Overdose can lead to neurological sequelae including encephalopathy, convulsions and coma. Symptoms of overdose can occur if the dose is not reduced appropriately in patients with renal impairment.
Serum levels of cefuroxime can be reduced by haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.
Patients with known hypersensitivity to cephalosporin antibiotics.
History of severe hypersensitivity (e.g. anaphylactic reaction) to any other type of betalactam antibacterial agent (penicillins, monobactams and carbapenems).
None.
The most common adverse reactions are Candida overgrowth, eosinophilia, headache, dizziness, gastrointestinal disturbances and transient rise in liver enzymes.
The frequency categories assigned to the adverse reactions below are estimates, as for most reactions suitable data (for example from placebo-controlled studies) for calculating incidence were not available. In addition the incidence of adverse reactions associated with cefuroxime axetil may vary according to the indication.
Data from large clinical studies were used to determine the frequency of very common to rare undesirable effects. The frequencies assigned to all other undesirable effects (i.e. those occurring at <1/10,000) were mainly determined using post-marketing data and refer to a reporting rate rather than true frequency. Placebo-controlled trial data were not available. Where incidences have been calculated from clinical trial data, these were based on drug-related (investigator assessed) data. Within each frequency grouping, undesirable effects are presented in order of decreasing seriousness.
Treatment related adverse reactions, all grades, are listed below by MedDRA body system organ class, frequency and grade of severity. The following convention has been utilised for the classification of frequency: very common > 1/10; common > 1/100 to < 1/10, uncommon > 1/1,000 to < 1/100; rare > 1/10,000 to < 1/1,000; very rare < 1/10,000 and not known (cannot be estimated from the available data).
| System organ class | Common | Uncommon | Not known |
| Infections and infestations | Candida overgrowth | Clostridium difficile overgrowth | |
| Blood and lymphatic system disorders | eosinophilia | positive Coomb's test, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia (sometimes profound) | haemolytic anaemia |
| Immune system disorders | drug fever, serum sickness, anaphylaxis, Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction | ||
| Nervous system disorders | headache, dizziness | ||
| Gastrointestinal disorders | diarrhoea, nausea, abdominal pain | vomiting | pseudomembranous colitis |
| Hepatobiliary disorders | transient increases of hepatic enzyme levels | jaundice (predominantly cholestatic), hepatitis | |
| Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders | skin rashes | urticaria, pruritus, erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis (exanthematic necrolysis) (see Immune system disorders), angioneurotic oedema | |
| Description of selected adverse reactions Cephalosporins as a class tend to be absorbed onto the surface of red cells membranes and react with antibodies directed against the drug to produce a positive Coombs' test (which can interfere with cross-matching of blood) and very rarely haemolytic anaemia. Transient rises in serum liver enzymes have been observed which are usually reversible. | |||
Paediatric population
The safety profile for cefuroxime axetil in children is consistent with the profile in adults.
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or by searching for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.
Non-clinical data reveal no special hazard for humans based on studies of safety pharmacology, repeated dose toxicity, genotoxicity and toxicity to reproduction and development. No carcinogenicity studies have been performed; however, there is no evidence to suggest carcinogenic potential.
Gamma glutamyl transpeptidase activity in rat urine is inhibited by various cephalosporins, however the level of inhibition is less with cefuroxime. This may have significance in the interference in clinical laboratory tests in humans.
Cefuroxima Famicef 500 mg Comprimidos is indicated for the treatment of the infections listed below in adults and children from the age of 3 months.
- Acute streptococcal tonsillitis and pharyngitis.
- Acute bacterial sinusitis.
- Acute otitis media.
- Acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis.
- Cystitis.
- Pyelonephritis.
- Uncomplicated skin and soft tissue infections.
- Treatment of early Lyme disease.
Consideration should be given to official guidance on the appropriate use of antibacterial agents.
Pharmacotherapeutic group: antibacterials for systemic use, second-generation cephalosporins, ATC code: J01DC02
Mechanism of action
Cefuroxime axetil undergoes hydrolysis by esterase enzymes to the active antibiotic, cefuroxime.
