Axim 500 mg

Description

Indications

Cefuroxime is a broad-spectrum antibiotic used for the treatment of bacterial infections caused by susceptible organisms. It is effective against various infections, including:

• Pharyngitis/Tonsillitis: Caused by Streptococcus pyogenes
• Acute Bacterial Otitis Media: Caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis (including beta-lactamase producing strains), and Streptococcus pyogenes
• Acute Bacterial Maxillary Sinusitis
• Exacerbation of Chronic Bronchitis
• Uncomplicated Skin and Skin Structure Infections
• Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections
• Uncomplicated Gonorrhea
• Community-Acquired Pneumonia
• Multidrug-Resistant Typhoid Fever
• Early Lyme Disease

Always follow the advice of a registered healthcare provider.

Pharmacology

Cefuroxime is a well-established second-generation cephalosporin antibiotic with potent bactericidal activity. It targets a wide range of pathogens, including beta-lactamase-producing strains. Cefuroxime is particularly effective against ampicillin– and amoxicillin-resistant bacteria due to its stability against bacterial beta-lactamases.

Dosage

Tablet or Suspension

For Adults and Adolescents (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 Exacerbation of Chronic Bronchitis: 250-500 mg twice daily for 10 days
• Secondary 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 (Intramuscular or Intravenous)

For Adults:

• Standard Dosage: 750 mg three times daily by IM or IV injection
• Severe Infections: Increase to 1.5 g three times daily by IV injection. The frequency may be increased to four times daily, providing a total daily dose of 3 to 6 g.
• Surgical Prophylaxis: 1.5 g IV injection at the start of anesthesia; up to 3 additional doses of 750 mg may be given every 8 hours for high-risk procedures.
• Pneumonia: 1.5 g IV twice daily for 2-3 days, followed by 500 mg twice daily orally for 7-10 days
• Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Bronchitis: 750 mg twice daily (IM/IV) for 2-3 days, then 500 mg twice daily (oral) for 5-10 days

For Children (over 3 months):

• General Dosage: 30-100 mg/kg/day in 3 or 4 divided doses. A dose of 60 mg/kg/day is appropriate for most infections.
• Neonates: 30-100 mg/kg/day in 2 or 3 divided doses.
• Meningitis:
  • Adults: 3 g IV three times daily
  • Children: 200-240 mg/kg/day IV, reduced to 100 mg/kg/day after 3 days or clinical improvement
  • Neonates: 100 mg/kg/day IV, reduced to 50 mg/kg/day based on clinical indication
• Bone and Joint Infections:
  • Adults: 1.5 g IV four times daily
  • Children: 150 mg/kg/day (not exceeding the adult dose), divided every 8 hours

Always follow the advice of a registered healthcare provider.

Administration

For best results, use freshly reconstituted solutions. However, the solution remains stable for 24 hours at room temperature or 48 hours when refrigerated at 5°C.

Drug Interactions

No significant hazardous interactions have been reported for Cefuroxime.

Contraindications

Cefuroxime should not be used in patients with a known allergy to cephalosporins.

Side Effects

The most common side effects are generally mild and transient. These may include:

• Rash
• Gastrointestinal disturbances

As with other antibiotics, prolonged use may lead to overgrowth of non-susceptible organisms (e.g., Candida).

Pregnancy and Lactation

Cefuroxime is classified as a Pregnancy Category B drug by the FDA, indicating that animal studies have shown no risks to the fetus, but there are no well-controlled studies in humans. It should only be used during pregnancy if absolutely necessary. Cefuroxime is excreted in human milk, so caution is advised when administering it to breastfeeding women.

Precautions and Warnings

• Care should be taken when prescribing Cefuroxime to patients receiving treatment with potent diuretics or those with a history of colitis.
• Cephalosporin antibiotics may generally be safe for patients with a penicillin allergy, but cross-reactions have been noted.
• Cefuroxime is usually safe at the recommended doses.

Therapeutic Class

Second-generation cephalosporin antibiotic.

Reconstitution Instructions

For 750 mg Intramuscular Injection: Add 3 mL of water for injection to the vial and shake gently to reconstitute.
For 750 mg Intravenous Injection: Add 8 mL of water for injection to the vial and shake gently. The solution should be injected slowly into the vein over 3-5 minutes.
For 1.5 g Intravenous Injection: Add 16 mL of water for injection to the vial and shake gently. Administer slowly into the vein over 3-5 minutes.

Storage Conditions

Store in a cool, dry place at temperatures below 30°C, away from light and moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.