Adults

Most infections: 250-500 mg twice daily depending on severity and type of infection. Uncomplicated urinary tract infections: 125 mg twice daily. Severe infections or pneumonia: 500 mg twice daily.

Elderly

Similar to adults, but dosage adjustment may be necessary in case of renal impairment.

Renal_impairment

Creatinine clearance 10-29 mL/min: 250 mg once daily. Creatinine clearance <10 mL/min: 125 mg once daily. Hemodialysis patients: 125 mg once daily after dialysis.

Onset

Peak plasma concentrations usually occur 2-3 hours after oral administration with food.

Excretion

Mainly excreted unchanged in the urine by glomerular filtration and tubular secretion.

Half life

Approximately 1 to 1.5 hours in healthy adults.

Absorption

Cefuroxime axetil is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and rapidly hydrolyzed by esterases in the intestinal mucosa and blood to release cefuroxime into the circulation. Absorption is enhanced when taken with food.

Metabolism

Cefuroxime is not metabolized significantly in the liver; the axetil moiety is rapidly hydrolyzed to cefuroxime.

Probenecid

Concomitant administration of probenecid prolongs the half-life of cefuroxime.

Oral Anticoagulants

Concomitant use with oral anticoagulants may increase INR/bleeding risk.

Oral Contraceptives

May decrease the efficacy of oral contraceptives; additional barrier contraception is recommended.

Antacids/H2 blockers

Drugs that reduce gastric acidity may reduce the bioavailability of cefuroxime axetil. Therefore, it should be taken at least 2 hours after or 1 hour before antacids/H2 blockers.