pharmacopeia
GET
/api/v1/drug/cefuroxime
2D structure
(6R,7R)-3-(carbamoyloxymethyl)-7-[[(2Z)-2-(furan-2-yl)-2-methoxyiminoacetyl]amino]-8-oxo-5-thia-1-azabicyclo[4.2.0]oct-2-ene-2-carboxylic acid
SMILES CO/N=C(/C1=CC=CO1)\C(=O)N[C@H]2[C@@H]3N(C2=O)C(=C(CS3)COC(=O)N)C(=O)O
InChIKey JFPVXVDWJQMJEE-IZRZKJBUSA-N

Mechanism of action

Sourced from openFDA

Cefuroxime is a bactericidal agent that acts by inhibition of bacterial cell wall synthesis. Cefuroxime has activity in the presence of some beta-lactamases, both penicillinases and cephalosporinases, of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria.

Enzymebeta Lactamase

Indications

Sourced from openFDA
  • Cefuroxime for Injection, USP is indicated for the treatment of patients with infections caused by susceptible strains of the designated organisms in the following diseases: Lower Respiratory Tract Infections , including pneumonia, caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae (including ampicillin-resistant strains), Klebsiella spp., Staphylococcus aureus (penicillinase- and non-penicillinase- producing strains), Streptococcus pyogenes , and Escherichia coli . Urinary Tract Infections caused by Escherichia coli and Klebsiella spp.ICD-10: J18.9, N39.0

Contraindications

Sourced from openFDA
  • Cefuroxime for Injection is contraindicated in patients with known allergy to the cephalosporin group of antibiotics.contraindicated

Dosage & administration

Sourced from openFDA

Dosage Adults The usual adult dosage range for Cefuroxime for Injection is 750 mg to 1.5 grams every 8 hours, usually for 5 to 10 days. In uncomplicated urinary tract infections, skin and skin-structure infections, disseminated gonococcal infections, and uncomplicated pneumonia, a 750-mg dose every 8 hours is recommended. In severe or complicated infections, a 1.5-gram dose every 8 hours is recommended. In bone and joint infections, a 1.5-gram dose every 8 hours is recommended. In clinical trials, surgical intervention was performed when indicated as an adjunct to therapy with Cefuroxime for Injection. A course of oral antibiotics was administered when appropriate following the completion of parenteral administration of Cefuroxime for Injection. In life-threatening infections or infections due to less susceptible organisms, 1.5 grams every 6 hours may be required. In bacterial meningitis, the dosage should not exceed 3 grams every 8 hours. The recommended dosage for uncomplicated gonococcal infection is 1.5 grams given intramuscularly as a single dose at 2 different sites together with 1 gram of oral probenecid. For preventive use for clean-contaminated or potentially contaminated surgical procedures, a 1.5-gram dose administered intravenously just before surgery (approximately one-half to 1 hour before the initial incision) is recommended. Thereafter, give 750 mg intravenously or intramuscularly every 8 hours when the procedure is prolonged.

Warnings & precautions

Sourced from openFDA

BEFORE THERAPY WITH CEFUROXIME FOR INJECTION IS INSTITUTED, CAREFUL INQUIRY SHOULD BE MADE TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE PATIENT HAS HAD PREVIOUS HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTIONS TO CEPHALOSPORINS, PENICILLINS, OR OTHER DRUGS. THIS PRODUCT SHOULD BE GIVEN CAUTIOUSLY TO PENICILLIN-SENSITIVE PATIENTS. ANTIBIOTICS SHOULD BE ADMINISTERED WITH CAUTION TO ANY PATIENT WHO HAS DEMONSTRATED SOME FORM OF ALLERGY, PARTICULARLY TO DRUGS. IF AN ALLERGIC REACTION TO CEFUROXIME FOR INJECTION OCCURS, DISCONTINUE THE DRUG. SERIOUS ACUTE HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTIONS MAY REQUIRE EPINEPHRINE AND OTHER EMERGENCY MEASURES. Clostridioides difficile associated diarrhea (CDAD) has been reported with use of nearly all antibacterial agents, including Cefuroxime for Injection, and may range in severity from mild diarrhea to fatal colitis. Treatment with antibacterial agents alters the normal flora of the colon leading to overgrowth of C. difficile. C. difficile produces toxins A and B which contribute to the development of CDAD. Hypertoxin producing strains of C. difficile cause increased morbidity and mortality, as these infections can be refractory to antimicrobial therapy and may require colectomy. CDAD must be considered in all patients who present with diarrhea following antibiotic use. Careful medical history is necessary since CDAD has been reported to occur over two months after the administration of antibacterial agents. If CDAD is suspected or confirmed, ongoing antibiotic use not directed against C. difficile may need to be discontinued.

