Cefuroxime + Clavulanic Acid

Cefuroxime + Clavulanic Acid is a cephalosporin antibiotic with beta-lactamase inhibitor medicine available in Bangladesh under many brand names. Below are its uses, dosage, side effects and precautions — and all brands with their current prices.

• Treatment of infections caused by susceptible bacteria where oral cefuroxime therapy is appropriate and beta-lactamase-producing organisms may be involved.
• Upper and lower respiratory tract infections, including sinusitis, tonsillitis/pharyngitis, acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis, and community-acquired pneumonia when clinically suitable.
• Ear infections such as acute otitis media.
• Uncomplicated urinary tract infections caused by susceptible organisms.
• Skin and soft-tissue infections caused by susceptible organisms.
• Use should be guided by local antibiotic policy, culture and sensitivity results when available, and the prescriber’s clinical judgement.

Adult dosing depends on the infection being treated, its severity, kidney function, local resistance patterns, and the strength of the tablet or suspension. Oral cefuroxime-containing products are commonly taken after food to improve absorption, and treatment duration should be as prescribed. Do not start, stop, change the dose, or shorten the course without medical advice; the prescribing doctor should provide the exact dose and duration.

• Common side effects may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, indigestion, headache, dizziness, and rash.
• Antibiotics may cause oral or vaginal fungal overgrowth, especially with prolonged use.
• Serious but uncommon effects include severe allergic reactions, swelling of the face or throat, breathing difficulty, severe skin reactions, persistent or bloody diarrhoea suggesting antibiotic-associated colitis, liver problems such as jaundice or dark urine, and unusual bruising or bleeding.
• Seek urgent medical help if signs of severe allergy, severe diarrhoea, or jaundice occur.

Use Cefuroxime + Clavulanic Acid carefully in people with a history of allergy to penicillins, cephalosporins, or other beta-lactam antibiotics; kidney impairment; liver disease or previous jaundice related to clavulanic acid; gastrointestinal disease such as colitis; or recurrent diarrhoea with antibiotics. It should be used only for bacterial infections and the full prescribed course should be completed unless a doctor advises otherwise. Use this medicine under the guidance of a registered doctor or pharmacist.

• Probenecid can increase blood levels of cefuroxime and may raise the risk of side effects.
• Medicines that reduce stomach acidity, such as antacids, H2 blockers, or proton pump inhibitors, may reduce absorption of cefuroxime axetil; ask a pharmacist or doctor how to time doses.
• Warfarin and other oral anticoagulants may have an increased risk of altered clotting results; INR monitoring may be needed.
• Oral live typhoid vaccine may be less effective during antibiotic treatment; vaccination timing should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
• Food improves absorption of cefuroxime axetil, so tablets or suspension are generally taken after meals unless the prescriber advises otherwise.

• Known hypersensitivity to cefuroxime, clavulanic acid, cephalosporins, or any component of the formulation.
• History of a severe immediate allergic reaction, such as anaphylaxis, to penicillins, cephalosporins, carbapenems, or other beta-lactam antibiotics.
• History of cholestatic jaundice or significant liver dysfunction associated with clavulanic acid-containing antibiotics.

Cefuroxime has been used in pregnancy when an antibiotic is clearly needed, but any antibiotic during pregnancy should be taken only on a doctor’s advice. Cefuroxime and small amounts of related beta-lactam medicines can pass into breast milk; breastfeeding is usually possible when prescribed, but the infant should be observed for diarrhoea, rash, or thrush. Pregnant or breastfeeding patients should consult a registered doctor before use.

Store tablets in a cool, dry place away from heat, moisture, and direct sunlight, and keep out of reach of children. For powder for suspension, follow the label instructions for reconstitution and storage after mixing; many suspensions require refrigeration and have a limited usable period after preparation. Do not use after the expiry date or if the product looks or smells abnormal.