Cefuroxime

Cefuroxime for Injection 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 . Urinary Tract Infections caused by Escherichia coli and Klebsiella spp. …

• Dosage: Adults: The usual adult dosage range for Cefuroxime for Injection is 750 mg to 1.5 grams every 8 hours, usually for 5 to 10 days
• 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
• In severe or complicated infections, a 1.5 gram dose every 8 hours is recommended
• In bone and joint infections, a 1.5-gram dose every 8 hours is recommended
• In clinical trials, surgical intervention was performed when indicated as an adjunct to therapy with Cefuroxime for Injection
• A course of oral antibiotics was administered when appropriate following the completion of parenteral administration of Cefuroxime for Injection
• In life-threatening infections or infections due to less susceptible organisms, 1.5 grams every 6 hours may be required
• In bacterial meningitis, the dosage should not exceed 3 grams every 8 hours
• The recommended dosage for uncomplicated gonococcal infection is 1.5 grams given intramuscularly as a single dose at 2 different sites together with 1 gram of oral probenecid
• For preventive use for clean-contaminated or potentially contaminated surgical procedures, a 1.5-gram dose administered intravenously just before surgery (approximately one-half to 1 hour before the initial incision) is recommended
• Thereafter, give 750 mg intravenously or intramuscularly every 8 hours when the procedure is prolonged. …

• Safety and effectiveness
• In pediatric patients below 3 months of age have not been established
• Accumulation of other members of the cephalosporin class in newborn
• Infants (with resulting prolongation of drug half-life) has been reported

Of the 1,914 subjects who received Cefuroxime for Injection in 24 clinical studies of cefuroxime, 901 (47%) were 65 years and older while 421 (22%) were 75 years and older. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between these subjects and younger subjects, and other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients, but greater susceptibility of some older in …

• Patients should be counseled that antibacterial drugs, including Cefuroxime for Injection, should only be used to treat bacterial infections
• They do not treat viral infections (e.g., the common cold)
• When Cefuroxime for Injection is prescribed to treat a bacterial infection, patients should be told that although it is common to feel better early in the course of therapy, the medication should be taken exactly as directed
• Skipping doses or not completing the full course of therapy may: 1. decrease the effectiveness of the immediate treatment and, 2. …

Cefuroxime is contraindicated in patients with known allergy to the cephalosporin group of antibiotics.

In common with other antibiotics, cefuroxime may affect the gut flora, leading to lower estrogen reabsorption and reduced efficacy of combined estrogen/progesterone oral contraceptives.

BEFORE THERAPY WITH CEFUROXIME FOR INJECTION IS INSTITUTED, CAREFUL INQUIRY SHOULD BE MADE TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE PATIENT HAS HAD PREVIOUS HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTIONS TO CEPHALOSPORINS, PENICILLINS, OR OTHER DRUGS. THIS PRODUCT SHOULD BE GIVEN CAUTIOUSLY TO PENICILLIN-SENSITIVE PATIENTS. ANTIBIOTICS SHOULD BE ADMINISTERED WITH CAUTION TO ANY PATIENT WHO HAS DEMONSTRATED SOME FORM OF ALLERGY, PARTICULARLY TO DRUGS. IF AN ALLERGIC REACTION TO CEFUROXIME FOR INJECTION OCCURS, DISCONTINUE THE DRUG. SERIOUS ACUTE HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTIONS MAY REQUIRE EPINEPHRINE AND OTHER EMERGENCY MEASURES. …

Cefuroxime is generally well-tolerated. The most common adverse effects have been local reactions following IV administration. Other adverse reactions have been encountered only rarely. Local Reactions: Thrombophlebitis has occurred with IV administration in 1 in 60 patients. Gastrointestinal: Gastrointestinal symptoms occurred in 1 in 150 patients and included diarrhea (1 in 220 patients) and nausea (1 in 440 patients). The onset of pseudomembranous colitis may occur during or after antibacterial treatment (see WARNINGS). …

Pregnancy: Teratogenic Effects: Pregnancy Category B. Reproduction studies have been performed in mice at doses up to 6,400 mg/kg/day (6.3 times the recommended maximum human dose based on mg/m 2 ) and rabbits at doses up to 400 mg/kg/day (2.1 times the recommended maximum human dose based on mg/m 2 ) and have revealed no evidence of impaired fertility or harm to the fetus due to cefuroxime. …

Overdosage of cephalosporins can cause cerebral irritation leading to convulsions. Serum levels of cefuroxime can be reduced by hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.

Take it when you remember, unless it is nearly time for the next dose. Then skip the missed one. Never take two doses at once to make up for it. Check your leaflet, as some medicines are different.