Cefuroxime inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis following attachment to penicillin binding proteins (PBPs). This results in the interruption of cell wall (peptidoglycan) biosynthesis, which leads to bacterial cell lysis and death.
Mechanism of resistance
Bacterial resistance to cefuroxime may be due to one or more of the following mechanisms:
- hydrolysis by beta-lactamases; including (but not limited to) by extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs), and AmpC enzymes that may be induced or stably derepressed in certain aerobic Gram-negative bacteria species;
- reduced affinity of penicillin-binding proteins for cefuroxime;
- outer membrane impermeability, which restricts access of cefuroxime to penicillin binding proteins in Gram-negative bacteria;
- bacterial efflux pumps.
Organisms that have acquired resistance to other injectable cephalosporins are expected to be resistant to cefuroxime.
Depending on the mechanism of resistance, organisms with acquired resistance to penicillins may demonstrate reduced susceptibility or resistance to cefuroxime.
Cefuroxime axetil breakpoints
Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) breakpoints established by the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST) are as follows:
| Microorganism | Breakpoints (mg/L) | |
| S | R | |
| Enterobacteriaceae 1, 2 | ≤8 | >8 |
| Staphylococcus spp. | Note3 | Note3 |
| Streptococcus A, B, C and G | Note4 | Note4 |
| Streptococcus pneumoniae | ≤0.25 | >0.5 |
| Moraxella catarrhalis | ≤0.125 | >4 |
| Haemophilus influenzae | ≤0.125 | >1 |
| Non-species related breakpoints1 | IE5 | IE5 |
| 1 The cephalosporin breakpoints for Enterobacteriaceae will detect all clinically important resistance mechanisms (including ESBL and plasmid mediated AmpC). Some strains that produce beta-lactamases are susceptible or intermediate to 3rd or 4th generation cephalosporins with these breakpoints and should be reported as found, i.e. the presence or absence of an ESBL does not in itself influence the categorization of susceptibility. In many areas, ESBL detection and characterization is recommended or mandatory for infection control purposes. 2 Uncomplicated UTI (cystitis) only. 3 Susceptibility of staphylococci to cephalosporins is inferred from the methicillin susceptibility except for ceftazidme and cefixime and ceftibuten, which do not have breakpoints and should not be used for staphylococcal infections. 4 The beta-lactam susceptability of beta-haemolytic streptococci groups A, B, C and G is inferred from the penicillin susceptibility. 5 insufficient evidence that the species in question is a good target for therapy with the drug. An MIC with a comment but without an accompanying S or R-categorization may be reported. | ||
S=susceptible, R=resistant
Microbiological susceptibility
The prevalence of acquired resistance may vary geographically and with time for selected species and local information on resistance is desirable, particularly when treating severe infections. As necessary, expert advice should be sought when the local prevalence of resistance is such that the utility of cefuroxime axetil in at least some types of infections is questionable.
Cefuroxime is usually active against the following microorganisms in vitro.
| Commonly susceptible species |
| Gram-positive aerobes: Staphylococcus aureus (methicillin susceptible)* Coagulase negative staphylococcus (methicillin susceptible) Streptococcus pyogenes Streptococcus agalactiae |
| Gram-negative aerobes: Haemophilus influenzae Haemophilus parainfluenzae Moraxella catarrhalis |
| Spirochaetes: Borrelia burgdorferi |
| Microorganisms for which acquired resistance may be a problem |
| Gram-positive aerobes: Streptococcus pneumoniae |
| Gram-negative aerobes: Citrobacter freundii Enterobacter aerogenes Enterobacter cloacae Escherichia coli Klebsiella pneumoniae Proteus mirabilis Proteus spp.(other than P. vulgaris) Providencia spp. |
| Gram-positive anaerobes: Peptostreptococcus spp. Propionibacterium spp. |
| Gram-negative anaerobes: Fusobacterium spp. Bacteroides spp. |
| Inherently resistant microorganisms |
| Gram-positive aerobes: Enterococcus faecalis Enterococcus faecium |
| Gram-negative aerobes: Acinetobacter spp. Campylobacter spp. Morganella morganii Proteus vulgaris Pseudomonas aeruginosa Serratia marcescens |
| Gram-negative anaerobes: Bacteroides fragilis |
| Others: Chlamydia spp. Mycoplasma spp. Legionella spp. |
*All methicillin-resistant S. aureus are resistant to cefuroxime.
