Cefuroxime sodium (injection)

# Disclaimer
WikiDoc MAKES NO GUARANTEE OF VALIDITY. WikiDoc is not a professional health care provider, nor is it a suitable replacement for a licensed healthcare provider.  WikiDoc is intended to be an educational tool, not a tool for any form of healthcare delivery.  The educational content on WikiDoc drug pages is based upon the FDA package insert, National Library of Medicine content and practice guidelines / consensus statements.  WikiDoc does not promote the administration of any medication or device that is not consistent with its labeling. Please read our full disclaimer here.

# Overview
Cefuroxime sodium (injection) is a 2nd generation cephalosporin, antibiotic, anti-infective agent that is FDA approved for the treatment of lower respiratory tract infections, including pneumonia, urinary tract infections,  skin and skin-structure infections, septicemia, meningitis, gonorrhea, bone and joint infections.   Common adverse reactions include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, rash, pruritus, and urticaria.

# Adult Indications and Dosage

## FDA-Labeled Indications and Dosage (Adult)
- To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of cefuroxime for injection and other antibacterial drugs, cefuroxime for injection should be used only to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria. When culture and susceptibility information are available, they should be considered in selecting or modifying antibacterial therapy. In the absence of such data, local epidemiology and susceptibility patterns may contribute to the empiric selection of therapy.
- Cefuroxime for injection is indicated for the treatment of patients with infections caused by susceptible strains of the designated organisms in the following diseases:
- Including pneumonia, caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae (including ampicillin-resistant strains), Klebsiella spp., Staphylococcus aureus (penicillinase- and nonpenicillinase-producing strains), Streptococcus pyogenes, and Escherichia coli.
- Caused by Escherichia coli and Klebsiella spp.
- Caused by Staphylococcus aureus (penicillinase- and nonpenicillinase-producing strains), Streptococcus pyogenes, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp., and Enterobacter spp.
- Caused by Staphylococcus aureus (penicillinase- and nonpenicillinase-producing strains), Streptococcus pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Haemophilus influenzae (including ampicillin-resistant strains), and Klebsiella spp.
- Caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae (including ampicillin-resistant strains), Neisseria meningitidis, and Staphylococcus aureus (penicillinase- and nonpenicillinase-producing strains).
- Uncomplicated and disseminated gonococcal infections due to Neisseria gonorrhoeae (penicillinase- and nonpenicillinase-producing strains) in both males and females.
- Caused by Staphylococcus aureus (penicillinase- and nonpenicillinase-producing strains).
- Clinical microbiological studies in skin and skin-structure infections frequently reveal the growth of susceptible strains of both aerobic and anaerobic organisms. Cefuroxime for injection has been used successfully in these mixed infections in which several organisms have been isolated.
- In certain cases of confirmed or suspected gram-positive or gram-negative sepsis or in patients with other serious infections in which the causative organism has not been identified, cefuroxime for injection may be used concomitantly with an aminoglycoside. The recommended doses of both antibiotics may be given depending on the severity of the infection and the patient's condition.
- The preoperative prophylactic administration of cefuroxime for injection may prevent the growth of susceptible disease-causing bacteria and thereby may reduce the incidence of certain postoperative infections in patients undergoing surgical procedures (e.g., vaginal hysterectomy) that are classified as clean-contaminated or potentially contaminated procedures. Effective prophylactic use of antibiotics in surgery depends on the time of administration. Cefuroxime for injection should usually be given one-half to 1 hour before the operation to allow sufficient time to achieve effective antibiotic concentrations in the wound tissues during the procedure. The dose should be repeated intraoperatively if the surgical procedure is lengthy.
- Prophylactic administration is usually not required after the surgical procedure ends and should be stopped within 24 hours. In the majority of surgical procedures, continuing prophylactic administration of any antibiotic does not reduce the incidence of subsequent infections but will increase the possibility of adverse reactions and the development of bacterial resistance.
- The perioperative use of cefuroxime for injection has also been effective during open heart surgery for surgical patients in whom infections at the operative site would present a serious risk. For these patients it is recommended that therapy with cefuroxime for injection be continued for at least 48 hours after the surgical procedure ends. If an infection is present, specimens for culture should be obtained for the identification of the causative organism, and appropriate antimicrobial therapy should be instituted.
- The usual adult dosage range for Cefuroxime sodium is 750 mg to 1.5 grams every 8 hours, usually for 5 to 10 days. In uncomplicated urinary tract infections, skin and skinstructure infections, disseminated gonococcal infections, and uncomplicated pneumonia, a 750-mg dose every 8 hours is recommended. In severe or complicated infections, a 1.5-gram dose every 8 hours is recommended.
- In bone and joint infections, a 1.5-gram dose every 8 hours is recommended. In clinical trials, surgical intervention was performed when indicated as an adjunct to therapy with Cefuroxime sodium. A course of oral antibiotics was administered when appropriate following the completion of parenteral administration of Cefuroxime sodium.
- In life-threatening infections or infections due to less susceptible organisms, 1.5 grams every 6 hours may be required. In bacterial meningitis, the dosage should not exceed 3 grams every 8 hours. The recommended dosage for uncomplicated gonococcal infection is 1.5 grams given intramuscularly as a single dose at 2 different sites together with 1 gram of oral probenecid. For preventive use for clean-contaminated or potentially contaminated surgical procedures, a 1.5-gram dose administered intravenously just before surgery (approximately one-half to 1 hour before the initial incision) is recommended. Thereafter, give 750 mg intravenously or intramuscularly every 8 hours when the procedure is prolonged.
