Furotil
Generic Name
Cefuroxime Axetil
Manufacturer
ACI Limited
Country
Bangladesh
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| furotil 250 mg tablet | ৳ 25.00 | ৳ 150.00 |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Furotil 250 mg Tablet contains Cefuroxime Axetil, which is a broad-spectrum antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections including respiratory tract infections, ear, nose, and throat infections, urinary tract infections, skin and soft tissue infections, and early Lyme disease.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
Usually 250 mg twice daily for most infections. For more severe infections or pneumonia, 500 mg twice daily. Duration typically 7-10 days.
Elderly
No specific dose adjustment is generally required unless renal impairment is present. Doses are similar to adults.
Renal_impairment
Dosage adjustment is necessary. For creatinine clearance 10-29 mL/min, 250 mg once daily. For <10 mL/min, 250 mg every 48 hours.
How to Take
Take Furotil 250 mg Tablet orally with food for optimal absorption. Swallow the tablet whole with water; do not crush, chew, or break it.
Mechanism of Action
Cefuroxime Axetil is a bactericidal agent that acts by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis. It binds to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) inside the bacterial cell wall, which prevents the final transpeptidation step of peptidoglycan synthesis, leading to bacterial cell lysis and death.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Peak plasma concentrations are achieved approximately 2-3 hours after oral administration with food.
Excretion
Excreted unchanged by the kidneys via glomerular filtration and tubular secretion. Approximately 50% of an administered dose is excreted within 12 hours.
Half life
Approximately 1 to 1.5 hours in healthy adults.
Absorption
Rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and hydrolyzed to cefuroxime. Absorption is enhanced when taken with food.
Metabolism
Cefuroxime itself is not metabolized in the body. Cefuroxime axetil is hydrolyzed by esterases to cefuroxime in the intestinal mucosa and blood.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to cefuroxime, any other cephalosporin antibiotic, or any component of the formulation.
- History of severe hypersensitivity reaction to any other type of beta-lactam antibacterial agent (e.g., penicillins, carbapenems, monobactams).
Drug Interactions
Probenecid
Concomitant administration with probenecid increases the area under the serum concentration versus time curve by 50%. This may increase cefuroxime levels.
Oral Anticoagulants
Concomitant use with oral anticoagulants may increase INR, requiring careful monitoring.
Oral Contraceptives
Cefuroxime may affect gut flora, leading to lower estrogen reabsorption and reduced efficacy of combined oral contraceptives. Advise additional contraception.
Antacids/H2-blockers/PPIs
Drugs that reduce gastric acidity can decrease the bioavailability of cefuroxime axetil. It should be taken at least 2 hours before or after these drugs.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, below 30°C. Protect from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Overdose of cefuroxime axetil can lead to symptoms such as cerebral irritation with convulsions. Treatment is largely symptomatic and supportive. Hemodialysis can reduce serum cefuroxime levels.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category B. Cefuroxime axetil has not shown adverse effects in animal studies, but human data are limited. Use during pregnancy only if clearly needed. It is excreted in human milk in small amounts; use with caution during lactation.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to cefuroxime, any other cephalosporin antibiotic, or any component of the formulation.
- History of severe hypersensitivity reaction to any other type of beta-lactam antibacterial agent (e.g., penicillins, carbapenems, monobactams).
Drug Interactions
Probenecid
Concomitant administration with probenecid increases the area under the serum concentration versus time curve by 50%. This may increase cefuroxime levels.
Oral Anticoagulants
Concomitant use with oral anticoagulants may increase INR, requiring careful monitoring.
Oral Contraceptives
Cefuroxime may affect gut flora, leading to lower estrogen reabsorption and reduced efficacy of combined oral contraceptives. Advise additional contraception.
Antacids/H2-blockers/PPIs
Drugs that reduce gastric acidity can decrease the bioavailability of cefuroxime axetil. It should be taken at least 2 hours before or after these drugs.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, below 30°C. Protect from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Overdose of cefuroxime axetil can lead to symptoms such as cerebral irritation with convulsions. Treatment is largely symptomatic and supportive. Hemodialysis can reduce serum cefuroxime levels.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category B. Cefuroxime axetil has not shown adverse effects in animal studies, but human data are limited. Use during pregnancy only if clearly needed. It is excreted in human milk in small amounts; use with caution during lactation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
Typically 24 to 36 months from the date of manufacture.
Availability
Available in pharmacies, hospitals, and clinics
Approval Status
Approved by major regulatory bodies (e.g., FDA, DGDA)
Patent Status
Off-patent
WHO Essential Medicine
YesClinical Trials
Extensive clinical trials have established the efficacy and safety of Cefuroxime Axetil for its approved indications.
Lab Monitoring
- Renal function (especially in patients with pre-existing kidney impairment or those on high doses)
- Liver function tests (occasionally, if abnormalities are suspected)
- Blood count (if prolonged treatment)
Doctor Notes
- Advise patients to complete the full course to minimize resistance.
- Consider potential drug interactions, especially with antacids and oral contraceptives.
- Monitor for signs of C. difficile infection if diarrhea occurs post-treatment.
Patient Guidelines
- Complete the full course of antibiotics, even if symptoms improve, to prevent resistance.
- Take the medicine with food to enhance absorption and reduce stomach upset.
- Do not share this medicine with others, even if they have similar symptoms.
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 continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Driving Precautions
Cefuroxime Axetil can cause dizziness. Patients should be warned to be careful when driving or operating machinery.
Lifestyle Advice
- Stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.
- Maintain good hygiene to prevent the spread of infection.
- Avoid alcohol during the course of treatment, as it may exacerbate side effects.
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