Furotil
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 |
|---|---|---|
| furotil 500 mg tablet | ৳ 45.00 | ৳ 270.00 |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Furotil 500 mg Tablet contains Cefuroxime Axetil, a second-generation cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections including those of the respiratory tract, urinary tract, skin, and soft tissues.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
Typical dose for most infections is 250 mg twice daily. For more severe infections or certain indications (e.g., pneumonia, pyelonephritis), 500 mg twice daily. For uncomplicated gonorrhoea, a single 1 g dose (two 500 mg tablets).
Elderly
No specific dose adjustment is usually required in elderly patients with normal renal function. For elderly patients with significant renal impairment, dosage should be adjusted as for renal impairment.
Renal_impairment
For creatinine clearance 10-29 mL/min, 250 mg once daily. For creatinine clearance less than 10 mL/min, 250 mg every 48 hours. Patients on hemodialysis should receive an additional 250 mg dose at the end of each dialysis session.
How to Take
Furotil tablets should be taken orally, preferably with food, to enhance absorption and reduce the incidence of gastrointestinal disturbances. Swallow the tablet whole with water; do not crush or chew.
Mechanism of Action
Cefuroxime Axetil works by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis. It binds to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), which are enzymes responsible for the synthesis of the peptidoglycan layer of the bacterial cell wall, leading to bacterial cell lysis and death.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Antibacterial effect typically observed within 1 hour after administration.
Excretion
Primarily excreted unchanged in the urine by glomerular filtration and tubular secretion. Approximately 50% of the administered dose is recovered in the urine within 12 hours.
Half life
Approximately 1.2 to 1.5 hours in healthy adults.
Absorption
Well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, especially when taken with food. Hydrolyzed to cefuroxime in the intestinal mucosa and blood. Peak plasma concentrations reached within 2-3 hours after oral administration with food.
Metabolism
Not significantly metabolized in the body. The axetil moiety is hydrolyzed to cefuroxime.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to cefuroxime or to any excipients of Furotil.
- Known hypersensitivity to cephalosporin antibiotics.
- History of severe hypersensitivity (e.g., anaphylactic reaction) to any other type of beta-lactam antibacterial agent (e.g., penicillins, monobactams and carbapenems).
Drug Interactions
Probenecid
Concomitant administration with probenecid increases the area under the serum concentration versus time curve by about 50%, resulting in higher and prolonged cefuroxime plasma concentrations.
Nephrotoxic drugs
Concomitant use with nephrotoxic drugs (e.g., aminoglycosides, loop diuretics) may increase the risk of nephrotoxicity.
Oral Contraceptives
Cefuroxime axetil may affect gut flora, leading to lower estrogen reabsorption and reduced efficacy of combined oral contraceptives.
Antacids, H2-antagonists, PPIs
Drugs that reduce gastric acidity may reduce the bioavailability of cefuroxime axetil and should be avoided.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from direct light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose include convulsions and other neurological sequelae. Management is symptomatic and supportive. Hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis may be useful to remove cefuroxime from the body.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category B. Cefuroxime crosses the placenta but significant adverse effects are not expected. It is excreted in small amounts into breast milk; caution should be exercised when administered to a nursing mother. Consult a doctor before use during pregnancy or lactation.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to cefuroxime or to any excipients of Furotil.
- Known hypersensitivity to cephalosporin antibiotics.
- History of severe hypersensitivity (e.g., anaphylactic reaction) to any other type of beta-lactam antibacterial agent (e.g., penicillins, monobactams and carbapenems).
Drug Interactions
Probenecid
Concomitant administration with probenecid increases the area under the serum concentration versus time curve by about 50%, resulting in higher and prolonged cefuroxime plasma concentrations.
Nephrotoxic drugs
Concomitant use with nephrotoxic drugs (e.g., aminoglycosides, loop diuretics) may increase the risk of nephrotoxicity.
Oral Contraceptives
Cefuroxime axetil may affect gut flora, leading to lower estrogen reabsorption and reduced efficacy of combined oral contraceptives.
Antacids, H2-antagonists, PPIs
Drugs that reduce gastric acidity may reduce the bioavailability of cefuroxime axetil and should be avoided.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from direct light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose include convulsions and other neurological sequelae. Management is symptomatic and supportive. Hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis may be useful to remove cefuroxime from the body.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category B. Cefuroxime crosses the placenta but significant adverse effects are not expected. It is excreted in small amounts into breast milk; caution should be exercised when administered to a nursing mother. Consult a doctor before use during pregnancy or lactation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
Typically 24 to 36 months from the date of manufacture. Refer to the product packaging for the exact expiry date.
Availability
Available in pharmacies, hospitals, and medical stores.
Approval Status
Approved by regulatory authorities for use in various bacterial infections.
Patent Status
Off-patent; generic versions widely available.
WHO Essential Medicine
YesClinical Trials
Cefuroxime Axetil has undergone extensive clinical trials demonstrating its efficacy and safety in various bacterial infections. Ongoing research explores its role in emerging resistant strains and new formulations.
Lab Monitoring
- Renal function should be monitored in patients with pre-existing renal impairment or during prolonged high-dose therapy.
- A positive Coombs' test has been reported with cefuroxime treatment, which may interfere with blood cross-matching procedures.
Doctor Notes
- Emphasize the importance of completing the full course of therapy to patients, even if they feel better, to prevent resistance and relapse.
- Advise patients to take the medication with food to enhance absorption and reduce GI side effects.
- Be alert for signs of Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD) if severe diarrhea develops during or after treatment.
Patient Guidelines
- Complete the entire course of medication as prescribed, even if symptoms improve, to prevent recurrence and development of antibiotic resistance.
- Take Furotil with food to improve absorption and minimize stomach upset.
- Inform your doctor if you experience severe diarrhea or allergic reactions (e.g., rash, swelling, difficulty breathing).
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 take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Driving Precautions
Furotil may cause dizziness. Patients should be advised to exercise caution when driving or operating machinery until they are reasonably certain that Furotil does not adversely affect their ability to do so.
Lifestyle Advice
- Maintain good hydration by drinking plenty of fluids.
- Avoid alcohol consumption during the course of treatment, as it may exacerbate gastrointestinal side effects.
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