- For preventive use during open heart surgery, a 1.5-gram dose administered intravenously at the induction of anesthesia and every 12 hours thereafter for a total of 6 grams is recommended.
- A reduced dosage must be employed when renal function is impaired. Dosage should be determined by the degree of renal impairment and the susceptibility of the causative organism.
- When only serum creatinine is available, the following formula4 (based on sex, weight, and age of the patient) may be used to convert this value into creatinine clearance. The serum creatinine should represent a steady state of renal function.
- Note: As with antibiotic therapy in general, administration of Cefuroxime sodium should be continued for a minimum of 48 to 72 hours after the patient becomes asymptomatic or after evidence of bacterial eradication has been obtained; a minimum of 10 days of treatment is recommended in infections caused by Streptococcus pyogenes in order to guard against the risk of rheumatic fever or glomerulonephritis; frequent bacteriologic and clinical appraisal is necessary during therapy of chronic urinary tract infection and may be required for several months after therapy has been completed; persistent infections may require treatment for several weeks; and doses smaller than those indicated above should not be used. In staphylococcal and other infections involving a collection of pus, surgical drainage should be carried out where indicated.
- The directions for preparing Cefuroxime sodium for both IV and IM use are summarized in TABLE 5.
- Each 750-mg vial of Cefuroxime sodium should be constituted with 3.0 mL of Sterile Water for Injection. Shake gently to disperse and withdraw completely the resulting suspension for injection.
- Each 750-mg vial should be constituted with 8.3 mL of Sterile Water for Injection. Withdraw completely the resulting solution for injection.
- Each 1.5-gram vial should be constituted with 16.0 mL of Sterile Water for Injection, and the solution should be completely withdrawn for injection.
- The 7.5-gram pharmacy bulk vial should be constituted with 77 mL of Sterile Water for Injection; each 8 mL of the resulting solution contains 750 mg of cefuroxime.
- After constitution, Cefuroxime sodium may be given intravenously or by deep IM injection into a large muscle mass (such as the gluteus or lateral part of the thigh). Before injecting intramuscularly, aspiration is necessary to avoid inadvertent injection into a blood vessel.
- The IV route may be preferable for patients with bacterial septicemia or other severe or life-threatening infections or for patients who may be poor risks because of lowered resistance, particularly if shock is present or impending.
- For direct intermittent IV administration, slowly inject the solution into a vein over a period of 3 to 5 minutes or give it through the tubing system by which the patient is also receiving other IV solutions.
- For intermittent IV infusion with a Y-type administration set, dosing can be accomplished through the tubing system by which the patient may be receiving other IV solutions. However, during infusion of the solution containing Cefuroxime sodium, it is advisable to temporarily discontinue administration of any other solutions at the same site.
- TwistVialTM vials are to be constituted only with 50 or 100 mL of 5% Dextrose Injection, 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, or 0.45% Sodium Chloride Injection in compatible flexible diluent containers (see Instructions for Constitution). TwistVialTM vials that have been joined to compatible diluent containers and activated to dissolve the drug are stable for 24 hours at room temperature or for 7 days under refrigeration. Joined vials that have not been activated may be used within a 14-day period; this period corresponds to that for use of compatible containers following removal of the outer packaging (overwrap).
- Freezing solutions of Cefuroxime sodium is not recommended.
- For continuous IV infusion, a solution of Cefuroxime sodium may be added to an IV infusion pack containing one of the following fluids: 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection; 5% Dextrose Injection; 10% Dextrose Injection; 5% Dextrose and 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection; 5% Dextrose and 0.45% Sodium Chloride Injection; or 1/6 M Sodium Lactate Injection.
- Solutions of Cefuroxime sodium, like those of most beta-lactam antibiotics, should not be added to solutions of aminoglycoside antibiotics because of potential interaction.
- However, if concurrent therapy with Cefuroxime sodium and an aminoglycoside is indicated, each of these antibiotics can be administered separately to the same patient.
- Cefuroxime sodium supplied as a frozen, sterile, iso-osmotic, nonpyrogenic solution in plastic containers is to be administered after thawing either as a continuous or intermittent IV infusion. The thawed solution of the premixed product is stable for 28 days if stored under refrigeration (5C) or for 24 hours if stored at room temperature (25C). Do not refreeze.
- Thaw container at room temperature (25C) or under refrigeration (5C). Do not force thaw by immersion in water baths or by microwave irradiation. Components of the solution may precipitate in the frozen state and will dissolve upon reaching room temperature with little or no agitation. Potency is not affected. Mix after solution has reached room temperature. Check for minute leaks by squeezing bag firmly. Discard bag if leaks are found as sterility may be impaired. Do not add supplementary medication. Do not use unless solution is clear and seal is intact.
- Use sterile equipment.
- Do not use plastic containers in series connections. Such use could result in air embolism due to residual air being drawn from the primary container before administration of the fluid from the secondary container is complete.
- Suspend container from eyelet support.
- Remove protector from outlet port at bottom of container.
- Attach administration set. Refer to complete directions accompanying set.

