One of the most common antibiotics for the treatment of diseases of the upper respiratory tract and other organs is "Cefuroxime axetil". It is a second-generation cephalosporin drug. Compared to other similar antibiotics, it is more stable and has a wide spectrum of action. It is used to treat tonsillitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, infections of the skin and soft tissues, and to prevent postoperative complications.
Antibiotics of the cephalosporin group
Antibacterial drugs are medicines containing substances that can destroy pathogenic microorganisms or inhibit their reproduction. The most common are beta-lactam antibiotics, which have a bactericidal effect. These are penicillins and cephalosporins, which have a similar structure. Compared with the more common penicillin antibiotics, cephalosporins are more resistant and active, and bacteria are less likely to develop resistance to them. Therefore, antibiotics of this group are now the drugs of choice for the treatment of many diseases in adults and children.
There are 5 generations of cephalosporins, but so far commononly the first three. They are represented by drugs that can be used both orally and for injection. Like penicillins, cephalosporins destroy the cell walls of bacteria and prevent them from multiplying. From the first to the third generation of this group of antibiotics, the spectrum of their action against gram-negative bacteria is gradually expanding. But they become less active against Gram-positive microorganisms.
Cephalosporins of the first generation - "Cefazolin", "Cefalexin" and "Cefadroxil" are much inferior in effectiveness to most penicillins and other antibiotics. They appeared on sale in the 60s of the 20th century, so they are now used less and less. The second generation drugs are the most common. These are Cefaclor, Cefuroxime and Cefuroxime Axetil. The remaining cephalosporins have a wider spectrum of action, but are mainly used in a hospital setting for injection. These are Ceftriaxone, Cefixin, Cefepin and others.
Characteristics of the drug
This antibiotic is most common not only among cephalosporins, but also among antibacterial agents of other groups. This is due to its wide spectrum of action and the fact that microorganisms rarely acquire resistance to it. Its advantages also include good tolerability and rare occurrence of side effects. Compared with penicillin antibiotics, "Cefuroxime axetil" is resistant to beta-lactamase, so it becomes more oftendrug of choice for a variety of infections. It is also active against staphylococci, which produce penicillinase.
From the group of cephalosporins, "Cefuroxime axetil" is considered the most effective, as it acts on microorganisms that are resistant to other antibiotics. A feature of this tool is also that it is able to penetrate the blood-brain barrier, so it can be used to treat meningitis, encephalitis and other inflammatory diseases of the meninges.
What else is remarkable about the drug "Cefuroxime axetil"? Its release form is convenient for different groups of patients:
- in the treatment of severe infections, a solution for intravenous or intramuscular injection is used, it is made from a powder diluted with water for injection;
- 150, 250 or 500mg tablets are used in adult outpatient treatment;
- for children it is best to use a suspension prepared from special granules.
But what form of the drug to use is determined by the doctor. After all, they all have different concentrations of the active substance and are not a full replacement for each other.
Drug action
This 2nd generation cephalosporin antibiotic has a broad spectrum of activity. It contains substances that destroy the cell walls of bacteria, but do not act on he althy cells. It is especially effective against salmonella, shigella, escherichia, proteus, enterobacteria, pathogens of gonorrhea and infections of the upper respiratory tract. The drug is also active against most strains of staphylococci and streptococci. But there are also bacteria resistant to Cefuroxime Axetil. These are Pseudomonas, Listeria, most strains of enterococci, some staphylococci.
The action of the drug begins in about half an hour, with intravenous administration - almost immediately, it lasts about 8 hours. You need to take it twice a day, and when using injections - 3-4 times. Therefore, for severe infections, it is recommended to use "Cefuroxime" in injections.
Indications for use
Cefuroxime is often used to treat various infectious diseases in children and adults. Its action against most gram-negative and some gram-positive bacteria allows it to be successfully prescribed in such cases:
- for infections of the upper respiratory tract - tonsillitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, sinusitis;
- gynecological diseases, such as adnexitis or endometritis;
- infections of the skin, soft tissues and bones - erysipelas, pyoderma, furunculosis, osteomyelitis, septic arthritis;
- pyelonephritis, cystitis;
- sepsis, peritonitis;
- meningitis, encephalitis, Lyme disease;
- gonorrhea;
- for the prevention of postoperative complications.
"Cefuroxime": instructions for use
The price of the drug allows it to be used by any patient, as it is relatively inexpensive - only 250-400rubles. Therefore, it is used both in the hospital for intravenous or intramuscular administration, and in outpatient treatment for oral administration. Patients note that it is very convenient to take Cefuroxime. Its dosage is determined individually, depending on the severity of the infection and its localization. Usually it is 250-500 mg, divided into 2 doses per day. The tablets can be taken with or without food. If one tablet is accidentally missed, it must be taken immediately, as remembered, the next dose should be no earlier than 5 hours later. Do not double your dose without your doctor's advice.
