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Pharmacology: Pharmacodynamics: Cefuroxime is bactericidal and has similar spectrum of antimicrobial action and pattern of resistance to those of cefamandole. It is more resistant to hydrolysis by beta-lactamases than cefamandole, and therefore may be more active against beta-lactamase-producing strains of Haemophilus influenzae and Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
Pharmacokinetics: Cefuroxime axetil is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tracts and is rapidly hydrolyzed in the intestinal mucosa and blood to cefuroxime; absorption is enhanced in the presence of food. Peak plasma concentrations are reported about 2 to 3 hours after an oral dose. Up to 50% of cefuroxime in the circulation is bound to plasma proteins. The plasma half-life is about 70 minutes and is prolonged in patients with renal impairment and in neonates.
Cefuroxime is widely distributed in the body including pleural fluid, sputum, bone, synovial fluid and aqueous humour, but only achieves therapeutic concentrations in the CSF when the meninges are inflamed. It crosses the placenta and has been detected in breast milk.
Cefuroxime is excreted unchanged, by glomerular filtration and renal tubular secretion, and high concentrations are achieved in the urine. Probenecid competes for renal tubular secretion with cefuroxime resulting in higher and more prolonged plasma concentrations of cefuroxime. Small amounts of cefuroxime are excreted in bile. Plasma concentrations are reduced by dialysis.