## Off-Label Use and Dosage (Adult)

### Guideline-Supported Use
There is limited information regarding Off-Label Guideline-Supported Use of Cefuroxime sodium (injection) in adult patients.

### NonGuideline-Supported Use
- Abdominal surgery - Postoperative infection
- Gynecological procedure - Postoperative infection
- Operation on musculoskeletal system - Postoperative infection; Prophylaxis
- Operation on nervous system - Postoperative infection; Prophylaxis

# Pediatric Indications and Dosage

## FDA-Labeled Indications and Dosage (Pediatric)

### Dosing Information
- Administration of 50 to 100 mg/kg/day in equally divided doses every 6 to 8 hours has been successful for most infections susceptible to cefuroxime. The higher dosage of 100 mg/kg/day (not to exceed the maximum adult dosage) should be used for the more severe or serious infections.
- In bone and joint infections, 150 mg/kg/day (not to exceed the maximum adult dosage) is recommended in equally divided doses every 8 hours. In clinical trials, a course of oral antibiotics was administered to pediatric patients following the completion of parenteral administration of cefuroxime for injection.
- In cases of bacterial meningitis, a larger dosage of cefuroxime for injection is recommended, 200 to 240 mg/kg/day intravenously in divided doses every 6 to 8 hours.
- In pediatric patients with renal insufficiency, the frequency of dosing should be modified consistent with the recommendations for adults.

## Off-Label Use and Dosage (Pediatric)

### Guideline-Supported Use
There is limited information regarding Off-Label Guideline-Supported Use of Cefuroxime sodium (injection) in pediatric patients.

### NonGuideline-Supported Use
There is limited information regarding Off-Label NonGuideline-Supported Use of Cefuroxime sodium (injection) in pediatric patients.

# Contraindications
- Cefuroxime for injection is contraindicated in patients with known allergy to the cephalosporin group of antibiotics.

# Warnings
- Before therapy with cefuroxime for injection is instituted, careful inquiry should be made to determine whether the patient has had previous hypersensitivity reactions to cephalosporins, penicillins, or other drugs. This product should be given cautiously to penicillin-sensitive patients. Antibiotics should be administered with caution to any patient who has demonstrated some form of allergy, particularly to drugs. If an allergic reaction to cefuroxime for injection occurs, discontinue the drug. Serious acute hypersensitivity reactions may require epinephrine and other emergency measures.
- Clostridium difficile associated diarrhea (CDAD) has been reported with use of nearly all antibacterial agents, including cefuroxime, and may range in severity from mild diarrhea to fatal colitis. Treatment with antibacterial agents alters the normal flora of the colon leading to overgrowth of C. difficile.
- C. difficile produces toxins A and B which contribute to the development of CDAD. Hypertoxin producing strains of C. difficile cause increased morbidity and mortality, as these infections can be refractory to antimicrobial therapy and may require colectomy. CDAD must be considered in all patients who present with diarrhea following antibiotic use. Careful medical history is necessary since CDAD has been reported to occur over two months after the administration of antibacterial agents.
- If CDAD is suspected or confirmed, ongoing antibiotic use not directed against C. difficile may need to be discontinued. Appropriate fluid and electrolyte management, protein supplementation, antibiotic treatment of C. difficile, and surgical evaluation should be instituted as clinically indicated.
- When the colitis is not relieved by drug discontinuation or when it is severe, oral vancomycin is the treatment of choice for antibiotic-associated pseudomembranous colitis produced by Clostridium difficile. Other causes of colitis should also be considered.

