Meforex
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 |
|---|---|---|
| meforex 500 mg tablet | ৳ 2.00 | ৳ 20.00 |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Meforex 500 mg Tablet contains Cefuroxime Axetil, a second-generation cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
Most infections: 250 mg twice daily. Severe infections or bronchitis/pneumonia: 500 mg twice daily. Gonorrhoea: 1000 mg as a single dose. Early Lyme disease: 500 mg twice daily for 20 days.
Elderly
No special precautions required, dose as per adults.
Renal_impairment
Dose adjustment required in severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance < 30 mL/min). e.g., CrCl 10-29 mL/min: 250 mg once daily or 500 mg once daily depending on severity. CrCl < 10 mL/min: 250 mg once daily.
How to Take
Take Meforex 500 mg Tablet orally, preferably with food, for optimal absorption. Swallow the tablet whole with water; do not crush or chew.
Mechanism of Action
Cefuroxime Axetil is a bactericidal agent that acts by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis. It binds to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) located inside the bacterial cell wall, thereby inhibiting the third and final stage of bacterial cell wall synthesis.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Within 1 hour (peak plasma concentration)
Excretion
Mainly excreted by the kidneys via glomerular filtration and tubular secretion. Most of the dose is excreted within 24 hours.
Half life
Approximately 1-1.5 hours
Absorption
Rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and rapidly hydrolyzed by non-specific esterases in the intestinal mucosa and blood to cefuroxime. Absorption is enhanced by food.
Metabolism
Not metabolized in the body; it is excreted unchanged.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to Cefuroxime Axetil or any other cephalosporin antibiotics.
- History of severe hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis) to any other type of beta-lactam antibacterial agents (e.g., penicillins, carbapenems).
Drug Interactions
Probenecid
Increases cefuroxime plasma concentrations and prolongs its half-life by reducing renal tubular secretion.
Oral Contraceptives
May reduce the efficacy of oral contraceptives. Additional non-hormonal contraception should be considered.
Nephrotoxic drugs (e.g., aminoglycosides)
Increased risk of nephrotoxicity.
Antacids/H2 blockers/Proton pump inhibitors
May reduce the bioavailability of cefuroxime. Administer at least 2 hours apart.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place below 30°C, protected from light 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 induced emesis. Hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis may be effective in removing cefuroxime from the body.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category B. Studies in animals have shown no evidence of impaired fertility or harm to the fetus. Cefuroxime is excreted in breast milk in small amounts; use with caution during lactation.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to Cefuroxime Axetil or any other cephalosporin antibiotics.
- History of severe hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis) to any other type of beta-lactam antibacterial agents (e.g., penicillins, carbapenems).
Drug Interactions
Probenecid
Increases cefuroxime plasma concentrations and prolongs its half-life by reducing renal tubular secretion.
Oral Contraceptives
May reduce the efficacy of oral contraceptives. Additional non-hormonal contraception should be considered.
Nephrotoxic drugs (e.g., aminoglycosides)
Increased risk of nephrotoxicity.
Antacids/H2 blockers/Proton pump inhibitors
May reduce the bioavailability of cefuroxime. Administer at least 2 hours apart.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place below 30°C, protected from light 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 induced emesis. Hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis may be effective in removing cefuroxime from the body.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category B. Studies in animals have shown no evidence of impaired fertility or harm to the fetus. Cefuroxime is excreted in breast milk in small amounts; use with caution during lactation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
Typically 24-36 months from the date of manufacture, consult the package for exact date.
Availability
Available in pharmacies and hospitals nationwide
Approval Status
Approved by DGDA (Bangladesh)
Patent Status
Off-patent
WHO Essential Medicine
YesClinical Trials
Cefuroxime Axetil has undergone extensive clinical trials demonstrating its efficacy and safety across various bacterial infections. Ongoing research continues to explore its applications and resistance patterns.
Lab Monitoring
- Liver function tests (in patients with pre-existing hepatic impairment or during prolonged therapy)
- Renal function tests (in patients with pre-existing renal impairment or during prolonged therapy)
- Complete blood count (in patients on prolonged therapy)
Doctor Notes
- Emphasize completing the full course to prevent resistance.
- Consider drug interactions, especially with antacids and oral contraceptives.
- Monitor renal function in patients with pre-existing impairment or prolonged therapy.
Patient Guidelines
- Complete the entire prescribed course of treatment, even if symptoms improve.
- Take the tablet with food to enhance absorption and reduce stomach upset.
- Report any severe or persistent side effects to your doctor.
- Do not share this medicine with others.
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
Meforex 500 mg Tablet may cause dizziness. Patients should be cautious when driving or operating machinery until they know how the medicine affects them.
Lifestyle Advice
- Maintain good hygiene to prevent reinfection.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.
- Avoid alcohol consumption during the course of antibiotics, as it may exacerbate side effects.
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