Cefuroxime

Cefuroxime (Zinacef) For Dogs and Cats: Uses, Dosage and Side Effects (Cefuroxime Axetil, Cefuroxime Sodium)

Overview

• Trade Names: Ceftin, Zinacef
• Antibacterial Vet Drug and a 2nd generation of cephalosporin binds to proteins involved in bacterial cell wall synthesis, thereby decreasing cell wall strength and rigidity, and affecting cell division.
• Resistant to some bacterial beta-lactamases.
• Cefuroxime axetil is hydrolyzed in intestinal mucosa and liver to yield an active drug conferring oral bioavailability.
• Cefuroxime is available in oral and parenteral dosage forms

Uses of Cefuroxime in Dogs and Cats

• Higher activity against many Gram-negative organisms when compared with 1st generation cephalosporins.
• Good activity against a wider spectrum of Enterobacteriaceae (not Pseudomonas).
• Many obligate anaerobes are also susceptible.
• Can be considered for surgical prophylaxis especially when increased Gram-negative activity is desirable, and may be associated with fewer adverse effects than co-amoxiclav in this setting.
• Treatment of bacterial meningitis or other CNS infections in which inflamed meninges can allow cefuroxime to penetrate into the CNS.

Suggested Veterinary Books: Greene’s Infectious Diseases of the Dog and Cat 5th Edition

Dose of Cefuroxime in Dogs and Cats

Dogs, Cats:

• For surgical prophylaxis: 20 mg/kg I.V. slowly (over 5 min) 30 min prior to surgery and then repeat q1.5–3h during surgery.
• For susceptible infections: 10–30 mg/kg I.V. q8–12h.

Side Effects of Cefuroxime in Dogs and Cats

• May cause pain on i.m. and s.c. injection.
• GI disturbance has been reported in humans, particularly associated with oral axetil formulation.

Contraindications of Cefuroxime in Dogs and Cats

• Patients hypersensitive to penicillins may also be sensitive to cephalosporins (cross-hypersensitivity in <10% of human patients).
• Avoid use in animals with reported sensitivity to other beta-lactam antimicrobials.

Precautions and Guidelines:

• Give this medicine with food
• Do not crush tablets (It has a bitter taste. get help from your veterinarian in administrating this drug)
• Sometime you may see vomiting or diarrhea, if there is sever vomiting or diarrhea call your veterinarian immediately.
• It’s better to consult veterinarian before administrating this drug

Some Notes:

• Bactericidal activity may be affected by the concomitant use of bacteriostatic agents (e.g. oxytetracycline, erythromycin).
• May be an increased risk of nephrotoxicity if cephalosporins are used with amphotericin or loop diuretics (e.g. furosemide); monitor renal function.
• Synergistic with aminoglycosides, but there is risk of increased nephrotoxicity effect.
• Antacids May decrease serum levels of oral cefuroxime. Leave 1 or 2 hours between two drugs.
• H2-receptor antagonists (famotidine, ranitidine) and Proton pump inhibitors (omeprazole, pantoprazole): decrease the absorption of cefuroxime
• It is a time-dependent antimicrobial, so maintaining levels above the MIC are important for efficacy.
• Cefuroxime enters maternal milk in low concentrations. Although cefuroxime is likely safe for nursing offspring, the potential for adverse effects cannot be ruled out, particularly alterations to gut flora with resultant diarrhea. In humans, cefuroxime is considered compatible with breast feeding