### PRECAUTIONS
- Prescribing cefuroxime for injection in the absence of a proven or strongly suspected bacterial infection or a prophylactic indication is unlikely to provide benefit to the patient and increases the risk of the development of drug-resistant bacteria.
- Although cefuroxime for injection rarely produces alterations in kidney function, evaluation of renal status during therapy is recommended, especially in seriously ill patients receiving the maximum doses. Cephalosporins should be given with caution to patients receiving concurrent treatment with potent diuretics as these regimens are suspected of adversely affecting renal function.
- The total daily dose of cefuroxime for injection should be reduced in patients with transient or persistent renal insufficiency (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION), because high and prolonged serum antibiotic concentrations can occur in such individuals from usual doses.
- As with other antibiotics, prolonged use of cefuroxime for injection may result in overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms. Careful observation of the patient is essential. If superinfection occurs during therapy, appropriate measures should be taken.
- Broad-spectrum antibiotics should be prescribed with caution in individuals with a history of gastrointestinal disease, particularly colitis.
- Nephrotoxicity has been reported following concomitant administration of aminoglycoside antibiotics and cephalosporins.
- As with other therapeutic regimens used in the treatment of meningitis, mild-to-moderate hearing loss has been reported in a few pediatric patients treated with cefuroxime. Persistence of positive CSF (cerebrospinal fluid) cultures at 18 to 36 hours has also been noted with cefuroxime injection, as well as with other antibiotic therapies; however, the clinical relevance of this is unknown.
- Cephalosporins may be associated with a fall in prothrombin activity. Those at risk include patients with renal or hepatic impairment, or poor nutritional state, as well as patients receiving a protracted course of antimicrobial therapy, and patients previously stabilized on anticoagulant therapy. Prothrombin time should be monitored in patients at risk and exogenous Vitamin K administered as indicated.
- Prescribing Cefuroxime sodium in the absence of a proven or strongly suspected bacterial infection or a prophylactic indication is unlikely to provide benefit to the patient and increases the risk of the development of drug-resistant bacteria.

# Adverse Reactions

## Clinical Trials Experience
- Cefuroxime for injection is generally well tolerated. The most common adverse effects have been local reactions following IV administration. Other adverse reactions have been encountered only rarely.
- Thrombophlebitis has occurred with IV administration in 1 in 60 patients.
- Gastrointestinal symptoms occurred in 1 in 150 patients and included diarrhea (1 in 220 patients) and nausea (1 in 440 patients). The onset of pseudomembranous colitis may occur during or after antibacterial treatment (see WARNINGS).
- Hypersensitivity reactions have been reported in fewer than 1% of the patients treated with cefuroxime for injection and include rash (1 in 125). Pruritus, urticaria, and positive Coombs' test each occurred in fewer than 1 in 250 patients, and, as with other cephalosporins, rare cases of anaphylaxis, drug fever, erythema multiforme, interstitial nephritis, toxic epidermal necrolysis, and Stevens-Johnson syndrome have occurred.
- A decrease in hemoglobin and hematocrit has been observed in 1 in 10 patients and transient eosinophilia in 1 in 14 patients. Less common reactions seen were transient neutropenia (fewer than 1 in 100 patients) and leukopenia (1 in 750 patients). A similar pattern and incidence were seen with other cephalosporins used in controlled studies. As with other cephalosporins, there have been rare reports of thrombocytopenia.
- Transient rise in SGOT and SGPT (1 in 25 patients), alkaline phosphatase (1 in 50 patients), LDH (1 in 75 patients), and bilirubin (1 in 500 patients) levels has been noted.
- Elevations in serum creatinine and/or blood urea nitrogen and a decreased creatinine clearance have been observed, but their relationship to cefuroxime is unknown.
- In addition to the adverse reactions listed above that have been observed in patients treated with cefuroxime, the following adverse reactions and altered laboratory tests have been reported for cephalosporin-class antibiotics:
- Adverse Reactions
- Vomiting, abdominal pain, colitis, vaginitis including vaginal candidiasis, toxic nephropathy, hepatic dysfunction including cholestasis, aplastic anemia, hemolytic anemia, hemorrhage.
- Several cephalosporins, including cefuroxime for injection, have been implicated in triggering seizures, particularly in patients with renal impairment when the dosage was not reduced. If seizures associated with drug therapy should occur, the drug should be discontinued. Anticonvulsant therapy can be given if clinically indicated.
- Prolonged prothrombin time, pancytopenia, agranulocytosis.

## Postmarketing Experience
- In addition to the adverse events reported during clinical trials, the following events have been observed during clinical practice in patients treated with cefuroxime for injection and were reported spontaneously. Data are generally insufficient to allow an estimate of incidence or to establish causation.
- Cutaneous vasculitis
- Seizure
- Angioedema

# Drug Interactions
- In common with other antibiotics, cefuroxime may affect the gut flora, leading to lower estrogen reabsorption and reduced efficacy of combined estrogen/progesterone oral contraceptives.
- A false-positive reaction for glucose in the urine may occur with copper reduction tests (Benedict's or Fehling's solution or with CLINITEST tablets) but not with enzyme-based tests for glycosuria. As a false-negative result may occur in the ferricyanide test, it is recommended that either the glucose oxidase or hexokinase method be used to determine blood plasma glucose levels in patients receiving cefuroxime for injection.
- Cefuroxime does not interfere with the assay of serum and urine creatinine by the alkaline picrate method.

