title: Cefuroxime: antimicrobial activity, Pharmacology, and clinical efficacy.
abstract: The antimicrobial activity, pharmacology, toxicity, and clinical efficacy of cefuroxime are reviewed. Cefuroxime has a second-generation cephalosporin spectrum of activity similar to cefamandole. Addition of a methoxyimino side chain has enhanced its beta-lactamase stability. Cefuroxime is active against certain cephalothin-, cefamandole-, and gentamicin-resistant bacteria. Cefuroxime has an extended half-life which allows dosing every 8 h. If penetrates into bodily tissues and fluids, including the cerebrospinal fluid, in therapeutic concentrations. Cefuroxime has been used successfully in the treatment of meningitis; sepsis; urinary tract, bone and joint, pulmonary, skin, and soft tissue infections; and gonorrhea. Competitive pricing of cefuroxime should provide a cost-effective substitute for cefamandole and, in certain situations, third-generation cephalosporins.
mesh_terms: D002444:Cefuroxime / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002511:Cephalosporins / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology; D004755:Enterobacteriaceae / Q000187:drug effects; D006069:Gonorrhea / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D007700:Kinetics; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy; D008581:Meningitis / Q000188:drug therapy; D011292:Premedication; D013210:Staphylococcus / Q000187:drug effects; D013291:Streptococcus / Q000187:drug effects; D014018:Tissue Distribution
chemical_list: D002511:Cephalosporins; D002444:Cefuroxime