Generic
Cefuroxime + Clavulanic Acid
154 brands available in the market
At a glance
Cefuroxime + Clavulanic Acid is a combination antibiotic used to treat various types of bacterial infections and prevents the growth and further spread of microorganisms.
Description
Cefuroxime + Clavulanic Acid is a combination medicine that is used to treat various types of bacterial infections. It fights against the microorganisms to prevent their growth and further spread of the infection. Cefuroxime + Clavulanic Acid is a prescription medicine. It is advised to take it as per the prescription. It can be taken with or without food, but it must be taken at a fixed time to ensure better efficacy. Do not consume more than the recommended dose, as this may have harmful effects on your body. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. The course of the treatment must be completed even if you feel better. Sudden discontinuation of the treatment may affect the potency of the medicine. Some common side effects of this medicine are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, indigestion, etc. If any of the side effects get aggravated, you must consult your doctor immediately. If you experience any allergic reaction (rashes, itching, swelling, shortness of breath, etc.), you must seek immediate medical help. Before taking this medicine, you should tell your doctor if you are taking any medicines for any health condition. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also consult with their doctor before taking it. Avoid drinking alcohol as it can cause excessive drowsiness with this medicine. It usually does not impair your ability to drive, but you should not drive if it makes you feel sleepy or dizzy. You must take adequate rest for a faster recovery, also take a healthy diet and drink plenty of water. Your doctor may ask for a few laboratory and diagnostic tests to know the effects of the medicine on your body.
Indications
- Pharyngitis/Tonsillitis
- Acute Bacterial Otitis Media
- Acute Bacterial Maxillary Sinusitis
- Lower Respiratory Tract Infections (including pneumonia)
- Acute Bacterial Exacerbation of Chronic Bronchitis
- Secondary Bacterial Infections of Acute Bronchitis
- Uncomplicated Skin and Skin Structure Infections
- Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections
- Bone and Joint Infections
- Uncomplicated Gonorrhea
- Early Lyme Disease
- Septicemia
- Meningitis
Therapeutic class
Second generation cephalosporins
Pharmacological class
Second Generation Cephalosporin Antibiotic + Beta-Lactamase Inhibitor
Pharmacology
Cefuroxime is a bactericidal second generation cephalosporin antibiotic which is active against a wide range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative susceptible organisms including many beta-lactamase producing strains. Cefuroxime inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by interfering with the transpeptidation process.
Clavulanic acid is a naturally derived beta lactamase inhibitor produced by Streptomyces clavuligerus. It has similar structure to beta lactam antibiotics which binds irreversibly to beta-lactamase enzymes and inactivates them. Clavulanic acid gives protection of Cefuroxime from degradation by beta lactamase enzymes and provides a solution for the treatment of bacterial infections caused by beta lactam resistant bacteria.
Mechanism of action
Cefuroxime + Clavulanic Acid is a combination of two medicines: Cefuroxime and Clavulanic Acid. Cefuroxime is an antibiotic. It works by preventing the formation of the bacterial protective covering which is essential for the survival of bacteria in the human body. Clavulanic Acid is a beta-lactamase inhibitor which blocks the action of enzymes produced by bacteria to inactivate Cefuroxime. Addition of Clavulanic Acid reduces resistance and enhances the activity of Cefuroxime against bacteria.
Dosage
Adult Dose (13 years and older - Oral):
| Infection Type | Dose | Schedule | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharyngitis/Tonsillitis | 250 mg | Twice daily | 5-10 days |
| Acute Bacterial Sinusitis | 250 mg | Twice daily | 10 days |
| Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Bronchitis | 250-500 mg | Twice daily | 10 days |
| Secondary Bronchitis Infections | 250-500 mg | Twice daily | 5-10 days |
| Community Acquired Pneumonia | 250-500 mg | Twice daily | 5-10 days |
| Skin & Skin Structure Infections | 250-500 mg | Twice daily | 10 days |
| MDR Typhoid Fever | 500 mg | Twice daily | 10-14 days |
| Uncomplicated UTI | 250 mg | Twice daily | 7-10 days |
| Uncomplicated Gonorrhea | 1000 mg | Single dose | — |
| Early Lyme Disease | 500 mg | Twice daily | 20 days |
Pediatric Dose (3 months-12 years - Oral):
| Infection Type | Dose | Schedule | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharyngitis/Tonsillitis | 20 mg/kg/day | Twice daily | 5-10 days |
| Otitis Media, Sinusitis, Impetigo | 30 mg/kg/day | Twice daily | 10 days |
| Community Acquired Pneumonia | 30 mg/kg/day | Twice daily | 5-10 days |
| MDR Typhoid Fever | 30 mg/kg/day | Twice daily | 10-14 days |
Administration
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Cefuroxime + Clavulanic Acid may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.
