cefuroxime sodium at a glance
Medicine class
Second-generation cephalosporin antibiotic
Systemic administration
Given by a healthcare professional into a vein or muscle
Eye-surgery administration
Injected into the front chamber of the eye by an ophthalmic surgeon after cataract surgery
Antibiotic stewardship
Classified as a Watch antibiotic in the UK, so use should be appropriately targeted
What is cefuroxime sodium used for?
Different formulations are licensed for different clinical settings.
Community-acquired pneumonia and acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis.
Complicated urinary tract infections, including pyelonephritis.
Cellulitis, erysipelas, wound infections and intra-abdominal infections.
Prevention of infection during specified gastrointestinal, orthopaedic, cardiovascular and gynaecological operations, including caesarean section.
Prevention of postoperative endophthalmitis after cataract surgery using the dedicated intracameral eye formulation.
How does cefuroxime sodium work?
Cefuroxime binds to bacterial penicillin-binding proteins and disrupts construction of the cell wall, killing susceptible bacteria. Beta-lactamases, altered binding proteins and reduced bacterial uptake can cause resistance.
cefuroxime sodium preparations and strengths
Injection
Route: Parenteral
Strengths: 50 mg, 250 mg, 750 mg, 1.5 g
How to take cefuroxime sodium
Cefuroxime sodium is administered by trained healthcare professionals. Systemic powder is prepared for intravenous infusion, intravenous injection or deep intramuscular injection. The eye product must be reconstituted as specified and injected only into the anterior chamber by an ophthalmic surgeon; each vial is for one patient and single use.
Tell the clinical team about previous reactions to penicillins, cephalosporins or other beta-lactam antibiotics.
Tell staff that you are receiving cefuroxime before blood or urine tests because some results may be affected.
Systemic injection vials must not be substituted for the dedicated intracameral eye product.
cefuroxime sodium side effects
Common or expected effects
- Pain or inflammation at a systemic injection site
- Temporary changes in white blood-cell counts or haemoglobin
- Temporary increases in liver enzymes
- Nausea, abdominal discomfort or diarrhoea
- Rash, hives or itching
Get urgent medical advice
- Anaphylaxis or another severe allergic reaction
- Severe blistering, peeling or systemic skin reactions
- Severe or bloody diarrhoea associated with antibiotic-related colitis
- Encephalopathy, muscle jerking or seizures, particularly with renal impairment
- Haemolytic anaemia or significant kidney dysfunction
- Macular oedema causing blurred or distorted central vision after intracameral use
cefuroxime sodium in pregnancy
Most pregnancy studies of cephalosporins have not shown harm to the baby, and effective infection treatment is important. Systemic cefuroxime crosses the placenta and should be used when the prescriber judges that benefit outweighs risk. The eye formulation has negligible expected systemic exposure and may be used during pregnancy.
cefuroxime sodium while breastfeeding
Small amounts of systemic cefuroxime enter breast milk. Harm is not expected, although infant diarrhoea or oral thrush is possible. Specialist advice is appropriate for premature or medically vulnerable infants. The eye formulation has negligible expected systemic exposure and can be used while breastfeeding.
cefuroxime sodium interactions
Clinically relevant interactions mainly concern systemic cefuroxime; systemic interactions are unlikely with the intracameral eye product.
Probenecid
Delays cefuroxime elimination and increases systemic exposure, so concurrent use is not recommended.
Aminoglycoside antibiotics
May increase the risk of renal impairment; renal function may require closer monitoring.
Potent loop diuretics such as furosemide
May increase concern about renal impairment, particularly in older people or those with existing kidney disease.
Common questions about cefuroxime sodium
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is cefuroxime sodium a penicillin?
No. It is a cephalosporin antibiotic, although both groups are beta-lactams and allergic cross-reactions can occur.
Does cefuroxime sodium treat viral infections?
No. It acts against susceptible bacteria and does not treat viral illnesses.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.