Cefuroxime Axetil + Clavulanic Acid

Second generation Cephalosporins

Cefuroxime is a bactericidal second generation cephalosporin antibiotic which is active against a wide range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative susceptible organisms including many beta-lactamase producing strains. Cefuroxime inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by interfering with the transpeptidation process.

Clavulanic acid is a naturally derived beta lactamase inhibitor produced by Streptomyces clavuligerus. It has similar structure to beta lactam antibiotics which binds irreversibly to beta-lactamase enzymes and inactivates them. Clavulanic acid gives protection of Cefuroxime from degradation by beta lactamase enzymes and provides a solution for the treatment of bacterial infections caused by beta lactam resistant bacteria.

Adolescents and adults (13 years and older)-

• Pharyngitis/tonsillitis: 250 mg b.i.d. for 5-10 days
• Acute bacterial maxillary sinusitis: 250 mg b.i.d. for 10 days
• Acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis: 250-500 mg b.i.d. for 10 days
• Secondary bacterial infections of acute bronchitis: 250-500 mg b.i.d. for 5-10 days 
• Uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections: 250-500 mg b.i.d. for 10 days
• Uncomplicated urinary tract infections: 250 mg b.i.d. for 7-10 days
• Uncomplicated Gonorrhoea: 1000 mg b.i.d. Single dose
• Community acquired pneumonia: 250-500 mg b.i.d. for 5-10 days
• MDR Typhoid Fever: 500 mg b.i.d. for 10-14 days
• Early Lyme disease: 500 mg b.i.d. for 20 days

Paediatric Patients (3 months to 12 years)-

• Pharyngitis/Tonsillitis: 20 mg/kg/day b.i.d for 5-10 days
• Acute otitis media: 30 mg/kg/day b.i.d for 10 days
• Acute bacterial maxillary sinusitis: 30 mg/kg/day b.i.d for 10 days
• Impetigo: 30 mg/kg/day b.i.d for 10 days

Cefuroxime-Clavulanic Acid tablet may be taken without regard of food.

Generally Cefuroxime-Clavulanic Acid is well tolerated. However, a few side effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort or pain may occur. As with other broad-spectrum antibiotics, prolonged administration of Cefuroxime and Clavulanic acid combination may result in overgrowth of nonsusceptible microorganisms. Rarely (<0.2%) renal dysfunction, anaphylaxis, angioedema, pruritis, rash and serum sickness like urticaria may appear.

Cefuroxime-Clavulanic Acid is contraindicated in patients with known allergy to cephalosporin & in patients with Pseudomembranous Colitis.

Cefuroxime should be given with care to patients receiving concurrent treatment with potent diuretics & who has history of colitis.

Concomitant administration of probenecid with Cefuroxime-Clavulanic Acid increases the area under the serum concentration versus time curve by 50%. Drug that reduces gastric acidity may result in a lower bioavailability of Cefuroxime and tend to cancel the effect of postprandial absorption.

While all antibiotics should be avoided in the first trimester if possible. However, Cefuroxime-Clavulanic Acid can be safely used in later pregnancy to treat urinary and other infections. Cefuroxime-Clavulanic Acid is excreted into the breast milk in small quantities. However, the possibility of sensitizing the infant should be kept in mind.

Store in a cool, dry place (below 30^o C), away from light and moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.