Cefuroxime is a cephalosporin antibiotic that doctors use to treat a variety of infections caused by various bacteria. It comes in multiple forms, which include:
- oral tablet
- liquid suspension
- injection given by a healthcare professional
The oral tablet form of cefuroxime is called cefuroxime axetil, while the injection form is called cefuroxime sodium.
Cefuroxime works by killing bacteria. It interferes with their cell wall formation, causing the cell wall to break. When the cell wall breaks, it is not able to protect the bacteria, resulting in their death.
Cefuroxime is only available with a prescription from a doctor. It is not available over the counter (OTC). It is a generic drug and is not available in a brand-name version.
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Ear, nose, and throat infections
Doctors may prescribe cefuroxime to treat certain ear, nose, and throat (ENT) infections. They typically prescribe it to treat conditions such as:
- sore throat
- strep throat
- tonsil infection
- middle ear infection
- sinus infection
Cefuroxime works by killing the bacteria that cause these conditions. Infection-causing bacteria may include:
- Streptococcus pyogenes
- Haemophilus influenzae
- Moraxella catarrhalis
- Streptococcus pneumoniae
The dosage of cefuroxime for the ENT infections mentioned earlier is typically 250 milligrams (mg) taken every 12 hours for 10 days. This dosage is the same for adults and for children old enough to swallow tablets. For children who are unable to swallow tablets or are under 13 years of age, the doctor will likely prescribe cefuroxime oral suspension.
Genitourinary infections
Healthcare professionals may use cefuroxime to treat genitourinary infections. The genitourinary tract refers to the organs involved in the urinary and reproductive systems. This includes the bladder, urethra, and reproductive organs.
Doctors may use cefuroxime to treat some of the genitourinary infections, including:
The following bacteria may cause the infections:
- Neisseria gonorrhoeae
- Escherichia coli
- Klebsiella pneumoniae
The dosage of cefuroxime for UTI in adults and children over 13 years of age is typically 250 mg taken every 12 hours for 10 days. For gonorrhea, the typical dosage is 1,000 mg of cefuroxime taken one time.
Respiratory tract infections
Doctors may prescribe cefuroxime to treat certain respiratory tract infections. These include:
- lung infection related to long-term bronchitis
- lower respiratory tract infections, like pneumonia
If you have a cough, your doctor may prescribe cefuroxime if the bacterial infections mentioned earlier are causing them. If your cough is due to a virus, such as the common cold virus, you will likely not take cefuroxime.
Bacteria that may cause respiratory infections include:
- Streptococcus pneumoniae
- Haemophilus influenzae
- Haemophilus parainfluenzae
- Klebsiella pneumoniae
- Staphylococcus aureus
- Streptococcus pyogenes
- Escherichia coli
The dosage of cefuroxime for bronchitis in adults and children over 13 years of age is typically 250 to 500 mg, taken every 12 hours for 10 days. For lower respiratory tract infections like pneumonia, your doctor may recommend you to receive cefuroxime as an injection.
Other uses
Doctors may prescribe cefuroxime to treat various other infections caused by bacteria. These infections may include:
- impetigo (a type of skin infection)
- bone and joint infection
- Lyme disease
- meningitis
- sepsis (infection in the bloodstream)
The most effective form and dosage of cefuroxime to treat these conditions will vary. It will depend on the severity of the condition and your personal health history. Your doctor will prescribe the safest and most effective dose for you.
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Cefuroxime is a type of antibiotic that healthcare professionals use to treat various bacterial infections, including:
- ear, nose, and throat infections
- genitourinary infections
- respiratory tract infections
- skin infections
- bone and joint infections
- bloodstream infections
- Lyme disease
- meningitis
It works by killing various types of bacteria. Talk with your doctor if you have any questions about cefuroxime’s uses, proper dosage, or if you are experiencing any side effects.
It’s important to take cefuroxime exactly as your doctor prescribes. Even if you start feeling better early on, you should finish your full course of cefuroxime. Stopping treatment earlier could cause your infection to come back.