Ucep
Generic Name
Cefuroxime Axetil
Manufacturer
Incepta Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Country
Bangladesh
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| ucep 250 mg capsule | ৳ 6.65 | ৳ 66.50 |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Ucep 250 mg Capsule contains Cefuroxime Axetil, a second-generation cephalosporin antibiotic. It is used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections including respiratory tract, urinary tract, skin and soft tissue, ear, nose, and throat infections.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
250 mg twice daily for most infections. For more severe infections or lower respiratory tract infections, 500 mg twice daily. For uncomplicated urinary tract infections, 125 mg twice daily.
Elderly
No special precautions required, follow adult dosage.
Renal_impairment
Dosage interval may need to be adjusted in patients with significant renal impairment (creatinine clearance < 30 mL/min). Consult physician.
How to Take
Take the capsule orally with food. Taking with food optimizes absorption.
Mechanism of Action
Cefuroxime Axetil is a bactericidal antibiotic 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. Cell lysis is then mediated by bacterial cell wall autolytic enzymes such as autolysins.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Peak plasma concentrations are achieved 2-3 hours after oral administration.
Excretion
Mainly excreted unchanged by glomerular filtration and tubular secretion in the urine.
Half life
Approximately 1.2 to 1.6 hours.
Absorption
Well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and rapidly hydrolyzed in the intestinal mucosa and blood to release cefuroxime into the circulation. Oral bioavailability is approximately 37-52% when taken with food.
Metabolism
Cefuroxime is not metabolized significantly in the liver.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to cefuroxime, other cephalosporins, or any component of the formulation
- History of severe hypersensitivity reaction to any other type of beta-lactam antibacterial agent (e.g., penicillins, carbapenems)
Drug Interactions
Probenecid
Increases cefuroxime plasma concentration and prolongs its half-life by reducing renal tubular secretion.
Oral Contraceptives
May reduce the efficacy of oral contraceptives. Patients should be advised to use additional barrier contraception.
Antacids/H2 blockers
May reduce the bioavailability of cefuroxime axetil, it is advisable to take cefuroxime at least 2 hours before or after antacids.
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 cerebral irritation leading to convulsions. Management includes supportive therapy and, if necessary, hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis to reduce serum cefuroxime concentrations.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category B. Studies in animals have shown no evidence of impaired fertility or harm to the fetus. Cefuroxime is excreted in small amounts in breast milk; caution should be exercised when administered to a nursing mother.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to cefuroxime, other cephalosporins, or any component of the formulation
- History of severe hypersensitivity reaction to any other type of beta-lactam antibacterial agent (e.g., penicillins, carbapenems)
Drug Interactions
Probenecid
Increases cefuroxime plasma concentration and prolongs its half-life by reducing renal tubular secretion.
Oral Contraceptives
May reduce the efficacy of oral contraceptives. Patients should be advised to use additional barrier contraception.
Antacids/H2 blockers
May reduce the bioavailability of cefuroxime axetil, it is advisable to take cefuroxime at least 2 hours before or after antacids.
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 cerebral irritation leading to convulsions. Management includes supportive therapy and, if necessary, hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis to reduce serum cefuroxime concentrations.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category B. Studies in animals have shown no evidence of impaired fertility or harm to the fetus. Cefuroxime is excreted in small amounts in breast milk; caution should be exercised when administered to a nursing mother.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
24 months
Availability
Pharmacies, hospitals, clinics
Approval Status
Approved by FDA (USA) and DGDA (Bangladesh)
Patent Status
Generic available, original patent expired
WHO Essential Medicine
YesClinical Trials
Extensive clinical trials have established the efficacy and safety of cefuroxime axetil for its approved indications. Ongoing post-marketing surveillance and studies continue to monitor its profile.
Lab Monitoring
- Renal function tests (e.g., creatinine, BUN) in patients with pre-existing renal impairment
- Liver function tests (e.g., AST, ALT) in patients with pre-existing hepatic impairment or prolonged therapy
- Complete blood count (CBC) during prolonged therapy
Doctor Notes
- Prescribe for bacterial infections only; not effective against viral infections.
- Advise patients on the importance of completing the full course.
- Monitor for signs of hypersensitivity reactions, especially in patients with penicillin allergy history.
Patient Guidelines
- Take the medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
- Complete the full course of treatment, even if you feel better.
- Take with food to improve absorption and reduce stomach upset.
- Inform your doctor if you experience severe diarrhea or allergic reactions.
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 Axetil may cause dizziness. Patients should be warned to be careful when driving or operating machinery.
Lifestyle Advice
- Maintain good hygiene to prevent reinfection.
- Drink plenty of fluids unless advised otherwise by your doctor.
- Avoid alcohol consumption during antibiotic treatment, though not strictly contraindicated, it may exacerbate side effects.
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