# Use in Specific Populations

### Pregnancy
Pregnancy Category (FDA): B
- Reproduction studies have been performed in mice at doses up to 6,400 mg/kg/day (6.3 times the recommended maximum human dose based on mg/m2) and rabbits at doses up to 400 mg/kg/day (2.1 times the recommended maximum human dose based on mg/m2) and have revealed no evidence of impaired fertility or harm to the fetus due to cefuroxime. There are, however, no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.
Pregnancy Category (AUS):
- Australian Drug Evaluation Committee (ADEC) Pregnancy Category
There is no Australian Drug Evaluation Committee (ADEC) guidance on usage of Cefuroxime sodium (injection) in women who are pregnant.

### Labor and Delivery
There is no FDA guidance on use of Cefuroxime sodium (injection) during labor and delivery.

### Nursing Mothers
- Since cefuroxime is excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when cefuroxime for injection is administered to a nursing woman.

### Pediatric Use
- Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients below 3 months of age have not been established. Accumulation of other members of the cephalosporin class in newborn infants (with resulting prolongation of drug half-life) has been reported.

### Geriatic Use
- Of the 1,914 subjects who received cefuroxime in 24 clinical studies of cefuroxime for injection, 901 (47%) were 65 and over while 421 (22%) were 75 and over. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between these subjects and younger subjects, and other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients, but greater susceptibility of some older individuals to drug effects cannot be ruled out. This drug is known to be substantially excreted by the kidney, and the risk of toxic reactions to this drug may be greater in patients with impaired renal function. Because elderly patients are more likely to have decreased renal function, care should be taken in dose selection, and it may be useful to monitor renal function

### Gender
There is no FDA guidance on the use of Cefuroxime sodium (injection) with respect to specific gender populations.

### Race
There is no FDA guidance on the use of Cefuroxime sodium (injection) with respect to specific racial populations.

### Renal Impairment
There is no FDA guidance on the use of Cefuroxime sodium (injection) in patients with renal impairment.

### Hepatic Impairment
There is no FDA guidance on the use of Cefuroxime sodium (injection) in patients with hepatic impairment.

### Females of Reproductive Potential and Males
There is no FDA guidance on the use of Cefuroxime sodium (injection) in women of reproductive potentials and males.

### Immunocompromised Patients
There is no FDA guidance one the use of Cefuroxime sodium (injection) in patients who are immunocompromised.

# Administration and Monitoring

### Administration
- Intramuscular
- Intravenous

### Monitoring
- Cephalosporins may be associated with a fall in prothrombin activity. Those at risk include patients with renal or hepatic impairment, or poor nutritional state, as well as patients receiving a protracted course of antimicrobial therapy, and patients previously stabilized on anticoagulant therapy. Prothrombin time should be monitored in patients at risk and exogenous Vitamin K administered as indicated.
- Of the 1,914 subjects who received cefuroxime in 24 clinical studies of Cefuroxime sodium, 901 (47%) were 65 years and older while 421 (22%) were 75 years and older. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between these subjects and younger subjects, and other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients, but greater susceptibility of some older individuals to drug effects cannot be ruled out. This drug is known to be substantially excreted by the kidney, and the risk of toxic reactions to this drug may be greater in patients with impaired renal function. Because elderly patients are more likely to have decreased renal function, care should be taken in dose selection, and it may be useful to monitor renal function.

# IV Compatibility
- When the 1.5 g vials are constituted as directed with Sterile Water for Injection, the solutions of cefuroxime for injection for IV administration maintain satisfactory potency for 24 hours at room temperature and for 48 hours (1.5 g vials) under refrigeration (5C).
- These solutions may be further diluted to concentrations of between 1 and 30 mg/mL in the following solutions and will lose not more than 10% activity for 24 hours at room temperature or for at least 7 days under refrigeration: 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection; 1/6 M Sodium Lactate Injection; Ringer's Injection, USP; Lactated Ringer's Injection, USP; 5% Dextrose and 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection; 5% Dextrose Injection; 5% Dextrose and 0.45% Sodium Chloride Injection; 5% Dextrose and 0.225% Sodium Chloride Injection; 10% Dextrose Injection; and 10% Invert Sugar in Water for Injection.
- Unused solutions should be discarded after the time periods mentioned above.
- Cefuroxime for injection has also been found compatible for 24 hours at room temperature when admixed in IV infusion with heparin (10 and 50 U/mL) in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection and Potassium Chloride (10 and 40 mEq/L) in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection. Sodium Bicarbonate Injection, USP is not recommended for the dilution of cefuroxime for injection.
- Constitute the 1.5 g vial as directed for IV administration in Table 3. Immediately withdraw the total contents of the 1.5 g vial and add to a Baxter VIAFLEX MINI-BAGTM containing 50 or 100 mL of 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection or 5% Dextrose Injection and freeze. Frozen solutions are stable for 6 months when stored at -20C. Frozen solutions should be thawed at room temperature and not refrozen. Do not force thaw by immersion in water baths or by microwave irradiation. Thawed solutions may be stored for up to 24 hours at room temperature or for 7 days in a refrigerator.

### =Note
- Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration before administration whenever solution and container permit.
- As with other cephalosporins, cefuroxime for injection powder as well as solutions and suspensions tend to darken, depending on storage conditions, without adversely affecting product potency.

