Medicine Information

Axetil

Name: Axetil
Brand: Axetil
Rating: 4.5 (117 reviews)

Tablet125 mgAntibioticsATC: J01DC02

Generic Name

Cefuroxime Axetil

Manufacturer

Generic Manufacturer

Country

Global

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Price Details

Current market pricing information

Variant	Unit Price	Strip Price
axetil 125 mg tablet	৳ 12.08	৳ 72.50

Description

Overview of the medicine

Cefuroxime axetil is a broad-spectrum second-generation cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections including respiratory tract infections, skin and soft tissue infections, and urinary tract infections.

Uses & Indications

Pharyngitis/tonsillitis (mild to moderate)

Acute bacterial otitis media

Acute bacterial sinusitis

Uncomplicated skin and skin-structure infections

Uncomplicated urinary tract infections

Dosage

Adults

For uncomplicated urinary tract infections: 125 mg twice daily for 7-10 days. For other mild to moderate infections: usually 250 mg twice daily, but 125 mg may be used for specific mild cases or as directed by a physician.

Elderly

No specific dosage adjustment needed for elderly patients with normal renal function. Monitor renal function.

Renal_impairment

Dosage adjustment is necessary for patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance < 20 mL/min). Follow medical advice.

How to Take

Take orally, preferably with food to enhance absorption and reduce potential gastrointestinal discomfort. Do not crush or chew the tablet.

Mechanism of Action

Cefuroxime axetil is bactericidal. It inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) inside the bacterial cell, thus preventing the cross-linking of peptidoglycan chains which are essential for bacterial cell wall strength and rigidity. This leads to disruption of the cell wall and eventually cell lysis.

Pharmacokinetics

Onset

Peak plasma concentrations are typically achieved within 1 to 3 hours after oral administration.

Excretion

Primarily excreted by the kidneys via glomerular filtration and tubular secretion, appearing unchanged in the urine.

Half life

Approximately 1 to 1.5 hours in adults with normal renal function.

Absorption

Well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, especially when taken with food, which enhances its bioavailability.

Metabolism

Cefuroxime axetil is rapidly hydrolyzed by esterases in the intestinal mucosa and blood to release active cefuroxime. It is not significantly metabolized further.

Side Effects

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to cefuroxime axetil or any other cephalosporin antibiotics
History of severe hypersensitivity reactions to any beta-lactam antibiotic (e.g., penicillins)

Drug Interactions

Warfarin

Co-administration with cefuroxime may cause an increase in INR (International Normalized Ratio).

Probenecid

Increases peak plasma concentration and AUC of cefuroxime, and prolongs its renal excretion.

Oral Contraceptives

May decrease the efficacy of oral contraceptives. Advise patients to use additional non-hormonal contraception.

Antacids (e.g., aluminum/magnesium hydroxide)

May decrease the bioavailability of cefuroxime axetil. Take cefuroxime axetil at least one hour before or two hours after antacids.

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.

Overdose

Symptoms of overdose may include cerebral irritation leading to convulsions. Management is supportive, including gastric lavage or emesis. Cefuroxime can be removed by hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy Category B. Studies in animals have not shown harm to the fetus. Use during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Cefuroxime is excreted in small amounts in breast milk; use with caution in nursing mothers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this medicine

Pack Sizes

1 x 10 tablets (blister pack)3 x 10 tablets (box)

Shelf Life

Typically 2-3 years from manufacturing date when stored correctly.

Availability

Pharmacies, Hospitals

Approval Status

Approved

Patent Status

Patent Expired (Generic)

WHO Essential Medicine

Yes

Clinical Trials

Cefuroxime axetil has undergone extensive clinical trials demonstrating its efficacy and safety across various bacterial infections. Ongoing post-marketing surveillance continues to monitor its long-term effects and any emerging resistance patterns.

Lab Monitoring

Renal function tests (e.g., creatinine, BUN) especially in patients with pre-existing renal impairment
Liver function tests (e.g., AST, ALT) during prolonged therapy
Complete Blood Count (CBC) for prolonged therapy

Doctor Notes

Consider patient's history of hypersensitivity to beta-lactam antibiotics before prescribing.
Advise patients on the importance of completing the full course of treatment to prevent resistance.
Monitor for signs of superinfection (e.g., oral thrush, vaginal yeast infection) or C. difficile infection.

Patient Guidelines

Complete the full course of antibiotics as prescribed, even if you feel better, to prevent the return of infection and antibiotic resistance.
Take with food to improve absorption and minimize stomach upset.
Do not share your medicine with others.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Missed Dose Advice

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose.

Driving Precautions

May cause dizziness. Patients should be warned to be careful when driving or operating machinery until they know how the drug affects them.

Lifestyle Advice

Maintain good hydration by drinking plenty of fluids.
Get adequate rest to support recovery from infection.
Avoid alcohol consumption during the course of treatment, as it may exacerbate side effects.