Cefuroxime Axetil: Indications, How to Take, Dosing & Side Effects

Cefuroxime axetil is a prescription antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections like tonsillitis, sinusitis, and ear infections. It is also commonly prescribed for more serious conditions such as pneumonia and acute flare-ups of chronic bronchitis.

This medication belongs to a class of drugs known as cephalosporins, which work by disrupting the growth of bacterial cell walls. By preventing bacteria from maintaining their protective structure, the medicine effectively eliminates the infection from the body.

You can find cefuroxime axetil at most US pharmacies as a generic medication or under the brand name Ceftin. It is available in both tablet and liquid oral suspension forms and requires a valid prescription from your healthcare provider.

Indications for use

Cefuroxime axetil is specifically indicated for treating various bacterial infections, including:

• Tonsillitis and pharyngitis

• Sinusitis or otitis media (ear infections)

• Pneumonia

• Acute exacerbations of COPD

• Urinary tract infections, such as pyelonephritis

• Skin and soft tissue infections

This antibiotic is effective against a variety of susceptible bacteria. These include S. pyogenes, S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae, M. catarrhalis, H. parainfluenzae, E. coli, K. pneumoniae, and S. aureus.

It is vital to complete the full course of treatment as directed by your doctor, even if you begin to feel better quickly. Stopping the medication early can lead to bacterial resistance, making future infections harder to treat.

How long it takes to work

The effects of cefuroxime axetil generally begin within 2 to 3 hours after taking a dose with a meal.

Once ingested, the body converts cefuroxime axetil into its active form, cefuroxime. Taking this medication with food significantly improves how well the body absorbs the drug to fight the infection.

How to take this medication

Cefuroxime axetil should be taken by mouth, preferably with food, to ensure maximum absorption into your system.

The 250 mg and 500 mg tablets should be swallowed whole with a full glass of water.

The liquid version comes as a powder for oral suspension and must be properly mixed with water before it can be used.

How to prepare the oral suspension

To prepare the liquid form of cefuroxime axetil, follow these steps:

• Shake the bottle vigorously to loosen the powder granules.

• Use the provided plastic cup to measure the exact amount of filtered water required for the bottle.

• Add the water to the bottle, replace the cap, and let it sit for 1 minute.

• Shake the bottle vigorously for at least 15 seconds to begin dissolving the granules.

• Shake the bottle again for 1 minute until the mixture is smooth and the granules are fully dissolved.

• Store the bottle in the refrigerator (between 36°F and 46°F) for 1 hour before the first dose.

For a 70 mL bottle, you will need to add 25 mL of water; for a 50 mL bottle, add 19 mL of water.

The prepared suspension must be kept refrigerated and is only good for 10 days. Any remaining liquid must be discarded after this period.

Cefuroxime axetil dosage

The correct dosage depends on the form of the medication and the specific condition being treated:

1. Cefuroxime axetil 500 mg

For adults treating pneumonia, the standard dosage is one 500 mg tablet taken twice daily.

Patients with kidney disease (renal failure) may require a dosage adjustment performed by their physician.

2. Cefuroxime axetil 250 mg

The typical 250 mg tablet dosage for adults is as follows:

For children over 2 years old, the recommended dose is one 250 mg tablet twice daily for ear infections, pneumonia, or skin infections.

3. Cefuroxime 250 mg/5ml oral suspension

The liquid suspension is available for both adults and children over 3 months of age.

Your doctor or infectious disease specialist will determine the exact dose and duration, which usually ranges from 5 to 7 days.

For children, a pediatrician will calculate the dose based on age and weight. Always shake the bottle well before use and use the provided dosing syringe to ensure accuracy.

Possible side effects

Common side effects of cefuroxime axetil include yeast infections (candidiasis), headaches, dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain, or pseudomembranous colitis.

This medication may also cause an increase in liver enzymes, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, or toxic epidermal necrolysis.

While rare, severe allergic reactions or anaphylaxis can occur. Seek emergency medical attention immediately if you experience signs of a severe allergy.

Who should not use it

Cefuroxime axetil is contraindicated or requires caution in the following groups:

• Infants under 3 months of age.

• Women who are breastfeeding (a doctor may suggest pausing breastfeeding during treatment).

• Individuals with an allergy to cefuroxime, other cephalosporins, penicillins, monobactams, or carbapenems.

• Those taking certain diuretics (like furosemide) or aminoglycoside antibiotics.

During pregnancy, this medication should only be used if specifically prescribed by an obstetrician after weighing the benefits against potential risks to the baby.

Because this antibiotic can alter intestinal flora, it may reduce the effectiveness of combined oral contraceptives (birth control pills). It is recommended to use a backup barrier method, such as condoms, while taking this medication.