# Overdosage
- Overdosage of cephalosporins can cause cerebral irritation leading to convulsions. Serum levels of cefuroxime can be reduced by hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.

# Pharmacology
There is limited information regarding Cefuroxime sodium (injection) Pharmacology in the drug label.

## Mechanism of Action
- Cefuroxime is a bactericidal agent that acts by inhibition of bacterial cell wall synthesis. Cefuroxime has activity in the presence of some beta-lactamases, both penicillinases and cephalosporinases, of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria.

## Structure
- Cefuroxime is a semisynthetic, broad-spectrum, cephalosporin antibiotic for parenteral administration. It is the sodium salt of (6R, 7R)-3-carbamoyloxymethyl-7-ceph-3-em-4-carboxylate, and it has the following chemical structure:

## Pharmacodynamics

### Microbiology
- Cefuroxime has in vitro activity against a wide range of gram-positive and gram-negative organisms, and it is highly stable in the presence of beta-lactamases of certain gram-negative bacteria. The bactericidal action of cefuroxime results from inhibition of cell-wall synthesis.
- Cefuroxime is usually active against the following organisms in vitro.
- Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Streptococcus pyogenes (and other streptococci).
- NOTE: Most strains of enterococci, e.g., Enterococcus faecalis (formerly Streptococcus faecalis), are resistant to cefuroxime. Methicillin-resistant staphylococci and Listeria monocytogenes are resistant to cefuroxime.
- Citrobacter spp., Enterobacter spp., Escherichia coli, Haemophilus influenzae (including ampicillin-resistant strains), Haemophilus parainfluenzae, Klebsiella spp. (including Klebsiella pneumoniae), Moraxella (Branhamella) catarrhalis (including ampicillin- and cephalothin-resistant strains), Morganella morganii (formerly Proteus morganii), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (including penicillinase- and nonpenicillinase-producing strains), Neisseria meningitidis, Proteus mirabilis, Providencia rettgeri (formerly Proteus rettgeri), Salmonella spp., and Shigella spp.
- NOTE: Some strains of Morganella morganii, Enterobacter cloacae, and Citrobacter spp. have been shown by in vitro tests to be resistant to cefuroxime and other cephalosporins. Pseudomonas and Campylobacter spp., Legionella spp., Acinetobacter calcoaceticus, and most strains of Serratia spp. and Proteus vulgaris are resistant to most first- and second-generation cephalosporins.
- Gram-positive and gram-negative cocci (including Peptococcus and Peptostreptococcus spp.), gram-positive bacilli (including Clostridium spp.), and gram-negative bacilli (including Bacteroides and Fusobacterium spp.).
- NOTE: Clostridium difficile and most strains of Bacteroides fragilis are resistant to cefuroxime.
- Quantitative methods that require measurement of zone diameters give an estimate of antibiotic susceptibility. One such standard procedure1 that has been recommended for use with disks to test susceptibility of organisms to cefuroxime uses the 30 mcg cefuroxime disk. Interpretation involves the correlation of the diameters obtained in the disk test with the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for cefuroxime.
- A report of Susceptible indicates that the pathogen is likely to be inhibited by generally achievable blood levels. A report of Moderately Susceptible suggests that the organism would be susceptible if high dosage is used or if the infection is confined to tissues and fluids in which high antibiotic levels are attained. A report of Intermediate suggests an equivocable or indeterminate result. A report of Resistant indicates that achievable concentrations of the antibiotic are unlikely to be inhibitory and other therapy should be selected.
- Reports from the laboratory giving results of the standard single-disk susceptibility test for organisms other than Haemophilus spp. and Neisseria gonorrhoeae with a 30 mcg cefuroxime disk should be interpreted according to the following criteria:
- Results for Haemophilus spp. should be interpreted according to the following criteria:
- Results for Neisseria gonorrhoeae should be interpreted according to the following criteria:
- Organisms should be tested with the cefuroxime disk since cefuroxime has been shown by in vitro tests to be active against certain strains found resistant when other beta-lactam disks are used. The cefuroxime disk should not be used for testing susceptibility to other cephalosporins.
- Standardized procedures require the use of laboratory control organisms. The 30 mcg cefuroxime disk should give the following zone diameters.
1. Testing for organisms other than Haemophilus spp. and Neisseria gonorrhoeae:
2. Testing for Haemophilus spp.:
3. Testing for Neisseria gonorrhoeae:
- Use a standardized dilution method1 (broth, agar, microdilution) or equivalent with cefuroxime powder. The MIC values obtained for bacterial isolates other than Haemophilus spp. and Neisseria gonorrhoeae should be interpreted according to the following criteria:
- MIC values obtained for Haemophilus spp. should be interpreted according to the following criteria:
- MIC values obtained for Neisseria gonorrhoeae should be interpreted according to the following criteria:
- As with standard diffusion techniques, dilution methods require the use of laboratory control organisms. Standard cefuroxime powder should provide the following MIC values.
1. For organisms other than Haemophilus spp. and Neisseria gonorrhoeae:
2. For Haemophilus spp.:
3. For Neisseria gonorrhoeae:

