Teratogenic Effects
Pregnancy Category B. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, cefuroxime axetil should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.
Reproduction studies have been performed in mice at doses up to 3,200 mg/kg/day (14 times the recommended maximum human dose based on body surface area) and in rats at doses up to 1,000 mg/kg/day (9 times the recommended maximum human dose based on body surface area) and have revealed no evidence of impaired fertility or harm to the fetus due to cefuroxime axetil.
Because cefuroxime is excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when cefuroxime axetil is administered to a nursing woman.
Indications and Usage, Acute Bacterial Exacerbations of 11/2016
Chronic Bronchitis and Secondary Bacterial Infections of
Acute Bronchitis: Secondary Bacterial Infections of Acute
Bronchitis (1.4)-Removed
Dosage and Administration, Dosage for Cefuroxime Axetil
Tablets: 11/2016
Secondary Bacterial Infections of Acute Bronchitis (2.2)-
Removed
1 Indications And Usage
Cefuroxime axetil tablets are a cephalosporin antibacterial drug indicated for the treatment of the following infections due to susceptible bacteria: (1)
Pharyngitis/tonsillitis (adults and pediatric patients) (1.1)
Acute bacterial otitis media (pediatric patients) (1.2)
Acute bacterial maxillary sinusitis (adults and pediatric patients) (1.3)
Acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic bronchitis (adults and pediatric patients 13 years and older) (1.4)
Uncomplicated skin and skin-structure infections (adults and pediatric patients 13 years and older) (1.5)
Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (adults and pediatric patients 13 years and older) (1.6)
Uncomplicated gonorrhea (adults and pediatric patients 13 years and older) (1.7)
Early Lyme disease (adults and pediatric patients 13 years and older) (1.8)
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.
1.1 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.
1.2 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.
1.3 Acute Bacterial Maxillary Sinusitis
Cefuroxime axetil tablets are indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients (13 years and older) with mild-to-moderate acute bacterial maxillary sinusitis caused by susceptible strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae or Haemophilus influenzae (non-β-lactamase–producing strains only).
Limitations of Use
The effectiveness of cefuroxime axetil tablets for sinus infections caused by β-lactamase–producing Haemophilus influenzae or Moraxella catarrhalis in patients with acute bacterial maxillary sinusitis was not established due to insufficient numbers of these isolates in the clinical trials [see Clinical Studies (14.1)].
1.4 Acute Bacterial Exacerbations of Chronic Bronchitis
Cefuroxime axetil tablets are indicated for the treatment of adult patients and pediatric patients (aged 13 and older) with mild-to-moderate acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic bronchitis caused by susceptible strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae (β-lactamase–negative strains), or Haemophilus parainfluenzae (β-lactamase–negative strains).
1.5 Uncomplicated Skin and Skin-Structure Infections
Cefuroxime axetil tablets are indicated for the treatment of adult patients and pediatric patients (aged 13 and older) with uncomplicated skin and skin-structure infections caused by susceptible strains of Staphylococcus aureus (including β-lactamase–producing strains) or Streptococcus pyogenes.
1.6 Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections
Cefuroxime axetil tablets are indicated for the treatment of adult patients and pediatric patients (aged 13 and older) with uncomplicated urinary tract infections caused by susceptible strains of Escherichia coli or Klebsiella pneumoniae.
1.7 Uncomplicated Gonorrhea
Cefuroxime axetil tablets are indicated for the treatment of adult patients and pediatric patients (aged 13 and older) with uncomplicated gonorrhea, urethral and endocervical, caused by penicillinase-producing and non-penicillinase–producing susceptible strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae and uncomplicated gonorrhea, rectal, in females, caused by non-penicillinase–producing susceptible strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
1.8 Early Lyme Disease (erythema migrans)
Cefuroxime axetil tablets are indicated for the treatment of adult patients and pediatric patients (aged 13 and older) with early Lyme disease (erythema migrans) caused by susceptible strains of Borrelia burgdorferi.
1.10 Usage
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 susceptible bacteria. When culture and susceptibility information are available, they should be considered in selecting or modifying antibacterial therapy. In the absence of such data, local epidemiology and susceptibility patterns may contribute to the empiric selection of therapy.
