Adults

Adult dosage (for 125mg suspension, if applicable, otherwise refer to higher strengths): Typically 250-500 mg twice daily. For suspension, generally not preferred for adults unless specified.

Children

Children (3 months to 12 years): 125 mg twice daily for most infections. For otitis media or more severe infections, 250 mg twice daily. Dosing is often weight-based for specific conditions.

Renal_impairment

Dose adjustment is required for patients with significant renal impairment (creatinine clearance <30 mL/min). Consult physician for specific guidelines.

Onset

Peak plasma concentrations are generally achieved 2 to 3 hours after oral administration.

Excretion

Excreted unchanged in the urine, primarily via glomerular filtration and tubular secretion. Approximately 50% of an administered dose is excreted within 12 hours.

Half life

Approximately 1.2 to 1.5 hours.

Absorption

Rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and rapidly hydrolyzed by esterases to cefuroxime. Absorption is enhanced when taken with food.

Metabolism

The axetil moiety is hydrolyzed to cefuroxime in the intestinal mucosa and blood. Cefuroxime is not significantly metabolized in the liver.

Probenecid

Concomitant administration with probenecid increases the area under the serum concentration versus time curve by 50%.

Oral Anticoagulants

Cefuroxime may affect gut flora, leading to lower vitamin K levels and potentiation of anticoagulant effects. Monitor INR/PT.

Oral Contraceptives

May reduce the efficacy of oral contraceptives. Advise patients to use additional barrier methods of contraception.

Antacids and H2-blockers

Drugs that reduce gastric acidity may result in lower bioavailability of cefuroxime axetil and should be avoided or administered several hours apart.