Absorption
After oral administration cefuroxime axetil is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and rapidly hydrolysed in the intestinal mucosa and blood to release cefuroxime into the circulation. Optimum absorption occurs when it is administered shortly after a meal.
Following administration of cefuroxime axetil tablets peak serum levels (2.1 mcg/ml for a 125 mg dose, 4.1 mcg/ml for a 250 mg dose, 7.0 mcg/ml for a 500 mg dose and 13.6 mcg/ml for a 1000 mg dose) occur approximately 2 to 3 hours after dosing when taken with food. The rate of absorption of cefuroxime from the suspension is reduced compared with the tablets, leading to later, lower peak serum levels and reduced systemic bioavailability (4 to 17% less). Cefuroxime axetil oral suspension was not bioequivalent to cefuroxime axetil tablets when tested in healthy adults and therefore is not substitutable on a milligram-per-milligram basis.The pharmacokinetics of cefuroxime is linear over the oral dosage range of 125 to 1000 mg. No accumulation of cefuroxime occurred following repeat oral doses of 250 to 500 mg.
Distribution
Protein binding has been stated as 33 to 50% depending on the methodology used. Following a single dose of cefuroxime axetil 500 mg tablet to 12 healthy volunteers, the apparent volume of distribution was 50 L (CV%=28%). Concentrations of cefuroxime in excess of the minimum inhibitory levels for common pathogens can be achieved in the tonsilla, sinus tissues, bronchial mucosa, bone, pleural fluid, joint fluid, synovial fluid, interstitial fluid, bile, sputum and aqueous humor. Cefuroxime passes the blood-brain barrier when the meninges are inflamed.
Biotransformation
Cefuroxime is not metabolised.
Elimination
The serum half-life is between 1 and 1.5 hours. Cefuroxime is excreted by glomerular filtration and tubular secretion. The renal clearance is in the region of 125 to 148 ml/min/1.73 m2.
Special patient populations
Gender
No differences in the pharmacokinetics of cefuroxime were observed between males and females.
Elderly
No special precaution is necessary in the elderly patients with normal renal function at dosages up to the normal maximum of 1 g per day. Elderly patients are more likely to have decreased renal function; therefore, the dose should be adjusted in accordance with the renal function in the elderly.
Paediatrics
In older infants (aged >3 months) and in children, the pharmacokinetics of cefuroxime are similar to that observed in adults.
There is no clinical trial data available on the use of cefuroxime axetil in children under the age of 3 months.
Renal impairment
The safety and efficacy of cefuroxime axetil in patients with renal failure have not been established.
Cefuroxime is primarily excreted by the kidneys. Therefore, as with all such antibiotics, in patients with markedly impaired renal function (i.e. C1cr <30 ml/minute) it is recommended that the dosage of cefuroxime should be reduced to compensate for its slower excretion. Cefuroxime is effectively removed by dialysis.
Hepatic impairment
There are no data available for patients with hepatic impairment. Since cefuroxime is primarily eliminated by the kidney, the presence of hepatic dysfunction is expected to have no effect on the pharmacokinetics of cefuroxime.
Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic relationship
For cephalosporins, the most important pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic index correlating with in vivo efficacy has been shown to be the percentage of the dosing interval (%T) that the unbound concentration remains above the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of cefuroxime for individual target species (i.e. %T>MIC).
Hypersensitivity reactions
Special care is indicated in patients who have experienced an allergic reaction to penicillins or other beta-lactam antibiotics because there is a risk of cross-sensitivity. As with all beta-lactam antibacterial agents, serious and occasionally fatal hypersensitivity reactions have been reported. In case of severe hypersensitivity reactions, treatment with cefuroxime must be discontinued immediately and adequate emergency measures must be initiated.
Before beginning treatment, it should be established whether the patient has a history of severe hypersensitivity reactions to cefuroxime, to other cephalosporins or to any other type of beta-lactam agent. Caution should be used if cefuroxime is given to patients with a history of non-severe hypersensitivity to other beta-lactam agents.
Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction
The Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction has been seen following cefuroxime axetil treatment of Lyme disease. It results directly from the bactericidal activity of cefuroxime axetil on the causative bacteria of Lyme disease, the spirochaete Borrelia burgdorferi. Patients should be reassured that this is a common and usually self-limiting consequence of antibiotic treatment of Lyme disease.
Overgrowth of non-susceptible microorganisms
As with other antibiotics, use of cefuroxime axetil may result in the overgrowth of Candida. Prolonged use may also result in the overgrowth of other non-susceptible microorganisms (e.g. enterococci and Clostridium difficile), which may require interruption of treatment.
Antibacterial agent-associated pseudomembranous colitis have been reported with nearly all antibacterial agents, including cefuroxime and may range in severity from mild to life threatening. This diagnosis should be considered in patients with diarrhoea during or subsequent to the administration of cefuroxime. Discontinuation of therapy with cefuroxime and the administration of specific treatment for Clostridium difficile should be considered. Medicinal products that inhibit peristalsis should not be given.
Interference with diagnostic tests
The development of a positive Coomb's Test associated with the use of cefuroxime may interfere with cross matching of blood.
As a false negative result may occur in the ferricyanide test, it is recommended that either the glucose oxidase or hexokinase methods are used to determine blood/plasma glucose levels in patients receiving cefuroxime axetil.
Important information about excipients
The sucrose content of cefuroxime axetil suspension and granules should be taken into account when treating diabetic patients and appropriate advice provided.
125mg/5ml granules for oral suspension:
Contains 3 g of sucrose per 5 ml dose
125mg granules for oral suspension:
Contains 3 g of sucrose per unit dose
Cefuroxime axetil suspension contains aspartame, which is a source of phenylalanine and so should be used with caution in patients with phenylketonuria.
No studies on the effects on the ability to drive and use machines have been performed. However, as this medicine may cause dizziness, patients should be warned to be cautious when driving or operating machinery.
Posology
The usual course of therapy is seven days (may range from five to ten days).
Table 1. Adults and children (>40 kg)
| Indication | Dosage |
| Acute tonsillitis and pharyngitis, acute bacterial sinusitis | 250 mg twice daily |
| Acute otitis media | 500 mg twice daily |
| Acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis | 500 mg twice daily |
| Cystitis | 250 mg twice daily |
| Pyelonephritis | 250 mg twice daily |
| Uncomplicated skin and soft tissue infections | 250 mg twice daily |
| Lyme disease | 500 mg twice daily for 14 days (range of 10 to 21 days) |
Table 2. Children (<40 kg)
| Indication | Dosage |
| Acute tonsillitis and pharyngitis, acute bacterial sinusitis | 10 mg/kg twice daily to a maximum of 125 mg twice daily |
| Children aged two years or older with otitis media or, where appropriate, with more severe infections | 15 mg/kg twice daily to a maximum of 250 mg twice daily |
| Cystitis | 15 mg/kg twice daily to a maximum of 250 mg twice daily |
| Pyelonephritis | 15 mg/kg twice daily to a maximum of 250 mg twice daily for 10 to 14 days |
| Uncomplicated skin and soft tissue infections | 15 mg/kg twice daily to a maximum of 250 mg twice daily |
| Lyme disease | 15 mg/kg twice daily to a maximum of 250 mg twice daily for 14 days (10 to 21 days) |
There is no experience of using Cefuroxima Famicef 500 mg Comprimidos in children under the age of 3 months.
Cefuroxime axetil tablets and cefuroxime axetil granules for oral suspension are not bioequivalent and are not substitutable on a milligram-per-milligram basis.
In infants (from the age of 3 months) and children with a body mass of less than 40 kg, it may be preferable to adjust dosage according to weight or age. The dose in infants and children 3 months to 18 years is 10 mg/kg twice daily for most infections, to a maximum of 250 mg daily. In otitis media or more severe infections the recommended dose is 15 mg/kg twice daily to a maximum of 500 mg daily.
The following two tables, divided by age group, serve as a guideline for simplified administration, e.g measuring spoon (5 ml), for the 125 mg/5 ml or the 250 mg/5 ml multi-dose suspension if provided, and 125 mg or 250 mg single dose sachets.
