Cefuroxime: Price, Dosage & Where to Buy

Cefuroxime is a cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat infections caused by susceptible bacteria, including bacterial throat infections. It requires a prescription in the United Kingdom and is available in injectable forms, while cefuroxime axetil is an oral form described in the tablet label. Treatment is intended for infections proven or strongly suspected to be bacterial.

Cefuroxime axetil tablets are indicated for bacterial infections caused by susceptible bacteria. These include pharyngitis and tonsillitis, meaning infections of the throat and tonsils, acute bacterial sinusitis, and acute bacterial middle-ear infections in children who can swallow tablets whole. Other listed uses include bacterial flare-ups of chronic bronchitis, uncomplicated skin and related tissue infections, uncomplicated urinary tract infections, uncomplicated gonorrhoea, and early Lyme disease with its characteristic skin rash.

Several tablet indications apply to adults and adolescents aged 13 years and older. The label limits treatment to infections proven or strongly suspected to be bacterial. Effectiveness in preventing rheumatic fever has not been established, and some sinusitis indications are limited to particular susceptible bacteria.

Cefuroxime belongs to the cephalosporin group of antibiotics. These medicines interfere with the way bacteria build their protective cell walls. Without a properly formed wall, susceptible bacteria cannot maintain their structure and may die.

This action targets bacterial structures rather than treating an infection's symptoms directly. Different bacteria vary in their susceptibility, so cefuroxime is used for infections caused by bacteria against which it is active. Antibiotics of this class do not act against viruses.

The label lists 500 mg cefuroxime axetil tablets and injectable presentations including 750 mg and 1.5 g powders for solution. The following oral dosing facts concern cefuroxime axetil tablets, not injectable treatment. The label lists 250 mg every 12 hours for mild-to-moderate throat and sinus infections and uncomplicated urinary tract infections in adults and adolescents.

The label lists 250 mg or 500 mg every 12 hours for bacterial flare-ups of chronic bronchitis and uncomplicated skin infections. The label lists 1,000 mg as a single dose for uncomplicated gonorrhoea and 500 mg every 12 hours for early Lyme disease. Tablets may be administered with or without food.

Tablets and oral suspension are not bioequivalent and cannot be substituted on a milligram-per-milligram basis. Kidney impairment requires adjustment of the dosing interval. These are label facts rather than an individual treatment plan; the prescribed regimen depends on the infection, formulation and kidney function.

A missed antibiotic dose can interrupt the prescribed treatment schedule. Follow the missed-dose advice on the dispensing label or ask a pharmacist, especially if the next dose is approaching.

A double dose should not be used to make up for a missed dose. For an injection appointment that has been missed, contact the treating service.

Published studies of cephalosporins, including cefuroxime axetil, have not established an association with major birth defects, miscarriage or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. However, the available studies have limitations and cannot definitively establish an absence of risk. Cefuroxime is present in human milk.

No data are available on effects on breastfed infants or milk production. Decisions about breastfeeding should consider its benefits, the mother's clinical need for treatment and potential effects on the infant.

The tablet label specifies storage at 20° to 25°C, with excursions permitted to 15° to 30°C. Replace the bottle cap securely after each opening to maintain quality. Follow the storage directions for the particular formulation dispensed.