CEFAKS 500MG

Indications

• Community-acquired pneumonia
• Acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis
• Sinusitis
• Urinary tract infections
• Skin and soft tissue infections
• Gonorrhea

Dosage

Children: Refer to the BNF for Children

Adults: Refer to the BNF for specific dosing guidelines based on the infection being treated and patient characteristics.

Mechanism of action

Axetil exerts its antibacterial effect by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis. It binds to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) located inside the bacterial cell wall, disrupting the cross-linking of peptidoglycan layers which is crucial for maintaining bacterial cell wall integrity. This leads to cell lysis and death of the bacteria. The action is generally bactericidal, particularly against actively dividing bacteria.

Pharmacodynamics

Axetil demonstrates a broad spectrum of activity against various bacteria, including Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Escherichia coli. The efficacy of axetil may vary based on the susceptibility of the pathogen. It is important to consider local resistance patterns when prescribing this antibiotic. The time-dependent killing characteristic of axetil suggests that maintaining adequate serum levels is critical for its effectiveness.

Pharmacokinetics

Following oral administration, axetil is rapidly absorbed and converted to its active form, cefuroxime, in the gastrointestinal tract. Peak plasma concentrations are typically reached within 2 to 3 hours after ingestion. The bioavailability of axetil is approximately 50%, which can be enhanced when taken with food. Cefuroxime is primarily excreted unchanged in the urine, with a half-life of about 1 to 2 hours. Renal function can significantly influence the clearance of the drug, necessitating dose adjustments in patients with impaired renal function.

Pregnancy

The safety of axetil during pregnancy has not been established. Use only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Breast-feeding

Axetil may pass into breast milk. Caution should be exercised when administering to nursing mothers.

Storage

Store at room temperature, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.

Indications

• Respiratory tract infections
• Skin and soft tissue infections
• Urinary tract infections
• Gonorrhea
• Lyme disease

Dosage

Children: Refer to the BNF for Children for appropriate dosing based on the child's age and weight.

Adults: Refer to the BNF for specific dosing guidelines based on the type of infection and patient factors.

Mechanism of action

Cefuroxime, like the penicillins, is a beta-lactam antibiotic. By binding to specific penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) located inside the bacterial cell wall, it inhibits the third and last stage of bacterial cell wall synthesis. Cell lysis is then mediated by bacterial cell wall autolytic enzymes such as autolysins; it is possible that cefuroxime interferes with an autolysin inhibitor.

Pharmacodynamics

Cefuroxime is a beta-lactam type antibiotic, specifically a second-generation cephalosporin. It works by interfering with the peptidoglycan synthesis of the bacterial wall by inhibiting the final transpeptidation needed for the cross-links. This mechanism results in bactericidal effects. Cefuroxime is effective against a variety of organisms, including aerobic Gram-positive bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae, as well as aerobic Gram-negative bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Haemophilus influenzae, including beta-lactamase-producing strains.

Pharmacokinetics

Cefuroxime is well absorbed after oral administration, with food enhancing its bioavailability. It is distributed widely in body tissues and fluids, including the lungs, kidneys, and bile. Cefuroxime is primarily eliminated via the kidneys, with a half-life of approximately 1 to 2 hours in adults. Adjustments may be necessary for patients with renal impairment.

Contra-indications

• Hypersensitivity to cefuroxime or other cephalosporins
• Severe allergic reactions to penicillins

Adverse effects

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Rash
• Allergic reactions
• Elevated liver enzymes
• Severe skin reactions

Interactions

• Probenecid may decrease renal excretion of cefuroxime, leading to increased levels in the blood
• Anticoagulants may have an increased risk of bleeding when used concurrently

Precautions

• Use with caution in patients with renal impairment
• Monitor for signs of superinfection during prolonged therapy
• Evaluate for potential allergic reactions in patients with a history of beta-lactam allergies

Pregnancy

Cefuroxime is categorized as pregnancy category B. Animal studies have not shown any harm, but there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. It should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.

Breast-feeding

Cefuroxime is excreted in breast milk. Caution should be exercised when administering to nursing mothers.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place away from light. Reconstituted solutions should be used within the recommended time frame and stored as directed.

Formulations

• Injectable solution
• Oral tablets
• Oral suspension

Mechanism of action

Cefuroxime, like the penicillins, is a beta-lactam antibiotic. By binding to specific penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) located inside the bacterial cell wall, it inhibits the third and last stage of bacterial cell wall synthesis. Cell lysis is then mediated by bacterial cell wall autolytic enzymes such as autolysins; it is possible that cefuroxime interferes with an autolysin inhibitor.

Pharmacodynamics

Cefuroxime is a &beta;-lactam type antibiotic. More specifically, it is a second-generation cephalosporin. Cephalosporins work the same way as penicillins: they interfere with the peptidoglycan synthesis of the bacterial wall by inhibiting the final transpeptidation needed for the cross-links. This effect is bactericidal. Cefuroxime is effective against the following organisms: Aerobic Gram-positive Microorganisms: <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i>, <i>Streptococcus pneumoniae</i>, <i>Streptococcus pyogenes</i>. Aerobic Gram-negative Microorganisms: <i>Escherichia coli</i>, <i>Haemophilus influenzae</i> (including beta-lactamase-producing strains), <i>Haemophilus parainfluenzae</i>, <i>Klebsiella pneumoniae</i>, <i>Moraxella catarrhalis</i> (including beta-lactamase-producing strains), <i>Neisseria gonorrhoeae</i> (including beta-lactamase-producing strains). Spirochetes: <i>Borrelia burgdorferi</i>. Cefuroxime axetil is the prodrug