Cefuroxime
Active ingredient · 2 therapeutic classes
Sold as CEFTIN
- Drug class
- Second-Generation Cephalosporins
- Availability
- Prescription only
- Routes
- Oral, Intravenous, Intramuscular
- Markets covered
- 3
- Products on record
- 46
- FDA reports (12 mo)
- 798
Overview
Plain-language summary, compiled from the cited regulatory records
Cefuroxime is an antibiotic medication belonging to the second-generation cephalosporin class of drugs [1]. It is approved for treating infections caused by specific susceptible bacteria [1]. These infections include lower respiratory tract infections, such as pneumonia [1]. The designated organisms for which cefuroxime is indicated are *Streptococcus pneumoniae*, *Haemophilus influenzae* (including ampicillin-resistant strains), *Klebsiella* species, *Staphylococcus aureus* (both penicillinase- and non-penicillinase-producing strains), and *Streptococcus pyogenes* [1].
Cefuroxime is available in various formulations, including for injection [1]. In the past 12 months, there have been 798 adverse event reports associated with this active ingredient [2]. The most frequently reported events include off-label use, drug ineffectiveness, headache, swelling of the face, and hypersensitivity reactions [2].
This is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Regulatory status by market
| Market | Regulator | Products | Last revision |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB United Kingdom | MHRA | 32 | May 29, 2026 |
| CA Canada | Health Canada | 9 | October 21, 2025 |
| US United States | FDA | 5 | October 8, 2025 |
GBUnited Kingdom· MHRA
32 products
Uses
1). - Community acquired pneumonia. - Acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis. - Complicated urinary tract infections, including pyelonephritis. - Soft-tissue infections: cellulitis, erysipelas and wound infections. 4). - Prophylaxis against infection in gastrointestinal (including oesophageal), orthopaedic, cardiovascular, and gynaecological surgery (including caesarean section).
In the treatment and prevention of infections in which it is very likely that anaerobic organisms will be encountered, cefuroxime should be administered with additional appropriate antibacterial agents. Consideration should be given to official guidance on the appropriate use of antibacterial agents.
How to take
CACanada· Health Canada
9 products
Uses
JAMP
Cefuroxime (cefuroxime axetil tablets) is indicated for the treatment of patients with mild to moderately severe infections caused by susceptible strains of the designated organisms in the following diseases: • Upper Respiratory Tract Infections: Pharyngitis and tonsillitis caused by Streptococcus pyogenes.
Otitis Media caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes (group A beta- hemolytic streptococci), Haemophilus influenzae (beta-lactamase negative and beta- lactamase positive strains) or Moraxella catarrhalis. Sinusitis caused by Moraxella catarrhalis, Streptococcus pneumoniae or Haemophilus influenzae (including ampicillin- resistant strains).
• Lower Respiratory Tract Infections: Pneumonia or bronchitis caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae (including ampicillin-resistant strains), Haemophilus parainfluenzae, Klebsiella pneumoniae or Moraxella catarrhalis.
USUnited States· FDA
5 products
Uses
8 ) To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of cefuroxime axetil tablets and other antibacterial drugs, cefuroxime axetil tablets should be used only to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by bacteria.
1 Pharyngitis/Tonsillitis Cefuroxime axetil tablets are indicated for the treatment of adult patients and pediatric patients (13 years and older) with mild-to-moderate pharyngitis/tonsillitis caused by susceptible strains of Streptococcus pyogenes .
Limitations of Use The efficacy of cefuroxime axetil tablets in the prevention of rheumatic fever was not established in clinical trials. The efficacy of cefuroxime axetil tablets in the treatment of penicillin-resistant strains of Streptococcus pyogenes has not been demonstrated in clinical trials.
2 Acute Bacterial Otitis Media Cefuroxime axetil tablets are indicated for the treatment of pediatric patients (who can swallow tablets whole) with acute bacterial otitis media caused by susceptible strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae (including β-lactamase–producing strains), Moraxella catarrhalis (including β-lactamase–producing strains), or Streptococcus pyogenes .
Drug interactions
Known interactions involving Cefuroxime. Select one for details. This list is informational and not a complete interaction checker.
Showing 240 of 325. Type above to find a specific drug.
Interaction data compiled from DDInter (academic, CC-BY). Severity classification only - this is not a complete interaction checker and not medical advice.
Sources & citations
- [1]MHRA (UK) · PL015020155 · revised May 29, 2026
- [2]Health Canada (DPD) · 02547198 · revised July 24, 2025
- [3]FDA DailyMed · 119c4d09-2324-49… · revised October 8, 2025 [PDF]
- [4]OpenFDA adverse-event reports (US), 12 months ending June 4, 2026.
Information on this page is compiled from public regulatory records. Drugvu is not affiliated with any regulator or pharmaceutical manufacturer. This is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.