## Pharmacokinetics
- After intramuscular (IM) injection of a 750 mg dose of cefuroxime to normal volunteers, the mean peak serum concentration was 27 mcg/mL. The peak occurred at approximately 45 minutes (range, 15 to 60 minutes). Following IV doses of 750 mg and 1.5 g, serum concentrations were approximately 50 and 100 mcg/mL, respectively, at 15 minutes. Therapeutic serum concentrations of approximately 2 mcg/mL or more were maintained for 5.3 hours and 8 hours or more, respectively. There was no evidence of accumulation of cefuroxime in the serum following IV administration of 1.5 g doses every 8 hours to normal volunteers. The serum half-life after either IM or IV injections is approximately 80 minutes.
- Approximately 89% of a dose of cefuroxime is excreted by the kidneys over an 8 hour period, resulting in high urinary concentrations.
- Following the IM administration of a 750 mg single dose, urinary concentrations averaged 1,300 mcg/mL during the first 8 hours. Intravenous doses of 750 mg and 1.5 g produced urinary levels averaging 1,150 and 2,500 mcg/mL, respectively, during the first 8 hour period.
- The concomitant oral administration of probenecid with cefuroxime slows tubular secretion, decreases renal clearance by approximately 40%, increases the peak serum level by approximately 30%, and increases the serum half-life by approximately 30%. Cefuroxime is detectable in therapeutic concentrations in pleural fluid, joint fluid, bile, sputum, bone, and aqueous humor.
- Cefuroxime is detectable in therapeutic concentrations in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of adults and pediatric patients with meningitis. The following table shows the concentrations of cefuroxime achieved in cerebrospinal fluid during multiple dosing of patients with meningitis.
- Cefuroxime is approximately 50% bound to serum protein.

## Nonclinical Toxicology
There is limited information regarding Nonclinical Toxicology of Cefuroxime sodium (injection) in the drug label.

# Clinical Studies
- Although lifetime studies in animals have not been performed to evaluate carcinogenic potential, no mutagenic activity was found for cefuroxime in the mouse lymphoma assay and a battery of bacterial mutation tests. Positive results were obtained in an in vitro chromosome aberration assay, however, negative results were found in an in vivo micronucleus test at doses up to 10 g/kg. Reproduction studies in mice at doses up to 3,200 mg/kg/day (3.1 times the recommended maximum human dose based on mg/m2) have revealed no impairment of fertility.
- Reproductive studies revealed no impairment of fertility in animals.

# How Supplied
Cefuroxime sodium is a dry, white to off-white powder supplied in vials as follows:
NDC 24987-352-10 750-mg - Vial (Tray of 10)
NDC 24987-354-10 1.5-g - Vial (Tray of 10)
NDC 24987-400-00 7.5-g - Pharmacy Bulk Package (Tray of 6)
NDC 24987-436-00 750-mg TwistVial TM Vial (Tray of 25)
NDC 24987-437-00 1.5-g TwistVial TM Vi al (Tray of 10)
(The above TwistVialTM vials are to be used only with compatible diluent containers.)
Cefuroxime sodium frozen as a premixed solution of cefuroxime injection should not be stored above -20C. Cefuroxime sodium is supplied frozen in 50-mL, single-dose, plastic containers as follows:
NDC 24987-425-00 1.5-g - Plastic Container (Carton of 24)
- Equivalent to cefuroxime.

## Storage
- Cefuroxime sodium in the dry state should be stored between 15 and 30C (59 and 86F) and protected from light.