2 Dosage And Administration
Tablets and oral suspension are not bioequivalent and are therefore not substitutable on a milligram-per-milligram basis. (2.1)
Administer tablets with or without food. (2.2)
Administer cefuroxime axetil tablets as described in the dosage guidelines. (2.2)
Dosage adjustment is required for patients with impaired renal function. (2.5)
Adult Patients and Pediatric Patients Dosage Guidelines for Cefuroxime Axetil Tablets
Infection
Dosage
Duration (Days)
Adults and Adolescents (13 years and older)
Pharyngitis/tonsillitis (mild to moderate)
250 mg every12 hours
10
Acute bacterial maxillary sinusitis (mild to moderate)
250 mg every12 hours
10
Acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic bronchitis (mild to moderate)
250 mg or 500 mg every 12 hours
10
Uncomplicated skin and skin-structure infections
250 mg or 500 mg every 12 hours
10
Uncomplicated urinary tract infections
250 mg every 12 hours
7 to 10
Uncomplicated gonorrhea
1,000 mg
single dose
Early Lyme disease
500 mg every 12 hours
20
Pediatric Patients younger than 13 years (who can swallow tablets whole)
Acute bacterial otitis media
250 mg every 12 hours
10
Acute bacterial maxillary sinusitis
250 mg every 12 hours
10
2.1 Important Administration Instructions
Cefuroxime axetil tablets and cefuroxime axetil for oral suspension are not bioequivalent and are therefore not substitutable on a milligram-per-milligram basis [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
Administer cefuroxime axetil tablets as described in the appropriate dosage guidelines [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)].
Administer cefuroxime axetil tablets with or without food.
Pediatric patients (aged 13 years and older) who cannot swallow the cefuroxime axetil tablets whole should receive cefuroxime axetil for oral suspension because the tablet has a strong, persistent bitter taste when crushed [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)].
2.2 Dosage for Cefuroxime Axetil Tablets
Administer cefuroxime axetil tablets as described in the dosage guidelines table below with or without food.
Table 1. Adult Patients and Pediatric Patients Dosage Guidelines for Cefuroxime Axetil Tablets
Infection
Dosage
Duration(Days)
Adults and Adolescents (13 years and older)
Pharyngitis/tonsillitis (mild to moderate)
250 mg every 12 hours
10
Acute bacterial maxillary sinusitis (mild to moderate)
250 mg every 12 hours
10
Acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic bronchitis (mild to moderate)
250 mg or 500 mg every12 hours
10a
Uncomplicated skin and skin-structure infections
250 mg or 500 mg every12 hours
10
Uncomplicated urinary tract infections
250 mg every 12 hours
7 to 10
Uncomplicated gonorrhea
1,000 mg
single dose
Early Lyme disease
500 mg every 12 hours
20
Pediatric Patients younger than 13 years (who can swallow tablets whole)b
Acute bacterial otitis media
250 mg every 12 hours
10
Acute bacterial maxillary sinusitis
250 mg every 12 hours
10
a The safety and effectiveness of cefuroxime axetil tablets administered for less than 10 days in patients with acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis have not been established.
b When crushed, the tablet has a strong, persistent bitter taste. Therefore, patients who cannot swallow the tablet whole should receive the oral suspension.
2.5 Dosage in Patients with Impaired Renal Function
A dosage interval adjustment is required for patients whose creatinine clearance is <30 mL/min, as uled in Table 4 below, because cefuroxime is eliminated primarily by the kidney [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
Table 4. Dosing in Adults with Renal Impairment
Creatinine Clearance (mL/min)
Recommended Dosage
≥30
No dosage adjustment
10 to <30
Standard individual dose given every 24 hours
<10 (without hemodialysis)
Standard individual dose given every 48 hours
Hemodialysis
A single additional standard dose should be given at the end of each dialysis
3 Dosage Forms And Strengths
Cefuroxime Axetil Tablets USP, 250 mg of cefuroxime (as cefuroxime axetil), are white to off-white, film-coated, capsule shaped tablets with ‘A33’ debossed on one side and plain on the other side.
Cefuroxime Axetil Tablets USP, 500 mg of cefuroxime (as cefuroxime axetil), are white to off-white, film-coated, capsule shaped tablets with ‘A34’ debossed on one side and plain on the other side.
Tablets: 250 mg and 500 mg (3)
4 Contraindications
Cefuroxime axetil tablets are contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity (e.g., anaphylaxis) to cefuroxime axetil tablets or to other β-lactam antibacterial drugs (e.g., penicillins and cephalosporins).
Known hypersensitivity (e.g., anaphylaxis) to cefuroxime axetil tablets or to other β -lactams (e.g., penicillins and cephalosporins). (4)
5 Warnings And Precautions
Serious hypersensitivity (anaphylactic) reactions: In the event of a serious reaction, discontinue cefuroxime axetil and institute appropriate therapy. (5.1)
Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD): If diarrhea occurs, evaluate patients for CDAD. (5.2)
5.1 Anaphylactic Reactions
Serious and occasionally fatal hypersensitivity (anaphylactic) reactions have been reported in patients on β-lactam antibacterials. These reactions are more likely to occur in individuals with a history of β-lactam hypersensitivity and/or a history of sensitivity to multiple allergens. There have been reports of individuals with a history of penicillin hypersensitivity who have experienced severe reactions when treated with cephalosporins. Cefuroxime axetil is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to cefuroxime axetil or other β-lactam antibacterial drugs [see Contraindications (4)]. Before initiating therapy with cefuroxime axetil, inquire about previous hypersensitivity reactions to penicillins, cephalosporins, or other allergens. If an allergic reaction occurs, discontinue cefuroxime axetil and institute appropriate therapy.