Table 3. 10 mg/kg dosage for most infections
| Age | Dose (mg) twice daily | Volume per dose (ml) | No. of sachets per dose | ||
| 125 mg | 250 mg | 125 mg | 250 mg | ||
| 3 to 6 months | 40 to 60 | 2.5 | - | - | - |
| 6 months to 2 years | 60 to 120 | 2.5 to 5 | - | - | - |
| 2 to 18 years | 125 | 5 | 2.5 | 1 | - |
Table 4. 15 mg/kg dosage for otitis media and more serious infections
| Age | Dose (mg) twice daily | Volume per dose (ml) | No. of sachets per dose | ||
|
|
| 125 mg | 250 mg | 125 mg | 250 mg |
| 3 to 6 months | 60 to 90 | 2.5 | - | - | - |
| 6 months to 2 years | 90 to 180 | 5 to 7.5 | 2.5 | 1 (125 mg) | - |
| 2 to 18 years | 180 to 250 | 7.5 to 10 | 2.5 to 5 | 2 (250 mg) | 1 (250 mg) |
Renal impairment
The safety and efficacy of cefuroxime axetil in patients with renal failure have not been established. Cefuroxime is primarily excreted by the kidneys. In patients with markedly impaired renal function it is recommended that the dosage of cefuroxime should be reduced to compensate for its slower excretion. Cefuroxime is effectively removed by dialysis.
Table 5. Recommended doses for Cefuroxima Famicef 500 mg Comprimidos in renal impairment
| Creatinine clearance | T1/2 (hrs) | Recommended dosage |
| >30 ml/min/1.73 m2 | 1.4-2.4 | no dose adjustment necessary standard dose of 125 mg to 500 mg given twice daily |
| 10-29 ml/min/1.73 m2 | 4.6 | standard individual dose given every 24 hours |
| <10 ml/min/1.73 m2 | 16.8 | standard individual dose given every 48 hours |
| During haemodialysis | 2-4 | a single additional standard individual dose should be given at the end of each dialysis |
Hepatic impairment
There are no data available for patients with hepatic impairment. Since cefuroxime is primarily eliminated by the kidney, the presence of hepatic dysfunction is expected to have no effect on the pharmacokinetics of cefuroxime.
Method of administration
Oral use
For optimal absorption cefuroxime axetil suspension should be taken with food.
Depending on the dosage, there are other presentations available.
Any unused medicinal product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.
Constitution/Administration instructions
The bottle should be shaken vigorously before the medication is taken.
The reconstituted suspension when refrigerated between 2 and 8°C can be kept for up to 10 days.
If desired, Cefuroxima Famicef 500 mg Comprimidos suspension from multidose bottles can be further diluted in cold fruit juices, or milk drinks and should be taken immediately.
Directions for reconstituting suspension in multidose bottles
1. Shake the bottle to loosen the content. All the granules should be free-flowing in the bottle. Remove the cap and the heat-seal membrane. If the latter is damaged or not present, the product should be returned to the pharmacist.
2. Add the total amount of cold water as stated on the label or up to the volume line on the cup provided (if supplied). If the water was previously boiled it must be allowed to cool to room temperature before adding. Do not mix Cefuroxima Famicef 500 mg Comprimidos granules for oral suspension with hot or warm liquids. Cold water must be used to prevent the suspension becoming too thick.
3. Replace the cap. Allow the bottle to stand to allow the water to fully soak through the granules; this should take about one minute.
4. Invert the bottle and shake well (for at least 15 seconds) until all the granules have mixed with the water.
5. Turn the bottle into an upright position and shake well for one minute until all the granules have blended with the water.
Store the Cefuroxima Famicef 500 mg Comprimidos suspension immediately at between 2 and 8°C (do not freeze) and let it rest for at least one hour before taking the first dose. The reconstituted suspension when refrigerated between 2 and 8°C can be kept for up to 10 days.
Always shake the bottle well before taking the medication.
Directions for reconstituting suspension from sachets: -
1. Empty granules from sachet into a glass.
2. Add a small volume of cold water.
3. Stir well and drink immediately.
The reconstituted suspension or granules should not be mixed with hot liquids.