# Images

## Drug Images

## Package and Label Display Panel
NDC 24987-352-10
Cefuroxime sodium 
(cefuroxime for injection)
750 mg
Equivalent to 750 mg of Cefuroxime Activity.
For IM or IV use.
Rx only
See accompanying prescribing information for Dosage and Administration. Store between 15o and 30oC (59o and 86oF). Protect from light.
To prepare IM suspension, add 3.0 mL of Sterile Water for Injection. Shake gently to disperse and withdraw completely the resulting suspension for injection. The resulting concentration is approximately 225 mg/mL.
To prepare IV solution, add 8.3 mL of Sterile Water for Injection. Shake until dissolved and withdraw completely the resulting solution for injection.
After constitution, the suspension and solution maintain potency for 24 hours at room temperature or 48 hours under refrigeration (5oC). Color changes do not affect potency.
Dist. by Covis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Made in England
Rev. 5/12
NDC 24987-0354-10
Cefuroxime sodium 
(cefuroxime for injection)
1.5 g
Equivalent to 1.5 g of Cefuroxime Activity.
For IV use.
Rx only
See accompanying prescribing prescribing information for Dosage and Administration.
Store between 15o and 30oC (59o and 86oF). Protect from light.
To prepare IV solution, add 16.0 mL of Sterile Water for Injection. Shake until dissolved and withdraw completely for injection.
After constitution, the solution maintains potency for 24 hours at room temperature or 48 hours under refrigeration (5oC). Color changes in solution do not affect potency.
Dist. by Covis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Made in England
Rev. 5/12
NDC 24987-400-00
Cefuroxime sodium 
(cefuroxime for injection)
7.5 g
Equivalent to 7.5 g of Cefuroxime Activity.
Pharmacy Bulk Package  Not for Direct Infusion
Rx only
See accompanying prescribing information for Dosage and Administration.
Store between 15o and 30oC (59o and 86oF). Protect from light.
To prepare solution, add 77 mL of Sterile Water for Injection. Shake well to dissolve. The constituted solution occupies a volume of about 82.5 mL and contains approximately 750 mg of cefuroxime activity per 8 mL.
After constitution, the solution maintains potency for 24 hours at room temperature or 7 days under refrigeration (5C). Dispense aliquots from the vial via a suitable dispensing device into infusion fluids under a laminar flow hood using aseptic technique. DISCARD VIAL WITHIN 24 HOURS AFTER INITIAL WITHDRAWAL.
Dist. by Covis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Cary, NC 27511
Made in England
Rev. 5/12
NDC 24987-436-00
Cefuroxime sodium 
(cefuroxime for injection)
TwistVialTM
750 mg
Equivalent to 750 mg of Cefuroxime Activity.
For IV use.
Rx only
See accompanying prescribing information for Dosage and Administration and Instructions for Constitution.
Before constitution, store between 15o and 30oC (59o and 86oF) and protect from light. Color changes do not affect potency.
Distributed by:
Covis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Cary, NC 27511
Made in England
Rev. 4/12
NDC 24987-437-00
Cefuroxime sodium 
(cefuroxime for injection)
TwistVialTM
1.5 g
Equivalent to 1.5 g of Cefuroxime Activity.
For IV use.
Rx only
See accompanying prescribing information for Dosage and Administration and Instructions for Constitution.
Before constitution, store between 15o and 30oC (59o and 86oF) and protect from light. Color changes do not affect potency.
Distributed by:
Covis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Cary, NC 27511
Made in England
Rev. 4/12
Cefuroxime sodium (cefuroxime injection)
12 - 50 mL Single-Dose Containers ISO-osmotic
Do not store above -20oC. Do Not Refreeze.
1.5 g
Covis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Cary, NC 27511
Covis
NDC 24987-425-00
Code 2G3547
Galaxy Container
Sterile, Nonpyrogenic
Each 50 mL contains: cefuroxime sodium equivalent to 1.5 g of cefuroxime with 600 mg of sodium citrate hydrous, USP added as a buffer. pH adjusted with hydrochloric acid and may have been adjusted with sodium hydroxide. pH 5.0 to 7.5.
Dosage: Intravenously as directed by a physician. See accompanying prescribing information.
Cautions: Do not add supplementary medication. Must not be used in series connections. Check for minute leaks by squeezing thawed bag firmly. If leaks are found, discard bag as sterility may be impaired. Do not use unless solution is clear.
Rx only
Do not store above -20oC. Thaw at room temperature (25oC) or under refrigeration (5oC). DO NOT FORCE THAW BY IMMERSION IN WATER BATHS OR BY MICROWAVE IRRADIATION. Thawed solution is stable for 28 days under refrigeration or 24 hours at room temperature. Do not refreeze.
Cefuroxime sodium is a registered trademark of GlaxoSmithKline
Galaxy is a registered trademark of Baxter International Inc.
Dist. by Covis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Cary, NC 27511
Mfd. by Baxter Healthcare Corporation, Deerfield, IL 60015 USA
Made in England
PL 2040 Plastic
Rev. 5/12

# Patient Counseling Information
- Patients should be counseled that antibacterial drugs, including cefuroxime for injection, should only be used to treat bacterial infections. They do not treat viral infections (e.g., the common cold). When cefuroxime for injection is prescribed to treat a bacterial infection, patients should be told that although it is common to feel better early in the course of therapy, the medication should be taken exactly as directed. Skipping doses or not completing the full course of therapy may: (1) decrease the effectiveness of the immediate treatment, and (2) increase the likelihood that bacteria will develop resistance and will not be treatable by cefuroxime for injection or other antibacterial drugs in the future.
- Diarrhea is a common problem caused by antibiotics which usually ends when the antibiotic is discontinued. Sometimes after starting treatment with antibiotics, patients can develop watery and bloody stools (with or without stomach cramps and fever) even as late as 2 or more months after having taken the last dose of the antibiotic. If this occurs, patients should contact their physician as soon as possible.

# Precautions with Alcohol
- Alcohol-Cefuroxime sodium (injection) interaction has not been established. Talk to your doctor about the effects of taking alcohol with this medication.

# Brand Names
- ZINACEF

# Look-Alike Drug Names
There is limited information regarding Cefuroxime sodium (injection) Look-Alike Drug Names in the drug label.

# Drug Shortage Status

# Price