Cefuroxime (Ceftin, Zinacef): Uses, Forms, and Safety

What is cefuroxime?

Cefuroxime is an antibiotic used to treat certain bacterial infections. The content provided for this article lists two related forms: cefuroxime axetil for oral use and cefuroxime sodium for injection.

Brand names mentioned in the source content include Ceftin, Zinacef, and Kefurox.

How cefuroxime works

Cefuroxime is described as a bactericidal antibiotic. It works by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis, which leads to bacterial lysis.

What cefuroxime is used for

The source content lists cefuroxime for the treatment of several infections, including:

• Tonsillitis and pharyngitis
• Sinusitis
• Otitis media
• Bronchitis and acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis
• Community-acquired pneumonia
• Cystitis and pyelonephritis
• Uncomplicated skin and soft tissue infections
• Intra-abdominal infections
• Early Lyme disease
• Antibiotic prophylaxis in some gastrointestinal, orthopedic, cardiovascular, and gynecological surgeries, including cesarean section

Whether cefuroxime is appropriate depends on the infection, the suspected bacteria, and the formulation being used.

Available forms

The content distinguishes between:

• Oral cefuroxime axetil
• Injectable cefuroxime sodium for intravenous or intramuscular use

How it is taken or given

According to the source content, oral cefuroxime should be taken right after meals.

Injectable cefuroxime sodium is given by intravenous or intramuscular routes, or by intravenous infusion, depending on the clinical situation and the product instructions.

Dosage information from the source content

The following summary reflects the original content and should be verified against the official leaflet or prescribing information before use.

Oral dose: cefuroxime axetil

Injectable dose: cefuroxime sodium

Contraindications listed in the source

Cefuroxime should not be used in people with:

• Hypersensitivity to cefuroxime or other cephalosporin antibiotics
• A history of severe hypersensitivity to other beta-lactam antibacterials, including penicillins, monobactams, and carbapenems

Warnings and precautions

The original content highlights several precautions to review with a healthcare professional:

• Allergy to penicillins or other beta-lactams
• Kidney failure, where dose adjustment may be needed
• Liver failure, where caution is advised
• Risk of overgrowth of Candida and other non-sensitive microorganisms during prolonged treatment
• Risk of pseudomembranous colitis
• Possible nephrotoxicity with potent diuretics or aminoglycosides
• Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction may occur during treatment for Lyme disease
• Injectable forms should be used only by the approved IV or IM routes, not intracamerally
• No experience is listed for children under 3 months

Kidney and liver considerations

The source content advises caution in liver failure and dose adjustment in kidney failure. It also lists specific renal dosing adjustments for both oral and injectable forms.

If kidney disease is present, the official leaflet and a clinician’s guidance are especially important before use.

Interactions listed in the source

The original content mentions the following interactions or testing issues:

• Possible nephrotoxicity with aminoglycosides and furosemide
• Reduced oral absorption with antacids
• Reduced renal tubular secretion with probenecid
• Possible reduced reabsorption of estrogens, which may affect oral contraceptive efficacy
• Possible false-positive Coombs and glucosuria tests by reduction method
• Possible false-negative blood glucose with ferricyanide method
• Possible increased INR with oral anticoagulants

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

The source content says there is not enough information on pregnancy and that benefit-risk assessment is needed.

For breastfeeding, cefuroxime is described as passing into breast milk in small amounts. The source notes that adverse reactions are not expected at therapeutic doses, but diarrhea and fungal infections in the infant cannot be excluded.

Driving and machinery

No studies are listed on driving ability, but the source content warns that cefuroxime can cause dizziness. If dizziness occurs, driving or operating machinery may be affected.

Possible adverse reactions

The source content lists the following adverse reactions:

• Candida overgrowth
• Neutropenia
• Eosinophilia
• Decrease in hemoglobin
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Abdominal pain
• Increased liver enzymes
• Injection-site reactions

What to verify with a doctor or pharmacist

If cefuroxime has been prescribed or is being considered, it is useful to confirm:

• Which formulation is being used: oral cefuroxime axetil or injectable cefuroxime sodium
• The exact infection being treated
• Whether kidney function changes the dose
• Whether any other medicines may interact with it
• How long the treatment should last
• Whether the official patient leaflet includes any additional warnings

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