5.2 -Associated Diarrhea
Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD) has been reported with use of nearly all antibacterial agents, including cefuroxime axetil, and may range in severity from mild diarrhea to fatal colitis. Treatment with antibacterial agents alters the normal flora of the colon leading to overgrowth of C. difficile.
C. difficile produces toxins A and B which contribute to the development of CDAD. Hypertoxin-producing strains of C. difficile cause increased morbidity and mortality, as these infections can be refractory to antimicrobial therapy and may require colectomy. CDAD must be considered in all patients who present with diarrhea following antibiotic use. Careful medical history is necessary since CDAD has been reported to occur over 2 months after the administration of antibacterial agents.
If CDAD is suspected or confirmed, ongoing antibiotic use not directed against C. difficile may need to be discontinued. Appropriate fluid and electrolyte management, protein supplementation, antibiotic treatment of C. difficile, and surgical evaluation should be instituted as clinically indicated.
5.3 Potential for Microbial Overgrowth
The possibility of superinfections with fungal or bacterial pathogens should be considered during therapy.
5.4 Development of Drug-Resistant Bacteria
Prescribing cefuroxime axetil either in the absence of a proven or strongly suspected bacterial infection or a prophylactic indication is unlikely to provide benefit to the patient and increases the risk of the development of drug-resistant bacteria.
5.6 Interference with Glucose Tests
A false-positive result for glucose in the urine may occur with copper reduction tests, and a false-negative result for blood/plasma glucose may occur with ferricyanide tests in subjects receiving cefuroxime axetil [see Drug Interactions (7.4)].
6 Adverse Reactions
The following serious and otherwise important adverse reaction is described in greater detail in the Warnings and Precautions section of the label:
The most common adverse reactions (≥3%) for cefuroxime axetil tablets are diarrhea, nausea/vomiting, Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction, and vaginitis (early Lyme disease). (6.1)
To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Lucid Pharma LLC at 1-855-224-6100 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
6.1 Clinical Trials Experience
Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared with rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.
Tablets
Multiple-Dose Dosing Regimens with 7 to 10 Days’ Duration: In multiple-dose clinical trials, 912 subjects were treated with cefuroxime axetil (125 to 500 mg twice daily). It is noted that 125 mg twice daily is not an approved dosage. Twenty (2.2%) subjects discontinued medication due to adverse reactions. Seventeen (85%) of the 20 subjects who discontinued therapy did so because of gastrointestinal disturbances, including diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. The percentage of subjects treated with cefuroxime axetil who discontinued study drug because of adverse reactions was similar at daily doses of 1,000, 500, and 250 mg (2.3%, 2.1%, and 2.2%, respectively). However, the incidence of gastrointestinal adverse reactions increased with the higher recommended doses.
The adverse reactions in Table 5 are for subjects (n = 912) treated with cefuroxime axetil in multiple-dose clinical trials.
Table 5. Adverse Reactions (≥1%) after Multiple-Dose Regimens with Cefuroxime Axetil Tablets
Adverse Reaction
Cefuroxime Axetil
(n = 912)
Blood and lymphatic system disorders
Eosinophilia
1%
Gastrointestinal disorders
Diarrhea
4%
Nausea/Vomiting
3%
Investigations
Transient elevation in AST
2%
Transient elevation in ALT
2%
Transient elevation in LDH
1%
The following adverse reactions occurred in less than 1% but greater than 0.1% of subjects (n = 912) treated with cefuroxime axetil in multiple-dose clinical trials.
Immune System Disorders: Hives, swollen tongue.
Metabolism and Nutrition Disorders: Anorexia.
Nervous System Disorders: Headache.
Cardiac Disorders: Chest pain.
Respiratory Disorders: Shortness of breath.
Gastrointestinal Disorders: Abdominal pain, abdominal cramps, flatulence, indigestion, mouth ulcers.
Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders: Rash, itch.
Renal and Urinary Disorders: Dysuria.
Reproductive System and Breast Disorders: Vaginitis, vulvar itch.
General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions: Chills, sleepiness, thirst.
Investigations: Positive Coombs’ test.
Early Lyme Disease with 20-Day Regimen: Two multicenter trials assessed cefuroxime axetil 500 mg twice daily for 20 days. The most common drug-related adverse experiences were diarrhea (10.6%), Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction (5.6%), and vaginitis (5.4%). Other adverse experiences occurred with frequencies comparable to those reported with 7 to 10 days’ dosing.
