Cefutil

Cefutil is an antibacterial drug for systemic use. It belongs to the 2nd generation cephalosporin subgroup. It has an antibacterial effect.

Cefuroxime axetil is an orally administered form of cefuroxime (a bactericidal cephalosporin); the component is resistant to most β-lactamases and demonstrates activity against a wide range of Gram-negative and -positive bacteria.[ 1 ]

The bactericidal effect of cefuroxime is associated with the suppression of the processes of binding of the membrane of microbial cells. [ 2 ]

Indications Cefutil

It is used for the following disorders:

• diseases of the throat, ears and paranasal sinuses;
• pleurisy, tracheitis and bronchitis;
• urethritis with pyelonephritis and cystitis;
• colpitis and cervicitis;
• impetigo and furunculosis, as well as streptoderma;
• active arthritis and bursitis;
• pathologies affecting the biliary tract.

Release form

The medicinal product is produced in tablets of 0.125, 0.25 and 0.5 g.

Pharmacodynamics

The drug demonstrates high activity against staphylococci (including penicillin-resistant strains), Proteus, Moraxella, Streptococcus, Clostridia with gonococci, Escherichia coli, Haemophilus influenzae, Salmonella and Haemophilus parainfluenzae.

Campylobacter, Clostridium difficile, Acinetobacter calcoaceticus and Listeria monocytogenes are resistant.

Pharmacokinetics

After oral administration, it is absorbed inside the intestine, hydrolyzed in the mucous membrane, and then enters the bloodstream. Plasma Cmax values are noted after 2-3 hours.

The drug penetrates well into all tissues, overcomes the BBB and placenta. The half-life is 60-90 minutes. Protein synthesis is within 35-55%.

It is excreted via the kidneys within 24 hours. In case of dialysis, cefuroxime levels decrease.

Dosing and administration

The tablets are taken orally, after meals (to improve absorption).

For the treatment of most infections that occur without complications (pyelonephritis and bronchitis), the medication is used in a dosage of 0.25 g 2 times a day. If the infection is severe, the daily dose is increased to 1 g, divided into 2 doses. Cystitis requires the use of 125 mg 2 times a day. The duration of the cycle is within 5-7 days.

In case of pneumonia, first (over the course of 3 days) intramuscular injections are administered, and then the patient is transferred to the oral form of the drug - 0.5 g 2 times a day.

For treatment of uncomplicated gonorrhea, 1 g of the drug is taken once.

For tick-borne borreliosis, 0.5 g of the substance is taken twice a day.

People with renal insufficiency and the elderly can use the medicine in doses of no more than 1 g per day.

Most infections are treated by taking 0.125 g of the medication twice a day. If the infection is severe, take 0.25 g twice a day. Teenagers over 12 years of age are prescribed adult dosages.

• Application for children

The tablets can be prescribed to children over 3 years of age.

Use Cefutil during pregnancy

Cefutil is used with caution in the 1st trimester.

Contraindications

Contraindicated for use in cases of severe intolerance to the drug and any cephalosporins.

Side effects Cefutil

Main side effects:

• erythema multiforme, pruritus, anaphylaxis, serum sickness and urticaria;
• vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea and nausea;
• candidiasis;
• dizziness and headaches;
• increased transaminase levels;
• hepatitis or jaundice;
• leukopenia, neutro- or thrombocytopenia and eosinophilia.

Overdose

In case of poisoning, convulsions and psychomotor agitation develop.

It is necessary to perform gastric lavage, take sorbents and carry out symptomatic measures. The active element of the drug can be excreted by hemodialysis.

Interactions with other drugs

Drugs that lower pH levels decrease the bioavailability of cefuroxime.

The use of Cefutil with probenecid and phenylbutazone increases the plasma levels of its active component.

The medication weakens the effect of oral contraception.

Use in combination with diuretics (ethacrynic acid or furosemide), colistin, amphotericin, aminoglycosides and polymyxin increases the likelihood of developing renal failure.

Combination with aminoglycosides also leads to renal dysfunction.

It is prohibited to use the drug together with chloramphenicol, macrolides and tetracyclines.

Combination with erythromycin may lead to a decrease in antibacterial activity.

Contraindicated for use with NSAIDs due to high risk of bleeding.

Storage conditions

Cefutil must be stored at temperatures no higher than 25°C.

Shelf life

Cefutil can be used for a 3-year (tablet volume 0.125 and 0.25 g) and 4-year (tablet volume 0.5 g) period from the date of manufacture of the therapeutic product.

Analogues

The analogs of the drug are Taxocef, Cefuroxime, Ketocef with Kimacef, Axetine and Zinacef.

Reviews

Cefutil is considered a good medicine - its advantages include low toxicity, rare development of side effects, ease of use and moderate price. High medicinal efficacy and ease of use provide the drug with wide popularity among patients. But at the same time, it receives quite contradictory reviews. This can probably be associated with the severe nature of the pathology and the resistance of bacteria to this antibiotic.