Axim 250 mg

Description

Indications
Cefuroxime is prescribed for the treatment of infections caused by bacteria that are sensitive to this antibiotic. It is effective against:

• Pharyngitis/Tonsillitis caused by Streptococcus pyogenes.
• Acute Bacterial Otitis Media caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis (beta-lactamase-producing strains), or Streptococcus pyogenes.
• Other bacterial infections as determined by a healthcare provider.

Note: Always take the medicine according to a registered physician’s advice.

Pharmacology
Cefuroxime is a well-established, potent antibacterial agent with broad-spectrum bactericidal properties. It is particularly effective against a wide range of common pathogens, including those that produce beta-lactamase. This resistance-stabilizing feature makes it active against ampicillin- and amoxicillin-resistant bacterial strains.

Dosage

• Tablet or Suspension
  • For Adolescents and Adults (13 years and older):
    • Pharyngitis/Tonsillitis: 250 mg twice daily for 5-10 days
    • Acute Bacterial Maxillary Sinusitis: 250 mg twice daily for 10 days
    • Acute Bacterial Exacerbation of Chronic Bronchitis: 250-500 mg twice daily for 10 days
    • Secondary Bacterial Infections of Acute Bronchitis: 250-500 mg twice daily for 5-10 days
    • Uncomplicated Skin and Skin Structure Infections: 250-500 mg twice daily for 10 days
    • Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections: 250 mg twice daily for 7-10 days
    • Uncomplicated Gonorrhea: 1000 mg as a single dose
    • Community Acquired Pneumonia: 250-500 mg twice daily for 5-10 days
    • MDR Typhoid Fever: 500 mg twice daily for 10-14 days
    • Early Lyme Disease: 500 mg twice daily for 20 days
  • For Pediatric Patients (3 months to 12 years):
    • Pharyngitis/Tonsillitis: 20 mg/kg/day, twice daily for 5-10 days
    • Acute Otitis Media: 30 mg/kg/day, twice daily for 10 days
    • Acute Bacterial Maxillary Sinusitis: 30 mg/kg/day, twice daily for 10 days
    • Impetigo: 30 mg/kg/day, twice daily for 10 days
• Parenteral (Injection)
  • For Adults:
    • 750 mg three times daily via intramuscular (IM) or intravenous (IV) injection. The dose may increase to 1.5 g three times daily for severe infections. In critical cases, the frequency can be increased to four times daily, for a total daily dose of 3 to 6 g.
  • For Children (above 3 months):
    • 30-100 mg/kg/day divided into 3 or 4 doses. The standard dose is 60 mg/kg/day for most infections.
  • For Neonates:
    • 30-100 mg/kg/day in 2 or 3 divided doses.
  • For Surgical Prophylaxis:
    • 1.5 g via IV injection at the start of anesthesia, followed by up to three 750 mg doses at 8-hour intervals for high-risk procedures.
  • For Pneumonia:
    • 1.5 g IV injection twice daily for 2-3 days, then 500 mg twice daily orally for 7-10 days.
  • For Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Bronchitis:
    • 750 mg twice daily via IM or IV for 2-3 days, then 500 mg twice daily orally for 5-10 days.
  • For Gonorrhea:
    • 1.5 g as a single dose (administered as two 750 mg injections at separate sites).
  • For Meningitis:
    • 3 g IV injection three times daily for adults.
    • For children (above 3 months), administer 200-240 mg/kg/day via IV in 3 or 4 divided doses, reducing to 100 mg/kg/day after 3 days or upon clinical improvement.
    • Neonates should receive 100 mg/kg/day IV initially, reduced to 50 mg/kg/day as needed.
  • For Bone and Joint Infections:
    • 1.5 g IV injection four times daily for adults.
    • For children (above 3 months), the dose is 150 mg/kg/day (not exceeding the adult dose) in equally divided doses every 8 hours.

Note: Always follow a registered physician’s advice on dosage.

Administration
Freshly reconstituted solutions are recommended for injection. They retain potency for 24 hours at room temperature or 48 hours if stored at 5°C.

Note: Always take the medicine according to a registered physician’s advice.

Interaction
No known hazardous drug interactions have been reported. However, always inform your doctor of any other medications you’re taking.

Contraindications
Cefuroxime should not be used in patients who have a known allergy to cephalosporins.

Side Effects
Adverse effects are rare and generally mild and transient. They may include rashes and gastrointestinal disturbances. As with other antibiotics, prolonged use may lead to an overgrowth of non-susceptible organisms like Candida.

Pregnancy & Lactation
Cefuroxime is classified as a US FDA pregnancy category B drug. Although there are no well-controlled studies in pregnant women, it should only be used during pregnancy if absolutely necessary. The drug is excreted in human milk, so caution is advised when administering it to breastfeeding women.

Precautions & Warnings
Cefuroxime should be used cautiously in patients receiving potent diuretics or those with a history of colitis. Cross-reactions may occur in patients who are allergic to penicillin, although this is less of a concern at recommended dosages.

Therapeutic Class
Second-generation Cephalosporins

Reconstitution

• For 750 mg Intramuscular Injection: Add 3 mL of water for injection to the vial and shake gently to form a dispersion.
• For 750 mg Intravenous Injection: Add 8 mL of water for injection to the vial and shake gently. The solution should be injected slowly over 3 to 5 minutes.
• For 1.5 g Intravenous Injection: Add 16 mL of water for injection to the vial and shake gently. The solution should be injected slowly over 3 to 5 minutes.

Storage Conditions
Store in a cool, dry place (below 30°C), away from light and moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.

Note: Always follow a registered physician’s advice on dosage.

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