Single-Dose Regimen for Uncomplicated Gonorrhea: In clinical trials using a single 1,000 mg dose of cefuroxime axetil, 1,061 subjects were treated for uncomplicated gonorrhea.
The adverse reactions in Table 6 were for subjects treated with a single dose of 1,000 mg cefuroxime axetil in U.S. clinical trials.
Table 6. Adverse Reactions (≥1%) after Single-Dose Regimen with 1,000 mg Cefuroxime Axetil Tablets for Uncomplicated Gonorrhea
Adverse Reaction
Cefuroxime Axetil
(n = 1,061)
Gastrointestinal disorders
Nausea/Vomiting
7%
Diarrhea
4%
The following adverse reactions occurred in less than 1% but greater than 0.1% of subjects (n = 1,061) treated with a single dose of cefuroxime axetil 1,000 mg for uncomplicated gonorrhea in U.S. clinical trials.
Infections and Infestations: Vaginal candidiasis.
Nervous System Disorders: Headache, dizziness, somnolence.
Cardiac Disorders: Tightness/pain in chest, tachycardia.
Gastrointestinal Disorders: Abdominal pain, dyspepsia.
Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders: Erythema, rash, pruritus.
Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders: Muscle cramps, muscle stiffness, muscle spasm of neck, lockjaw-type reaction.
Renal and Urinary Disorders: Bleeding/pain in urethra, kidney pain.
Reproductive System and Breast Disorders: Vaginal itch, vaginal discharge.
6.2 Postmarketing Experience
The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of cefuroxime axetil. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.
Oral Contraceptives: Effects on gut flora may lower estrogen reabsorption and reduce efficacy of oral contraceptives. (7.1)
Drugs that reduce gastric acidity may lower the bioavailability of cefuroxime axetil. (7.2)
Coadministration with probenecid increases systemic exposure to cefuroxime axetil and is therefore not recommended. (7.3)
7.1 Oral Contraceptives
Cefuroxime axetil may affect the gut flora, leading to lower estrogen reabsorption and reduced efficacy of combined oral estrogen/progesterone contraceptives. Counsel patients to consider alternate supplementary (non-hormonal) contraceptive measures during treatment.
7.2 Drugs that Reduce Gastric Acidity
Drugs that reduce gastric acidity may result in a lower bioavailability of cefuroxime axetil compared with administration in the fasting state. Administration of drugs that reduce gastric acidity may negate the food effect of increased absorption of cefuroxime axetil when administered in the postprandial state. Administer cefuroxime axetil at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after administration of short-acting antacids. Histamine-2 (H2) antagonists and proton pump inhibitors should be avoided.
7.3 Probenecid
Concomitant administration of probenecid with cefuroxime axetil tablets increases serum concentrations of cefuroxime [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. Coadministration of probenecid with cefuroxime axetil is not recommended.
7.4 Drug/Laboratory Test Interactions
A false-positive reaction for glucose in the urine may occur with copper reduction tests (e.g., Benedict's or Fehling's solution), but not with enzyme-based tests for glycosuria. As a false-negative result may occur in the ferricyanide test, it is recommended that either the glucose oxidase or hexokinase method be used to determine blood/plasma glucose levels in patients receiving cefuroxime axetil. The presence of cefuroxime does not interfere with the assay of serum and urine creatinine by the alkaline picrate method.
8 Use In Specific Populations
8.1 Pregnancy
Teratogenic Effects
Pregnancy Category B. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, cefuroxime axetil should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.
Reproduction studies have been performed in mice at doses up to 3,200 mg/kg/day (14 times the recommended maximum human dose based on body surface area) and in rats at doses up to 1,000 mg/kg/day (9 times the recommended maximum human dose based on body surface area) and have revealed no evidence of impaired fertility or harm to the fetus due to cefuroxime axetil.
8.3 Nursing Mothers
Because cefuroxime is excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when cefuroxime axetil is administered to a nursing woman.
8.4 Pediatric Use
The safety and effectiveness of cefuroxime axetil have been established for pediatric patients aged 3 months to 12 years for acute bacterial maxillary sinusitis based upon its approval in adults. Use of cefuroxime axetil in pediatric patients is supported by pharmacokinetic and safety data in adults and pediatric patients, and by clinical and microbiological data from adequate and well-controlled trials of the treatment of acute bacterial maxillary sinusitis in adults and of acute otitis media with effusion in pediatric patients. It is also supported by postmarketing adverse events surveillance [see Indications and Usage (1), Dosage and Administration (2), Adverse Reactions (6), Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
8.5 Geriatric Use
Of the total number of subjects who received cefuroxime axetil in 20 clinical trials, 375 were aged 65 and older while 151 were aged 75 and older. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between these subjects and younger adult subjects. Reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger adult patients, but greater sensitivity of some older individuals cannot be ruled out.
