Contents
In line with its mission, the Editorial Board of MedTvoiLokony makes every effort to provide reliable medical content supported by the latest scientific knowledge. The additional flag “Checked Content” indicates that the article has been reviewed by or written directly by a physician. This two-step verification: a medical journalist and a doctor allows us to provide the highest quality content in line with current medical knowledge.
Our commitment in this area has been appreciated, among others, by by the Association of Journalists for Health, which awarded the Editorial Board of MedTvoiLokony with the honorary title of the Great Educator.
Cefuroxime is a bactericidal antibiotic that works to kill bacterial cells. This antibiotic is most effective during the period of the most intensive growth of the bacteria. Cefuroxime is active against many bacteria and is highly effective against this type of infection. What precautions should be taken when using cefuroxime?
Cefuroxime is an antibiotic. It works by blocking one of the stages of transpeptidation, so that the bacterial cell wall does not form a permanent structure. Cefuroxime is similar in structure to substances found naturally in bacteria. When should cefuroxime be used?
Cefuroxime – indications
Cefuroxime is recommended for the treatment of infections of the upper and lower respiratory tract, infections of the middle ear, urinary tract, soft tissues and skin, and gonorrhea.
Cefuroxime – action
Cefuroxime is a second-generation antibiotic. Antibiotics from this group are designed to block one of the last stages of bacterial cell biosynthesis, i.e. transpeptidation. This is the process by which bacteria can form solid structures. This is due to the fact that cefuroxime has a structure similar to substances that occur naturally in bacterial cells.
Interestingly, the effectiveness of cefuroxime is greatest in the period of the strongest growth and development of bacteria. The spectrum of action of the antibiotic is very wide and it fights a wide variety of bacteria, killing them.
Cefuroxime – resistance
However, it should be remembered that for cefuroxime to work, this substance must be administered in the appropriate concentration, which is necessary to stop the growth of bacteria and completely eliminate the microorganism. At the same time, the concentration of cefuroxime cannot be too high to remain safe for humans.
Antibiotic sensitivity means that the above conditions are met, if the antibiotic is not working, it means resistance to cefuroxime. Resistance can be innate or acquired as a consequence of genetic changes in bacterial cells and the transmission of resistance genes in bacterial cells.
Cefuroxime – precautions
Cefuroxime has a bactericidal effect that depends on the length of time the concentration is maintained at an appropriate level. It should be remembered that cefuroxime can lead to the development of allergic reactions. The most common skin reactions, including itching or rash. Strong changes (e.g. edema) are less frequent. Allergic reactions can spread throughout the body and consequently lead to anaphylactic shock, most often after intravenous administration.
When allergic reactions occur, consult a doctor. You may need to stop and change the antibiotic and treat allergy symptoms. Hypersensitivity may appear not only after the first administration, but also during subsequent ones.
Cefuroxime – side effects
Side effects include gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, eating disorders, flatulence or diarrhea.
Before use, read the leaflet, which contains indications, contraindications, data on side effects and dosage as well as information on the use of the medicinal product, or consult your doctor or pharmacist, as each drug used improperly is a threat to your life or health.