Side Effects
Cefuroxime is an second generation cephalosporin antibiotic. It is well tolerated by i.m. route and attains relatively higher CSF levels, but has been superseded by 3rd generation cephalosporins in the treatment of meningitis.
Dose : 0.75-1.5 g i.m. or i.v. 8 hourly, chlldren 30–100 mg/kg/ day.
Route : IM, IV
Onset of action : ?
Plasma Half-life : 80 minutes
Duration of action : ?
Bioavailability : ?
Plasma protein binding : ?
Metabolism : ?
Pregnancy risk category : B
Chemical formula : C16H16N4O8S
IUPAC name : (6R,7R)-3-{[(aminocarbonyl)oxy]methyl}-7-{[(2Z)-2-(2-furyl)-2-(methoxyimino) acetyl]amino}-8-oxo-5-thia-1-azabicyclo[4.2.0]oct-2-ene-2-carboxylic acid
Trade name : Ceftin, Cefogen, Supacef, Furoxil, Zinacef, Zamur, Kilbac, Xorimax
Antibacterial spectrum : Cefuroxime is resistant to gram-negative β-lactamases : has high activity against organisms producing these enzymes including PPNG and ampicillin-resistant H. influenzae, while retaining significant activity on gram-positive cocci and certain anaerobes.
Therapeutic uses : Cefuroxime has been employed for single dose i.m. therapy of gonorrhoea due to PPNG.
Mechanism of action : Cephalosporins cause inhibition of bacterial cell wall synthesis. i.e. they have the same mechanism of action as penicillin. However, they bind to different proteins than those which bind penicillins.
Side effects : Cephalosporins are generally well tolerated, but are more toxic than penicillin. Cefuroxime may exhibit following side effects :
- Chills,
- Diarrhea,
- Fever,
- Headache,
- Itching of the vagina or genital area,
- Pain during sexual intercourse,
- Sweating.
Drug Interactions :
Contraindications :
For detailed query or in case of uncertainty, Always consult your doctor or pharmacist.