Cefuroxime is substantially excreted by the kidney, and the risk of adverse reactions may be greater in patients with impaired renal function. Because elderly patients are more likely to have decreased renal function, care should be taken in dose selection, and it may be useful to monitor renal function.
Overdosage of cephalosporins can cause cerebral irritation leading to convulsions or encephalopathy. Serum levels of cefuroxime can be reduced by hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.
11 Description
Cefuroxime axetil tablets, USP contain cefuroxime as cefuroxime axetil. Cefuroxime axetil is a semisynthetic, cephalosporin antibacterial drug for oral administration.
The chemical name of cefuroxime axetil (1-(acetyloxy) ethyl ester of cefuroxime) is (RS)-1-hydroxyethyl (6R,7R)-7-[2-(2-furyl)glyoxyl-amido]-3-(hydroxymethyl)-8-oxo-5-thia-1-azabicyclo[4.2.0]-oct-2-ene-2-carboxylate, 72-(Z)-(O-methyl-oxime), 1-acetate 3-carbamate. Its molecular formula is C20H22N4O10S, and it has a molecular weight of 510.48.
Cefuroxime axetil is in the amorphous form and has the following structural formula:
Tablets are film-coated and contain the equivalent of 250 mg or 500 mg of cefuroxime as cefuroxime axetil USP. Tablets contain the inactive ingredients colloidal silicon dioxide, croscarmellose sodium, hydrogenated vegetable oil, hypromellose, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, sodium lauryl sulfate, and titanium dioxide.
After oral administration, cefuroxime axetil is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and rapidly hydrolyzed by nonspecific esterases in the intestinal mucosa and blood to cefuroxime. Serum pharmacokinetic parameters for cefuroxime following administration of cefuroxime axetil tablets to adults are shown in Table 8.
Table 8. Pharmacokinetics of Cefuroxime Administered in the Postprandial State as Cefuroxime Axetil Tablets to Adultsa
a Mean values of 12 healthy adult volunteers.
b Drug administered immediately after a meal.
Doseb (Cefuroxime Equivalent)
Peak Plasma Concentration (mcg/mL)
Time of Peak Plasma Concentration (h)
Mean Elimination Half-life (h)
AUC (mcg·h/mL)
125 mg
2.1
2.2
1.2
6.7
250 mg
4.1
2.5
1.2
12.9
500 mg
7
3
1.2
27.4
1,000 mg
13.6
2.5
1.3
50
Food Effect: Absorption of the tablet is greater when taken after food (absolute bioavailability increases from 37% to 52%). Despite this difference in absorption, the clinical and bacteriologic responses of subjects were independent of food intake at the time of tablet administration in 2 trials where this was assessed.
Lack of Bioequivalence: Oral suspension was not bioequivalent to tablets when tested in healthy adults. The tablet and oral suspension formulations are NOT substitutable on a milligram-per-milligram basis. The area under the curve for the suspension averaged 91% of that for the tablet, and the peak plasma concentration for the suspension averaged 71% of the peak plasma concentration of the tablets. Therefore, the safety and effectiveness of both the tablet and oral suspension formulations were established in separate clinical trials.
Distribution
Cefuroxime is distributed throughout the extracellular fluids. Approximately 50% of serum cefuroxime is bound to protein.
Metabolism
The axetil moiety is metabolized to acetaldehyde and acetic acid.
Excretion
Cefuroxime is excreted unchanged in the urine; in adults, approximately 50% of the administered dose is recovered in the urine within 12 hours. The pharmacokinetics of cefuroxime in pediatric subjects have not been studied. Until further data are available, the renal elimination of cefuroxime axetil established in adults should not be extrapolated to pediatric subjects.
Specific Populations
Renal Impairment: In a trial of 28 adults with normal renal function or severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance <30 mL/min), the elimination half-life was prolonged in relation to severity of renal impairment. Prolongation of the dosage interval is recommended in adult patients with creatinine clearance <30 mL/min [see Dosage and Administration (2.5)].
Geriatric Patients: In a trial of 20 elderly subjects (mean age = 83.9 years) having a mean creatinine clearance of 34.9 mL/min, the mean serum elimination half-life was prolonged to 3.5 hours; however, despite the lower elimination of cefuroxime in geriatric patients, dosage adjustment based on age is not necessary [see Use in Specific Populations (8.5)].
Drug Interactions
Concomitant administration of probenecid with cefuroxime axetil tablets increases the cefuroxime area under the serum concentration versus time curve and maximum serum concentration by 50% and 21%, respectively.