Missed dose
If you miss a dose of Cefuroxime + Clavulanic Acid, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
Side effects
Common Side Effects:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Increased liver enzymes
- Allergic reaction
- Abdominal discomfort or pain
Precautions & warnings
- [NOT RELEVANT] Cefuroxime + Clavulanic Acid is intended for use in hospitalized patients, so driving warnings do not apply.
- You have been prescribed this combination medicine to treat bacterial infections, even if they have developed resistance.
- Do not skip any doses and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better. Stopping it early may make the infection to come back and harder to treat.
- Take it with food to avoid an upset stomach.
- Diarrhea may occur as a side effect. Taking probiotics may help. Talk to your doctor if you notice bloody stools or develop abdominal cramps.
- Stop taking Cefuroxime + Clavulanic Acid and inform your doctor immediately if you develop an itchy rash, swelling of the face, throat or tongue or breathing difficulties while taking it.
- Do not use leftover medicine for treating any infection in the future. Always consult your doctor before taking any antibiotic.
- Cefuroxime should be given with care to patients receiving concurrent treatment with potent diuretics & who has history of colitis.
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to cephalosporins.
- Patients with Pseudomembranous Colitis.
Drug interactions
May enhance the nephrotoxic effect of strong-acting diuretics (e.g. furosemide) and aminoglycosides. May enhance the effect of oral anticoagulants. May reduce the efficacy of OCs. Probenecid prolongs the excretion of cefuroxime and elevated peak serum level. Concomitant administration of probenecid increases the area under the serum concentration versus time curve by 50%. Drugs that reduce gastric acidity may result in a lower bioavailability of Cefuroxime.
Food interactions
[SAFE] Consuming alcohol with Cefuroxime + Clavulanic Acid does not cause any harmful side effects.
Use in pregnancy
[SAFE IF PRESCRIBED] Cefuroxime + Clavulanic Acid is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy. Animal studies have shown low or no adverse effects to the developing baby; however, there are limited human studies. Pregnancy Category B. While all antibiotics should be avoided in the first trimester if possible, it can be safely used in later pregnancy.
Pregnancy Category: B — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Use in lactation
[SAFE IF PRESCRIBED] Cefuroxime + Clavulanic Acid is safe to use during breastfeeding. Human studies suggest that the drug does not pass into the breastmilk in a significant amount and is not harmful to the baby. Cefuroxime + Clavulanic Acid is excreted into the breast milk in small quantities. However, the possibility of sensitizing the infant should be kept in mind.
Pediatric use
Pediatric dose (3 months-12 years - Oral): Pharyngitis/Tonsillitis: 20 mg/kg/day (twice daily) 5-10 days; Otitis media, Sinusitis, Impetigo: 30 mg/kg/day (twice daily) 10 days; Community acquired pneumonia: 30 mg/kg/day (twice daily) 5-10 days; MDR Typhoid: 30 mg/kg/day (twice daily) 10-14 days.
Geriatric use
Limited information is available on dose adjustment for elderly patients.
Renal / hepatic impairment
[CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR] There is limited information available on the use of Cefuroxime + Clavulanic Acid in patients with kidney disease. Please consult your doctor.
[CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR] There is limited information available on the use of Cefuroxime + Clavulanic Acid in patients with liver disease. Please consult your doctor.
Overdose effects
Information on Cefuroxime + Clavulanic Acid overdosage is not available.
Storage conditions
Store in a cool, dry place (below 30°C), away from light and moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.
Chemical structure
Cefuroxime Axetil + Clavulanic Acid