Cefuroxime: Effects, Uses & Risks

Cefuroxime is the name given to a drug that belongs to the cephalosporins. The beta-lactam antibiotic is used to treat bacterial infections.

What is cefuroxime?

Cefuroxime is a beta-lactam antibiotic that kills bacteria. It is from the 2nd generation group of cephalosporins. The drug has a broad spectrum of activity and can be used for moderately severe diseases where there is no danger to life. Cephalosporins have been available to medicine since 1955. They were obtained in pure form from the fungus Cephalosporium acremonium by the physicians Edward Penley Abraham and Guy G. F. Newton. From the 1960s onwards, numerous derivatives of cephalosporin with a stronger effect were created, such as cefuroxime. In Germany, cefuroxime is sold under the preparation name Elobact. In addition, there are numerous generics.

Pharmacologic action

Like the other cephalosporins, cefuroxime is able to kill bacteria, which also applies to fast-growing specimens. Thus, beta-lactam antibiotics are structurally equipped with a special beta-lactam ring that interferes with the formation of the bacterial cell wall. This process ultimately results in the death of the germs. Due to the effect of cefuroxime, water flows into the cells of the bacteria, causing them to swell and decay. Cefuroxime is particularly effective against gram-negative rods. These include primarily the bacterial genus Haemophilus influenzae. In contrast, pseudomonads and enterococci exhibit resistance to the antibiotic. Cefuroxime has pronounced stability against beta-lactamases. Cefuroxime enters the gastrointestinal tract via the oral cavity, from where it is absorbed into the patient’s organism. However, it is also possible to administer the antibiotic by transfusion into a vein. Degradation of the drug does not take place. Instead, elimination from the body occurs rapidly through the kidneys.

Medical use and application

For use, cefuroxime is mainly used against infections caused by streptococci, as they are very sensitive to the antibiotic. These are respiratory infections such as chronic bronchitis or pneumonia, inflammation of the mouth and throat, ear, nose, and throat infections such as rhinitis, sinusitis, otitis media, or tonsillitis. Other indications include skin infections, urinary tract infections, kidney inflammation, soft tissue infections, joint inflammation, bone infections, Lyme disease, sepsis, and sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea. Cefuroxime tablets are taken immediately after a main meal. Cutting or chewing the tablet is discouraged so as not to interfere with the action of the antibiotic. It is also possible to prepare a suspension from a cefuroxime dry juice. For this purpose, boiled cold water is added to the dry juice in the bottle. The bottle must then be shaken well. As with the tablets, taking the suspension takes place after a main meal. It is important to take cefuroxime regularly so that the concentration of the active substance in the organism remains high. For adult and adolescent patients, a maximum daily dose of between 250 and 500 milligrams is recommended. The patient takes the dose every 12 hours. For children 5 years of age and older, 125 to 250 milligrams of cefuroxime is given twice daily. How long the antibiotic is administered depends on the disease the patient is suffering from and its extent. Under no circumstances should the patient stop the therapy too early, as otherwise there is a risk of a relapse of the disease, since not all bacteria have been killed. Likewise, this may result in resistance of the bacteria to cefuroxime.

Risks and side effects

Side effects are within the realm of possibility with the use of cefuroxime. For example, 1 to 10 percent of all patients suffer adverse side effects such as hives, rash, and itching. Breathing difficulties, fever and circulatory problems may also occur. The allergic reactions show up either immediately after the start of treatment or weeks later. The amount of antibiotic does not play a role.If an allergy occurs, the patient must contact the attending physician and, if necessary, discontinue the therapy. In up to 10 percent of patients, dizziness, headaches and fungal infections are also possible. Other possible side effects include liver dysfunction, temporary blood count changes, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, bile stasis and jaundice. If treatment with cefuroxime is prolonged, there is sometimes a risk of fungal or resistant bacterial infestation of the colon, which is manifested by intestinal inflammation with diarrhea. Cefuroxime must not be used if the patient is hypersensitive to the active substance or to another beta-lactam antibiotic. In the case of bronchial asthma or allergies, medical clarification is required, as hypersensitivity is imminent. Cefuroxime is not suitable for children under three months of age. In the context of pregnancy, the physician must consistently weigh up the benefits and risks for the patient before use. The same applies to breastfeeding, as cefuroxime can be passed on to the baby via breast milk, which often results in disturbances of the intestinal flora. As there is a risk of interactions, cefuroxime should not be taken together with aminoglycoside antibiotics such as amikacin or gentamicin and diuretic drugs such as torasemide and furosemide. There is a risk that kidney damage may occur as a result.