Adverse reactions

Sourced from openFDA

Cefuroxime for Injection is generally well tolerated. The most common adverse effects have been local reactions following IV administration. Other adverse reactions have been encountered only rarely. Local Reactions Thrombophlebitis has occurred with IV administration in 1 in 60 patients. Gastrointestinal Gastrointestinal symptoms occurred in 1 in 150 patients and included diarrhea (1 in 220 patients) and nausea (1 in 440 patients). The onset of pseudomembranous colitis may occur during or after antibacterial treatment (see WARNINGS ). Hypersensitivity Reactions Hypersensitivity reactions have been reported in fewer than 1% of the patients treated with Cefuroxime for Injection and include rash (1 in 125). Pruritus, urticaria, and positive Coombs' test each occurred in fewer than 1 in 250 patients, and, as with other cephalosporins, rare cases of anaphylaxis, drug fever, erythema multiforme, interstitial nephritis, toxic epidermal necrolysis, and Stevens-Johnson syndrome have occurred. Blood A decrease in hemoglobin and hematocrit has been observed in 1 in 10 patients and transient eosinophilia in 1 in 14 patients. Less common reactions seen were transient neutropenia (fewer than 1 in 100 patients) and leukopenia (1 in 750 patients). A similar pattern and incidence were seen with other cephalosporins used in controlled studies. As with other cephalosporins, there have been rare reports of thrombocytopenia.

Use in specific populations

Sourced from openFDA

Pregnancy Teratogenic Effects Pregnancy Category B. Reproduction studies have been performed in mice at doses up to 6,400 mg/kg/day (6.3 times the recommended maximum human dose based on mg/m 2 ) and rabbits at doses up to 400 mg/kg/day (2.1 times the recommended maximum human dose based on mg/m 2 ) and have revealed no evidence of impaired fertility or harm to the fetus due to cefuroxime. There are, however, no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.

Overdosage

Sourced from openFDA

Overdosage of cephalosporins can cause cerebral irritation leading to convulsions. Serum levels of cefuroxime can be reduced by hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.

Approval history

Sourced from openFDA
  • May 30, 1997ANDAANDA064125Acs Dobfar Spa
  • Feb 21, 2001NDANDA050780B Braun
  • Jan 9, 2004ANDAANDA065046Hikma
  • Jan 9, 2004ANDAANDA065048Hikma
  • Mar 29, 2006ANDAANDA065308Aurobindo Pharma
  • Jun 7, 2010ANDAANDA065496Alkem Labs Ltd

FAERS reports

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Reference statistics only. FAERS reports are voluntarily submitted and are not incidence rates, safety signals, or causal evidence. Counts reflect reporting volume — how often a reaction was reported, not how often it occurs. For decision-grade use, consult openFDA and the FAERS Public Dashboard directly.
15,483 total reports matchedLatest report Share = reports listing the reaction ÷ total matched reports. Rows can sum to >100% because a single report often lists multiple reactions.
  1. 1Dyspnoea1,0166.6%
  2. 2Drug Ineffective9476.1%
  3. 3Diarrhoea9346.0%
  4. 4Off Label Use8725.6%
  5. 5Pneumonia8345.4%
  6. 6Pyrexia7935.1%
  7. 7Fatigue7765.0%
  8. 8Anxiety6984.5%
  9. 9Acute Kidney Injury6874.4%
  10. 10Headache6854.4%
  11. 11Vomiting6794.4%
  12. 12Chronic Kidney Disease6784.4%
  13. 13Rash6724.3%
  14. 14Nausea6714.3%
  15. 15Renal Failure6704.3%

Literature

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Recent PubMed references pinned to Cefuroxime as a MeSH major topic. Citations link to pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.

Clinical trials

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The 10 most recently updated of 112 ClinicalTrials.gov registrations naming Cefuroxime as an intervention. Registration is not evidence of efficacy or safety — reference crosswalk only.

Structural analogs

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Ranked by 2D fingerprint (Tanimoto) similarity over PubChem structures. Structural proximity only — not a claim of therapeutic equivalence.

Frequently asked questions

How does Cefuroxime work?
Cefuroxime is a bactericidal agent that acts by inhibition of bacterial cell wall synthesis. Cefuroxime has activity in the presence of some beta-lactamases, both penicillinases and cephalosporinases, of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria.
What is Cefuroxime used for?
According to FDA labeling, Cefuroxime carries indications including: Cefuroxime for Injection, USP is indicated for the treatment of patients with infections caused by susceptible strains of the designated organisms in the following diseases: Lower Respiratory Tract Infections , including pneumonia, caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae (including ampicillin-resistant strains), Klebsiella spp., Staphylococcus aureus (penicillinase- and non-penicillinase- producing strains), Streptococcus pyogenes , and Escherichia coli . Urinary Tract Infections caused by Escherichia coli and Klebsiella spp.. This is a reference summary of labeled uses, not medical advice or a treatment recommendation.
What class of drug is Cefuroxime?
Cefuroxime is classified as Antibiotics, Second-generation cephalosporins, Cephalosporin Antibacterial, beta Lactamase Inhibitors, Enzyme Inhibitors, Decreased Cell Wall Synthesis & Repair.
What are the contraindications for Cefuroxime?
Cefuroxime labeling lists contraindications including: Cefuroxime for Injection is contraindicated in patients with known allergy to the cephalosporin group of antibiotics.. Always consult the full prescribing information and a clinician.
Note. Data for cefuroxime is illustrative MVP content compiled from public sources. pharmacopeia is for educational and informational use only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

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