Cefuroxime
Cefuroxime is a semi-synthetic antibiotic drug of the 2nd generation of cephalosporin medicines. It’s used for the treatment of the bacterial infections of the upper and lower respiratory tract (acute and exacerbation of chronic bronchitis, infected bronchiectasis, pneumonia, lung abscess, empyema), ears, nose and throat (acute otitis media, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, sinusitis, epiglottitis), urinary tract (urethritis, acute and chronic pyelonephritis, cystitis, asymptomatic bacteriuria), gonorrhea (acute gonococcal urethritis and cervicitis), skin and soft tissues (erysipelas, cellulitis, pyoderma, impetigo, furunculosis, cellulitis, wound infection, erysipeloid), bones and joints infections (osteomyelitis, septic arthritis), the pelvic organs (including endometritis, adnexitis, cervicitis) and the abdominal cavity, biliary tract and gastrointestinal tract, sepsis, bacterial septicemia, peritonitis, meningitis, Lyme disease; prevention of infectious complications in surgery of the chest, abdomen, pelvis, joints (including the surgery on the lungs, heart, esophagus, in vascular surgery at high risk of infectious complications in orthopedic surgery).
The drug is prescribed for the treatment of infectious and inflammatory diseases caused by microorganisms, which are sensitive to cefuroxime, including abdominal and gynecological infections, sepsis, meningitis, endocarditis, infections of the urinary tract, respiratory tract, bones and joints, skin and soft tissues. The drug can be used for the prevention of postoperative infectious complications during operations on the organs of the abdominal cavity, small pelvis, heart, lungs, esophagus, blood vessels, during orthopedic operations.
Cefuroxime Contraindications
The antibiotic medication Cefuroxime is contraindicated in some cases, which include hypersensitivity (especially to other cephalosporins), the neonatal period, prematurity, chronic renal failure, bleeding and gastrointestinal diseases in the past, including ulcerative colitis, should not be used for treating weakened and debilitated patients.
Taking the drug during pregnancy and lactation should be strictly monitored by a doctor, since adequate and strictly controlled studies of the safety of the antibiotic Cefuroxime during pregnancy have not been conducted. The application of Cefuroxime during pregnancy and lactation is possible in cases where the expected benefit from the therapy to the mother outweighs the potential risk to the fetus.
Special Instructions
This medication should be used with caution in cases of severe renal impairment, with indications of colitis in the anamnesis.
With a continuous use of Cefuroxime, the normal intestinal micro-flora may be disturbed, which can lead to the development of severe diarrhea.
In patients, suffering from hypersensitivity to penicillin medications, allergic reactions to cephalosporin antibiotics are possible.
Side Effects
According the side-effects of the Cefuroxime, sometimes patients note headache, drowsiness, hearing loss, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, constipation, bloating, cramping and abdominal pain, indigestion, ulcers in the mouth, anorexia, and increased thirst.
Cefuroxime has a bactericidal effect by inhibiting the synthesis of the bacterial cell wall. It acetylates membrane-bound trans-peptidases, thus disrupting the cross-linking of peptidoglycans, which is necessary for the strength and rigidity of the cell wall.
The active components of Cefuroxime are rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Plasma protein binding is 50%. Cefuroxime is distributed into tissues and body fluids. Therapeutic concentrations in the cerebrospinal fluid are achieved only with meningitis. The drug crosses the placental barrier and is excreted in breast milk. It is excreted in the urine.
If after taking the drug you have got any negative symptoms that bother you, then you should consult with your doctor immediately.
Application and Dosage
Cefuroxime is a prescription medication. You can use it only consulting with your healthcare provider and getting the recipe. Method of application and the dosage of this particular drug depend on its form of release and other factors.
The optimal dosage regimen is determined by the doctor. The doctor sets the dosage individually, taking into account the severity of the course and localization of the infection, the sensitivity of the pathogen. Usually the drug is taken orally at the same time every day, strictly following the doctor’s recommendations and the instructions for using the drug.
Never change the prescribed dose of the drug yourself. If you think that the drug doesn’t work, then you should talk to your doctor.
Drug Interactions
Cefuroxime, suppressing the intestinal flora, interferes with the synthesis of vitamin K. Therefore, when used simultaneously with drugs that reduce platelet aggregation, the risk of bleeding is increased. With a continuous use with anticoagulants, an increase in the anticoagulant effect is noted.