12.4 Microbiology
Mechanism of Action
Cefuroxime axetil is a bactericidal agent that acts by inhibition of bacterial cell wall synthesis. Cefuroxime axetil has activity in the presence of some β-lactamases, both penicillinases and cephalosporinases, of gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria.
Mechanism of Resistance
Resistance to cefuroxime axetil is primarily through hydrolysis by β-lactamase, alteration of penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), decreased permeability, and the presence of bacterial efflux pumps.
Susceptibility to cefuroxime axetil will vary with geography and time; local susceptibility data should be consulted, if available. Beta-lactamase-negative, ampicillin-resistant (BLNAR) isolates of H. influenzae should be considered resistant to cefuroxime axetil.
Cefuroxime axetil has been shown to be active against most isolates of the following bacteria, both in vitro and in clinical infections [see Indications and Usage (1)]:
a Most extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing and carbapenemase-producing isolates are resistant to cefuroxime axetil.
Spirochetes
Borrelia burgdorferi
The following in vitro data are available, but their clinical significance is unknown. At least 90 percent of the following microorganisms exhibit an in vitro minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) less than or equal to the susceptible breakpoint for cefuroxime axetil of 1 mcg/mL. However, the efficacy of cefuroxime axetil in treating clinical infections due to these microorganisms has not been established in adequate and well-controlled clinical trials.
When available, the clinical microbiology laboratory should provide the results of in vitro susceptibility tests for antimicrobial drug products used in local hospitals and practice areas to the physician as periodic reports that describe the susceptibility profile of nosocomial and community-acquired pathogens. These reports should aid the physician in selecting an antibacterial drug product for treatment.
Dilution Techniques: Quantitative methods are used to determine antimicrobial MICs. These MICs provide reproducible estimates of the susceptibility of bacteria to antimicrobial compounds. The MICs should be determined using a standardized test method (broth or agar).1,2 The MIC values should be interpreted according to criteria provided in Table 10.2,3
Diffusion Techniques: Quantitative methods that require measurement of zone diameters also provide reproducible estimates of the susceptibility of bacteria to antimicrobial compounds. The zone size provides an estimate of the susceptibility of bacteria to antimicrobial compounds. The zone size should be determined using a standardized test method.4 This procedure uses paper disks impregnated with 30 mcg cefuroxime axetil to test the susceptibility of microorganisms to cefuroxime axetil. The disk diffusion interpretive criteria are provided in Table 10.3
Table 10. Susceptibility Test Interpretive Criteria for Cefuroxime Axetil
a For Enterobacteriaceae, Haemophilus spp., and Moraxella catarrhalis, susceptibility interpretive criteria are based on a dose of 500 mg every 12 hours in patients with normal renal function.
b Haemophilus spp. includes only isolates of H. influenzae and H. parainfluenzae.
Pathogen
Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (mcg/mL)
Disk Diffusion Zone Diameters (mm)
(S) Susceptible
(I) Intermediate
(R) Resistant
(S) Susceptible
(I) Intermediate
(R) Resistant
Enterobacteriaceaea
≤4
8 to 16
≥32
≥23
15 to 22
≤14
Haemophilus spp.a,b
≤4
8
≥16
≥20
17 to 19
≤16
Moraxella catarrhalisa
≤4
8
≥16
-
-
-
Streptococcus pneumoniae
≤1
2
≥4
-
-
-
Susceptibility of staphylococci to cefuroxime may be deduced from testing only penicillin and either cefoxitin or oxacillin.
Susceptibility of Streptococcus pyogenes may be deduced from testing penicillin.3
A report of “Susceptible” indicates that the antimicrobial drug is likely to inhibit growth of the pathogen if the antimicrobial drug reaches the concentration usually achievable at the site of infection. A report of “Intermediate” indicates that the result should be considered equivocal, and if the microorganism is not fully susceptible to alternative, clinically feasible drugs, the test should be repeated. This category implies possible clinical applicability in body sites where the drug is physiologically concentrated or in situations where a high dosage of drug can be used. This category also provides a buffer zone that prevents small uncontrolled technical factors from causing major discrepancies in interpretation. A report of “Resistant” indicates that the antimicrobial drug is not likely to inhibit growth of the pathogen if the antimicrobial drug reaches the concentrations usually achievable at the infection site; other therapy should be selected.
