Pharmacology of Cefuroxime ; Pharmacokinetics, Mechanism of action, Uses, Effects, Antibiotics

2 Views • 08/18/25

Side Effects

Subscribers

Cefuroxime is a second-generation cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat a variety of bacterial infections. Here are some key points about its pharmacology:

Mechanism of Action
Cefuroxime works by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis. It binds to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) on the bacterial cell wall, inhibiting the final transpeptidation step of peptidoglycan synthesis2. This leads to bacterial cell lysis due to ongoing activity of cell wall autolytic enzymes.

Spectrum of Activity
Cefuroxime is effective against a range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and Moraxella catarrhalis.

Pharmacokinetics
Absorption: Rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract.

Distribution: Widely distributed in body tissues and fluids, including bronchial secretions, synovial and pericardial fluid, kidneys, heart, liver, bone, and bile.

Metabolism: Cefuroxime axetil (oral form) is hydrolyzed in the intestinal mucosa and blood to cefuroxime.

Elimination: The elimination half-life is approximately 1 to 2 hours in adults, but can be prolonged in cases of renal impairment.

Excretion: Approximately 66% to 100% of the dose is excreted unchanged in the urine.

Dosage and Administration
Adults: Typically, the dose is 250-500 mg orally every 12 hours or 750 mg intravenously/ intramuscularly every 8 hours.

Children: Dosage is adjusted based on body weight and the specific infection being treated.

Side Effects
Common side effects include gastrointestinal disturbances (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea), headache, and dizziness. Rarely, it can cause allergic reactions, including rash and anaphylaxis2.

Drug Interactions
Cefuroxime can interact with other nephrotoxic drugs, increasing the risk of kidney damage. It should be used cautiously with these medications1.

Indications
Cefuroxime is indicated for the treatment of infections such as acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis, acute bacterial otitis media, sinusitis, skin infections, urinary tract infections, gonorrhea, and early Lyme disease

#Cefuroxime

Up next

Pharmacology of Cefuroxime ; Pharmacokinetics, Mechanism of action, Uses, Effects, Antibiotics

Up next

Please note that if you are under 18, you won't be able to access this site.

Up next

Pharmacology of Cefuroxime ; Pharmacokinetics, Mechanism of action, Uses, Effects, Antibiotics

Up next

Language