Axim 500 mg

Description

Indications

Cefuroxime is used for treating infections caused by bacteria that are sensitive to this antibiotic. It is effective for the following conditions:

• Pharyngitis/Tonsillitis: Caused by Streptococcus pyogenes.
• Acute Bacterial Otitis Media: Caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis (including beta-lactamase-producing strains), or Streptococcus pyogenes.
• Other bacterial infections as determined by the sensitivity of the pathogens involved.

Always use as directed by a registered medical professional.

Pharmacology

Cefuroxime is a well-established and potent antibacterial agent. It offers broad-spectrum bactericidal activity, effectively combating a variety of common pathogens, including those that produce beta-lactamase. This antibiotic is particularly stable against bacterial beta-lactamase, making it effective against strains resistant to ampicillin and amoxicillin.

Dosage

Oral (Tablet or Suspension)

For Adolescents and Adults (13 years and older):

• Pharyngitis/Tonsillitis: 250 mg twice daily (b.i.d.) 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 (b.i.d.) 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:

• General Dosing: 750 mg, three times daily by IM or IV injection. In severe infections, the dose can be increased up to 1.5 g, three times daily by IV injection. The frequency may be increased to four times daily if necessary, totaling 3-6 grams per day.
• Surgical Prophylaxis: 1.5 g via IV injection at the time of anesthesia induction; up to three additional doses of 750 mg can be given every 8 hours for high-risk procedures.
• Pneumonia: 1.5 g IV injection twice daily for 2-3 days, followed by 500 mg twice daily (oral) for 7-10 days.
• Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Bronchitis: 750 mg twice daily (IM or IV injection) for 2-3 days, followed by 500 mg twice daily (oral) for 5-10 days.
• In Gonorrhea: 1.5 g as a single dose (administered as two 750 mg injections at different sites, e.g., each buttock).
• Meningitis: 3 g IV injection, three times daily.

For Children (Above 3 months of age):

• General Dosing: 30-100 mg/kg/day, given in 3 or 4 equally divided doses. Typically, 60 mg/kg/day is recommended for most infections.
• Bone and Joint Infections: 150 mg/kg/day (not exceeding the maximum adult dose), divided into doses every 8 hours.
• Neonates: 30-100 mg/kg/day, divided into 2 or 3 doses.

In Meningitis:

• Neonates: 100 mg/kg/day by IV injection initially, reduced to 50 mg/kg/day as clinically indicated.

Administration

For optimal results, freshly reconstituted solutions are recommended. The solution maintains its potency for up to 24 hours at room temperature or 48 hours at 5°C.

Always use this medication as advised by a registered medical professional.

Interaction

No hazardous drug interactions have been reported for Cefuroxime.

Contraindications

Cefuroxime is contraindicated in patients with known allergies to cephalosporins.

Side Effects

Adverse effects are rare and tend to be mild and transient. These may include:

• Skin rashes
• Gastrointestinal disturbances (such as nausea or diarrhea)

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

Pregnancy & Lactation

Cefuroxime falls under US FDA pregnancy category B. While there are no adequate well-controlled studies in pregnant women, it should only be used if clearly necessary. Cefuroxime has been shown to be excreted in human milk. Therefore, caution should be exercised when administering Cefuroxime to breastfeeding women.

Precautions & Warnings

Cefuroxime should be used with caution in patients receiving concurrent treatment with potent diuretics or those with a history of colitis. Although cephalosporin antibiotics are generally considered safe for patients allergic to penicillin, cross-reactivity may occur, so caution is advised. At the recommended dose levels, this is unlikely to be a concern.

Therapeutic Class

Second-generation cephalosporins.

Reconstitution Instructions

For 750 mg Intramuscular Injection: Add 3 mL of water for injection to the vial and shake gently to ensure dispersion.

For 750 mg Intravenous Injection: Add 8 mL of water for injection to the vial and shake gently to ensure dispersion. Inject 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 to ensure dispersion. Inject slowly into the vein over 3-5 minutes.

Storage Conditions

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