Quality Control: Standardized susceptibility test procedures require the use of laboratory controls to monitor and ensure the accuracy and precision of supplies and reagents used in the assay, and the techniques of the individual performing the test.1,2,4 The QC ranges for MIC and disk diffusion testing using the 30 mcg disk are provided in Table 11.3
Table 11. Acceptable Quality Control (QC) Ranges for Cefuroxime Axetil
QC Strain
Minimum
Inhibitory
Concentrations (mcg/mL)
Disk Diffusion Zone Diameters (mm)
Escherichia coli ATCC 25922
2 to 8
20 to 26
Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923
-
27 to 35
Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213
0.5 to 2
-
Streptococcus pneumoniae ATCC 49619
0.25 to 1
-
Haemophilus influenzae ATCC 49766
0.25 to 1
28 to 36
Neisseria gonorrhoeae ATCC 49226
0.25 to 1
33 to 41
ATCC = American Type Culture Collection.
13 Nonclinical Toxicology
13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility
Although lifetime studies in animals have not been performed to evaluate carcinogenic potential, no mutagenic activity was found for cefuroxime axetil in a battery of bacterial mutation tests. Positive results were obtained in an in vitro chromosome aberration assay; however, negative results were found in an in vivo micronucleus test at doses up to 1.5 g/kg. Reproduction studies in rats at doses up to 1,000 mg/kg/day (9 times the recommended maximum human dose based on body surface area) have revealed no impairment of fertility.
14 Clinical Studies
14.1 Acute Bacterial Maxillary Sinusitis
One adequate and well-controlled trial was performed in subjects with acute bacterial maxillary sinusitis. In this trial, each subject had a maxillary sinus aspirate collected by sinus puncture before treatment was initiated for presumptive acute bacterial sinusitis. All subjects had radiographic and clinical evidence of acute maxillary sinusitis. In the trial, the clinical effectiveness of cefuroxime axetil in treating acute maxillary sinusitis was comparable to an oral antimicrobial agent containing a specific β-lactamase inhibitor. However, microbiology data demonstrated cefuroxime axetil to be effective in treating acute bacterial maxillary sinusitis due only to Streptococcus pneumoniae or non-β-lactamase–producing Haemophilus influenzae. Insufficient numbers of β-lactamase–producing Haemophilus influenzae and Moraxella catarrhalis isolates were obtained in this trial to adequately evaluate the effectiveness of cefuroxime axetil in treating acute bacterial maxillary sinusitis due to these 2 organisms.
This trial randomized 317 adult subjects, 132 subjects in the U.S. and 185 subjects in South America. Table 12 shows the results of the intent-to-treat analysis.
Table 12. Clinical Effectiveness of Cefuroxime Axetil Tablets in the Treatment of Acute Bacterial Maxillary Sinusitis
a 95% confidence interval around the success difference [-0.08, +0.32].
b 95% confidence interval around the success difference [-0.1, +0.16].
c Control was an antibacterial drug containing a β-lactamase inhibitor.
U.S. Subjectsa
South American Subjectsb
Cefuroxime Axetil250 mg TwiceDaily(n = 49)
Controlc(n = 43)
Cefuroxime Axetil250 mg TwiceDaily(n = 49)
Controlc(n = 43)
Clinical success (cure + improvement)
65%
53%
77%
74%
Clinical cure
53%
44%
72%
64%
Clinical improvement
12%
9%
5%
10%
In this trial and in a supporting maxillary puncture trial, 15 evaluable subjects had non-β-lactamase–producing Haemophilus influenzae as the identified pathogen. Of these, 67% (10/15) had this pathogen eradicated. Eighteen (18) evaluable subjects had Streptococcus pneumoniae as the identified pathogen. Of these, 83% (15/18) had this pathogen eradicated.
14.2 Early Lyme Disease
Two adequate and well-controlled trials were performed in subjects with early Lyme disease. All subjects presented with physician-documented erythema migrans, with or without systemic manifestations of infection. Subjects were assessed at 1 month posttreatment for success in treating early Lyme disease (Part I) and at 1 year posttreatment for success in preventing the progression to the sequelae of late Lyme disease (Part II).
A total of 355 adult subjects (181 treated with cefuroxime axetil and 174 treated with doxycycline) were randomized in the 2 trials, with diagnosis of early Lyme disease confirmed in 79% (281/355). The clinical diagnosis of early Lyme disease in these subjects was validated by 1) blinded expert reading of photographs, when available, of the pretreatment erythema migrans skin lesion, and 2) serologic confirmation (using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA] and immunoblot assay [“Western” blot]) of the presence of antibodies specific to Borrelia burgdorferi, the etiologic agent of Lyme disease. The efficacy data in Table 14 are specific to this “validated” patient subset, while the safety data below reflect the entire patient population for the 2 trials. Clinical data for evaluable subjects in the “validated” patient subset are shown in Table 13.
