Cefuroxime

Type of Medication: Antibiotic

Indications: Treatment of community acquired pneumonia, cellulitis and surgical prophylaxis. Good activity against Haemophilus influenzae

Side Effects: Diarrhoea and vomiting, colitis, abdominal pain, headaches, hypersensitivity, erythema multiforme, abnormal liver function, cholestatic jaundice, eosinophilia, thrombocytopenia, leucopenia, agranulocytosis, aplastic anaemia, nephritis,confusion.

Route of administration: Adult (Intravenous)

Dose:750 mg tds. In more severe infections 1.5 g tds.

Administration: Dissolve in water and add to 50-100 ml saline. Infuse over 30 minutes. Can be given as a bolus (add 6 mls WFI to 750 mg vial or 15 mls to 1.5 g vial).

Route of administration: Adult (Oral)

Dose: As cefuroxime axetil: 250 mg twice daily, doubled for more serious infections.

Administration: Avaliable as 125 mg and 250 mg tablets, 125 mg/5 ml suspension and 125 mg sachets.

Route of administration: Paediatric (Intravenous)

Dose:60-100 mg/kg/day in 3 divided doses. Max:1.5g tds

Route of administration: Paediatric (Oral)

Dose: As cefuroxime axetil: child over 3 months 125 mg twice daily. Can be doubled in a child over 2 years with otitis media.

Examples of some Drug Interactions

Interacting drug: Probenecid

reduces excretion of cephalosporins

Interacting drug: Warfarin

Rare reports of increases in prothrombin time.