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Cefuroxime Axetil + Clavulanic Acid: Brands, Price & Uses in Bangladesh

Cefuroxime Axetil + Clavulanic Acid is a combination oral antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections caused by susceptible organisms and more.

Forms:Powder for SuspensionTablet

About Cefuroxime Axetil + Clavulanic Acid

Indications of Cefuroxime Axetil + Clavulanic Acid

Cefuroxime Axetil + Clavulanic Acid is a combination oral antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections caused by susceptible organisms, including many beta-lactamase-producing strains that would otherwise resist cefuroxime alone.

Established / commonly used indications

  • Pharyngitis and tonsillitis
  • Acute bacterial otitis media
  • Acute bacterial sinusitis
  • Acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic bronchitis and other lower respiratory tract infections
  • Uncomplicated skin and skin-structure infections
  • Uncomplicated urinary tract infections

Uses requiring specialist/combination therapy or supported mainly by local prescribing practice

  • ENT infections in patients with a history of, or risk factors for, beta-lactamase-producing resistant organisms
  • As oral step-down therapy for lower respiratory tract infections after an initial course of parenteral antibiotics, under physician guidance

Cefuroxime Axetil + Clavulanic Acid should be used only for infections proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria, based on culture and sensitivity data or local resistance patterns, to reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria. It is not effective against viral infections such as the common cold or flu.

Dosage & Administration of Cefuroxime Axetil + Clavulanic Acid

The dose and duration of Cefuroxime Axetil + Clavulanic Acid depend on the type and severity of infection. Tablet and oral suspension formulations of Cefuroxime Axetil + Clavulanic Acid are not necessarily bioequivalent on a mg-to-mg basis and should not be interchanged without medical advice.

IndicationAdult DosePediatric DoseDuration
Pharyngitis/tonsillitis250 mg (cefuroxime component) twice daily20 mg/kg/day of cefuroxime in 2 divided doses (max as per adult dose)5-10 days
Acute otitis media/sinusitis250 mg twice daily30 mg/kg/day of cefuroxime in 2 divided doses (max as per adult dose)10 days
Acute bronchitis exacerbation/lower respiratory tract infection250-500 mg twice dailyIndividualized by physician; typically as above (age ≥3 months)5-14 days
Skin/skin-structure infection250-500 mg twice dailyIndividualized by physician7-10 days
Uncomplicated urinary tract infection250 mg twice dailyIndividualized by physician7-10 days

Doses above refer to the cefuroxime component; the clavulanic acid component is proportioned automatically within each approved tablet/suspension strength and should not be dosed separately. Cefuroxime Axetil + Clavulanic Acid tablets are best taken with food to improve absorption and reduce gastrointestinal upset; tablets should be swallowed whole and not crushed or chewed because of the bitter taste of the active drug. Patients who cannot swallow tablets should use the oral suspension formulation instead.

Antibiotic stewardship: Take Cefuroxime Axetil + Clavulanic Acid exactly as prescribed by your physician; do not stop, extend, skip doses, or share this medicine with others without medical advice.

Dose or interval adjustment may be required in patients with significant renal impairment; see Use in Special Populations.

Side Effects of Cefuroxime Axetil + Clavulanic Acid

Cefuroxime Axetil + Clavulanic Acid is generally well tolerated. Reported adverse effects include:

Common

  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Abdominal discomfort
  • Headache
  • Vaginal itching or vaginitis (in females)

Less common

  • Skin rash or urticaria
  • Transient elevation of liver enzymes
  • Eosinophilia

Rare but serious

  • Severe hypersensitivity/anaphylaxis
  • Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis
  • Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea/colitis (see Precautions and Warnings)
  • Cholestatic jaundice/hepatitis, mainly attributed to the clavulanic acid component, usually reversible on stopping treatment (see Contraindications)
  • Seizures (typically with very high doses or in renal impairment)

Patients should seek prompt medical attention for any severe rash, difficulty breathing, swelling, yellowing of the skin/eyes, or persistent diarrhea while taking Cefuroxime Axetil + Clavulanic Acid.

Contraindications of Cefuroxime Axetil + Clavulanic Acid

Cefuroxime Axetil + Clavulanic Acid is contraindicated in:

  • Patients with known hypersensitivity to cefuroxime, clavulanic acid, or any other cephalosporin or penicillin/beta-lactam antibiotic, due to the possibility of cross-reactivity.
  • Patients with a history of cholestatic jaundice or hepatic dysfunction previously associated with a beta-lactam/clavulanic acid combination.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cefuroxime Axetil + Clavulanic Acid

What is Cefuroxime Axetil + Clavulanic Acid used for?

Cefuroxime Axetil + Clavulanic Acid is a combination antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections such as throat infections, ear infections, sinusitis, bronchitis, skin infections, and urinary tract infections caused by bacteria susceptible to it, including some strains that produce beta-lactamase enzymes and would resist cefuroxime alone.

How should I take Cefuroxime Axetil + Clavulanic Acid?

Take Cefuroxime Axetil + Clavulanic Acid exactly as prescribed by your physician, usually twice daily. Swallow the tablet whole with water; do not crush or chew it. Taking Cefuroxime Axetil + Clavulanic Acid with food improves absorption and reduces stomach upset. Complete the full course even if you feel better, and do not stop, extend, skip doses, or share this medicine with others without medical advice.

Can I take Cefuroxime Axetil + Clavulanic Acid if I am allergic to penicillin?

Cefuroxime Axetil + Clavulanic Acid should be avoided if you have had a severe allergic reaction to penicillin, cephalosporins, or other beta-lactam antibiotics, because of the risk of cross-reactivity. Tell your doctor about any drug allergies before starting Cefuroxime Axetil + Clavulanic Acid.

Is Cefuroxime Axetil + Clavulanic Acid safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Cefuroxime Axetil + Clavulanic Acid should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed and the potential benefit justifies the potential risk, and with caution during breastfeeding, as small amounts pass into breast milk. Always consult a physician before using Cefuroxime Axetil + Clavulanic Acid if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

What are the common side effects of Cefuroxime Axetil + Clavulanic Acid?

Common side effects of Cefuroxime Axetil + Clavulanic Acid include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, headache, and vaginal itching. Rarely, it can cause liver problems such as jaundice, mainly linked to the clavulanic acid component. Seek medical attention immediately for signs of a severe allergic reaction, yellowing of the skin/eyes, severe or persistent diarrhea, or unusual rash while taking Cefuroxime Axetil + Clavulanic Acid.

What should I do if I miss a dose or take too much Cefuroxime Axetil + Clavulanic Acid?

If you miss a dose of Cefuroxime Axetil + Clavulanic Acid, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next dose; do not double the dose. If you suspect an overdose of Cefuroxime Axetil + Clavulanic Acid, seek immediate medical attention or contact a poison control center right away.

Disclaimer

The information provided is accurate to the best of our knowledge, but it does not replace professional medical advice. We cannot guarantee its completeness or accuracy, and the absence of specific information about a drug should not be taken as an endorsement. We are not responsible for any consequences arising from this information, so please consult a healthcare professional for any concerns or questions.

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