Table 13. Clinical Effectiveness of Cefuroxime Axetil Tablets Compared with Doxycycline in the Treatment of Early Lyme Disease
a 95% confidence interval around the satisfactory difference for Part I (-0.08, +0.05).
b 95% confidence interval around the satisfactory difference for Part II (-0.13, +0.07).
c n’s include subjects assessed as unsatisfactory clinical outcomes (failure + recurrence) in Part I (cefuroxime axetil - 11 [5 failure, 6 recurrence]; doxycycline - 8 [6 failure, 2 recurrence]).
d Satisfactory clinical outcome includes cure + improvement (Part I) and success + improvement (Part II).
Part I(1 Month after 20 Days of Treatment)a
Part II(1 Year after 20 Days of Treatment)b
Cefuroxime Axetil500 mg TwiceDaily(n = 125)
Doxycycline 100 mg 3 Times Daily (n = 108)
Cefuroxime Axetil500 mg TwiceDaily(n = 105c)
Doxycycline 100 mg 3 Times Daily (n = 83c)
Satisfactory clinical outcomed
91%
93%
84%
87%
Clinical cure/success
72%
73%
73%
73%
Clinical improvement
19%
19%
10%
13%
Cefuroxime axetil and doxycycline were effective in prevention of the development of sequelae of late Lyme disease.
While the incidence of drug-related gastrointestinal adverse reactions was similar in the 2 treatment groups (cefuroxime axetil - 13%; doxycycline - 11%), the incidence of drug-related diarrhea was higher in the cefuroxime axetil arm versus the doxycycline arm (11% versus 3%, respectively).
15 References
Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). Methods for Dilution Antimicrobial Susceptibility Tests for Bacteria that Grow Aerobically; Approved Standard - Tenth Edition. 2015. CLSI document M07-A10, Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute, 950 West Valley Road, Suite 2500, Wayne, Pennsylvania 19087, USA.
Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). Methods for Antimicrobial Dilution and Disk Susceptibility Testing for Infrequently Isolated or Fastidious Bacteria: Approved Guidelines - Second Edition. 2010. CLSI document M45-A2, Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute, 950 West Valley Road, Suite 2500, Wayne, Pennsylvania 19087, USA.
Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). Performance Standards for Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing; Twenty-fifth Informational Supplement. 2015. CLSI document M100-S25, Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute, 950 West Valley Road, Suite 2500, Wayne, Pennsylvania 19087, USA.
Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). Performance Standards for Antimicrobial Disk Diffusion Susceptibility Tests; Approved Standard – Twelfth Edition. 2015. CLSI document M02-A12, Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute, 950 West Valley Road, Suite 2500, Wayne, Pennsylvania 19087, USA.
16 How Supplied/storage And Handling
Cefuroxime Axetil Tablets USP, 250 mg of cefuroxime (as cefuroxime axetil), are white to off-white, film-coated, capsule shaped tablets with ‘A33’ debossed on one side and plain on the other side.
20 Tablets/Bottle NDC 52343-062-20 60 Tablets/Bottle NDC 52343-062-60
Cefuroxime Axetil Tablets USP, 500 mg of cefuroxime (as cefuroxime axetil), are white to off-white, film-coated, capsule shaped tablets with ‘A34’ debossed on one side and plain on the other side.
20 Tablets/Bottle NDC 52343-063-20 60 Tablets/Bottle NDC 52343-063-60
Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F); excursions permitted to 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Replace cap securely after each opening.
17 Patient Counseling Information
Allergic Reactions
Inform patients that cefuroxime axetil is a cephalosporin that can cause allergic reactions in some individuals [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].
Clostridium difficile-Associated Diarrhea
Inform patients that diarrhea is a common problem caused by antibacterials, and it usually ends when the antibacterial is discontinued. Sometimes after starting treatment with antibacterials, patients can develop watery and bloody stools (with or without stomach cramps and fever) even as late as 2 or more months after having taken their last dose of the antibacterial. If this occurs, advise patients to contact their physician as soon as possible.
Crushing Tablets
Instruct patients to swallow the tablet whole, without crushing the tablet. Patients who cannot swallow the tablet whole should receive the oral suspension.
Drug Resistance
Inform patients that antibacterial drugs, including cefuroxime axetil, should only be used to treat bacterial infections. They do not treat viral infections (e.g., the common cold). When cefuroxime axetil is prescribed to treat a bacterial infection, inform patients that although it is common to feel better early in the course of therapy, the medication should be taken exactly as directed. Skipping doses or not completing the full course of therapy may: (1) decrease the effectiveness of the immediate treatment, and (2) increase the likelihood that bacteria will develop resistance and will not be treatable by cefuroxime axetil or other antibacterial drugs in the future.
Manufactured for:
LUCID PHARMA LLC
2 Tower Center Blvd, Suite -1101B East Brunswick, NJ 08816 USA
Manufactured by:
Aurobindo Pharma Limited
Chitkul (V)-502 307, India M.L.No.: 78/MD/AP/96/F/B/R
Revised: 12/2016
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