The dosage for intramuscular or intravenous administration of the drug "Cefuroxime" is calculated a little differently. Injections are recommended to be done in a hospital, as improper injection can cause side effects. Usually prescribed from 0.75 mg to 1.5 g three times a day. Depending on the severity of the infection, the dose may be increased, but not more than 6 g per day. Optimal for most infections, use 60 mg per kilogram of patient weight per day.
The duration of treatment depends on the severity of the disease. But most often used "Cefuroxime" for a week. In severe infections, treatment begins with injections - 2-3 days, then they switch to oral administration. It can last up to 10 days, and for serious diseases, such as Lyme disease, 20 days. It is not recommended to interrupt treatment before the term determined by the doctor. This can not only cause the emergence of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms, but also the development of seriouscomplications.
Peculiarities of use in children
"Cefuroxime asketil" is used to treat infectious diseases at any age. The drug is widely used in pediatric practice. Do not use it only for the treatment of newborns and premature babies.
The only feature of the use in children is the need for accurate dosing. Dosage is determined not by age, but by weight of the patient. Intravenous or intramuscular injections are made in a hospital setting. Usually children older than 3 months require 30 to 100 mg per kg of body weight per day. This amount is divided into 3 doses. Orally for children under 12 years of age, it is recommended not to use tablets, but a suspension. It is better tolerated by children, kids drink it easily. Yes, and it is more convenient to dose the drug in this form.
Contraindications
Cefuroxime is one of the most commonly prescribed drugs for serious infections. But despite its high efficiency, it can not be used by everyone. Do not prescribe this drug in case of individual intolerance, physical exhaustion, weakened immunity, as well as in the presence of an allergy to any drug of the cephalosporin or penicillin group. You can not drink "Cefuroxime" in case of serious diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, especially in the presence of bleeding. It is not recommended to use this medicine also for the treatment of elderly patients, since after the age of 60 the risk of side effects increases.
Side effects
Like all other antibacterial drugs, "Cefuroxime axetil" can cause negative reactions. They are especially common in people with intolerance to penicillins. Injections can cause severe pain at the injection site, the appearance of an infiltrate, and even damage to the walls of blood vessels. Tablets "Cefuroxime 500" most often have a negative effect on the digestive tract. Therefore, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, bowel and liver dysfunction are the most common side effects of this treatment. In addition, the drug may cause the following effects:
- rash, itching and other allergic reactions;
- increased tendency to bleed;
- candidiasis;
- hepatitis;
- dizziness, confusion;
- bleeding;
- inflammatory kidney disease;
- change in blood pattern.
Special instructions for the use of the drug
Cefuroxime can only be purchased at a pharmacy with a prescription. Instructions for use, price, analogues and dosage features - all this information can be obtained from your doctor. The dosage of the drug is set strictly individually, for example, in case of impaired renal function, it must be reduced and the drug should be taken under constant medical supervision.
Many are interested in whether it is possible to be treated with "Cefuroxime" during pregnancy and during breastfeeding? No specific studies have been conducted on this treatment, but it is believed thatthis agent does not have a toxic effect on the embryo. Although the expediency of prescribing the drug should be determined by the doctor, taking into account the condition of the mother. But it is recommended to stop breastfeeding for the period of treatment, since "Cefuroxime" is actively excreted in milk.
Interaction with other drugs
Like all other antibiotics, "Cefuroxime axetil" actively suppresses the intestinal microflora. As a result, the synthesis of vitamin K, which is involved in the processes of blood clotting, is disrupted. Therefore, when used simultaneously with anticoagulants, as well as with salicylates or NSAIDs, there may be a risk of bleeding.
If you use "Cefuroxime" with loop diuretics, its toxic effect on the kidneys and urinary system increases. And sharing with antacids slows down its absorption, therefore, the effectiveness of treatment decreases.
"Cefuroxime": analogues
Sometimes it happens that the patient does not have the opportunity to purchase a drug with this name. But various pharmaceutical companies produce several drugs, the main active ingredient of which is cefuroxime. If you take into account the dosage and consult with your doctor, you can use any of them for treatment. What drugs can replace "Cefuroxime"? Its most common analogues are: Aksef, Auroxetil, Biofuroxim, Zinacef, Zinnat, Kimatsef,"Cefoktam", "Cetil", "Cefumax" and others. It is not recommended to independently replace the antibiotic prescribed by the doctor with drugs with a different composition, even if they will have a similar effect.
Reviews about the drug
Most doctors, when antibiotics are needed, often opt for Cefuroxime. Reviews of such treatment are most often positive. People note the high effectiveness of the drug. Most patients noticed that already on the second day their condition improved significantly. And only in rare cases there are side effects.
