Elocef
Generic Name
Cefuroxime Axetil
Manufacturer
Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Country
Bangladesh
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| elocef 250 mg capsule | ৳ 7.00 | ৳ 42.00 |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Elocef 250 mg Capsule contains Cefuroxime Axetil, a second-generation cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections including respiratory, urinary, skin, and soft tissue infections.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
Most infections: 250 mg twice daily. Severe infections: 500 mg twice daily. For uncomplicated urinary tract infections: 125 mg twice daily.
Elderly
Similar to adult dosage; however, renal function should be assessed, and dosage adjusted if necessary.
Renal_impairment
Creatinine clearance 10-29 mL/min: 250 mg once daily. Creatinine clearance <10 mL/min: 250 mg every 48 hours.
How to Take
Take Elocef 250 mg Capsule orally, preferably with food, to enhance absorption and reduce gastrointestinal discomfort. Do not crush or chew the capsule.
Mechanism of Action
Cefuroxime axetil exerts its bactericidal action by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis. It binds to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) in the bacterial cell wall, preventing peptidoglycan cross-linking, which leads to cell lysis and death.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Within 1-2 hours for antibacterial action.
Excretion
Cefuroxime is excreted unchanged primarily by the kidneys via glomerular filtration and tubular secretion. Approximately 50% of the administered dose is excreted in the urine within 24 hours.
Half life
Approximately 1.2-1.5 hours in adults with normal renal function.
Absorption
Cefuroxime axetil is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and rapidly hydrolyzed by esterases in the intestinal mucosa and blood to cefuroxime. Absorption is enhanced when taken with food. Peak plasma concentrations are achieved approximately 2-3 hours after oral administration.
Metabolism
Cefuroxime axetil is extensively metabolized in the intestinal mucosa and blood by esterases to its active form, cefuroxime. Cefuroxime itself is not further metabolized.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to Cefuroxime or any other cephalosporin antibiotic.
- History of severe hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis) to any other type of beta-lactam antibacterial agent (e.g., penicillins).
Drug Interactions
Antacids
Drugs that reduce gastric acidity may reduce the bioavailability of cefuroxime axetil. It is advisable to administer cefuroxime axetil at least one hour before or two hours after antacids.
Probenecid
Concomitant use with probenecid increases the area under the serum concentration versus time curve by about 50%, resulting in higher and prolonged cefuroxime levels.
Oral anticoagulants
May increase the anticoagulant effect.
Oral contraceptives
May reduce the efficacy of oral contraceptives; additional barrier contraception may be necessary.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place below 30°C. Protect from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose include convulsions and other neurological disorders. Management involves symptomatic and supportive treatment. Hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis may reduce cefuroxime levels.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category B. Studies in animals have shown no evidence of impaired fertility or harm to the fetus. However, as with all drugs, caution should be exercised when administering to pregnant women. Cefuroxime is excreted in human milk in small quantities, so caution should be exercised when administered to a nursing mother.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to Cefuroxime or any other cephalosporin antibiotic.
- History of severe hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis) to any other type of beta-lactam antibacterial agent (e.g., penicillins).
Drug Interactions
Antacids
Drugs that reduce gastric acidity may reduce the bioavailability of cefuroxime axetil. It is advisable to administer cefuroxime axetil at least one hour before or two hours after antacids.
Probenecid
Concomitant use with probenecid increases the area under the serum concentration versus time curve by about 50%, resulting in higher and prolonged cefuroxime levels.
Oral anticoagulants
May increase the anticoagulant effect.
Oral contraceptives
May reduce the efficacy of oral contraceptives; additional barrier contraception may be necessary.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place below 30°C. Protect from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose include convulsions and other neurological disorders. Management involves symptomatic and supportive treatment. Hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis may reduce cefuroxime levels.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category B. Studies in animals have shown no evidence of impaired fertility or harm to the fetus. However, as with all drugs, caution should be exercised when administering to pregnant women. Cefuroxime is excreted in human milk in small quantities, so caution should be exercised when administered to a nursing mother.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
Usually 24-36 months from the date of manufacture. Refer to the packaging for specific expiry date.
Availability
Pharmacies nationwide
Approval Status
Approved by DGDA
Patent Status
Generic available
WHO Essential Medicine
YesClinical Trials
Cefuroxime axetil has undergone extensive clinical trials demonstrating its efficacy and safety in various bacterial infections. Ongoing post-marketing surveillance continues to monitor its profile.
Lab Monitoring
- Renal function (especially in elderly or renally impaired patients)
- Liver function tests (if prolonged use or pre-existing hepatic impairment)
- Complete blood count (CBC) if prolonged therapy
Doctor Notes
- Always inquire about penicillin or cephalosporin allergy history before prescribing.
- Adjust dosage for patients with significant renal impairment.
- Advise patients to complete the full course to minimize resistance development.
Patient Guidelines
- Complete the entire prescribed course of medicine, even if symptoms improve, to prevent antibiotic resistance.
- Take the capsule with food for better absorption and to minimize stomach upset.
- Do not share your medication with others, even if they have similar symptoms.
- Inform your doctor about any allergic reactions or severe side effects.
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 to catch up.
Driving Precautions
Cefuroxime may cause dizziness in some patients, which could impair the ability to drive or operate machinery. Patients should be warned to be cautious when driving or operating machinery.
Lifestyle Advice
- Maintain good hydration by drinking plenty of fluids during the course of treatment.
- Avoid self-medication with antibiotics for viral infections, as they are ineffective and contribute to resistance.
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