GENERAL DOSAGE RECOMMENDATION ADULTS: The dosage range for cefuroxime lies between 1,5 to 6,0 g/day. Many infections will respond to 750 mg three times daily by Intramuscular or intravenous injection. For more severe infections, this dose should be increased to 1,5 g three times dally intravenously. The frequency of intramuscular or intravenous injection can be increased to six hourly if necessary.
INFANTS AND CHILDREN:
Doses of 30 to 100 mg/kg/day, given as 3 or 4 divided doses. A dose of 60 mg/kg/day will be appropriate for most infections.
OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS:
Gonorrhoea: 1,5g cefuroxime should be given as a single dose. This may be given as 2 x 750 mg injections into different sites, e.g. each buttock. Prophylaxis: The usual dose is 1,5 g intravenously with induction of anaesthesia for abdominal and gynaecological operations, but may be supplemented with two 750 mg intramuscular doses 8 and 16 hours later. In cardiac and pulmonary operations, the usual dose is 1,5 g intravenously with induction of anaesthesia continuing with 750 mg intramuscularly three times daily for a further 24 to 48 hours. Dosage in Impaired renal function: Cefuroxime is excreted by the kidneys. Therefore, in patients with markedly impaired renal function it is recommended that the dosage of cefuroxime should be reduced to compensate for its slower excretion. However, it is not necessary to reduce the dose until the GFR falls below 20 ml/min. In adults with marked impairment (GFR 10 to 20 ml/min) 750 mg twice daily is recommended and with severe impairment (GRF less than 10 ml/min) 750 mg once daily is adequate. For patients on dialysis a further 750 mg dose should be given at the end of each dialysis. When continuous peritoneal dialysis is being used, a suitable dosage is usually 750 mg twice daily.
ADMINISTRATION
Intramuscular injection Add 1 ml sterile Water for Injections to 250 mg cefuroxime or 3 ml sterile Water for Injections to 750 mg cefuroxime. Shake gently to produce an opaque suspension. Suspensions which appear granular must be discarded. Intravenous injection: Dissolve cefuroxime in sterile Water for Injections using at least 2 ml for 250 mg, at least 6 ml for 750 mg, or 15 ml for 1,5 g. Solutions which appear turbid must be discarded. Store in a cool, dry & dark place. (8°C to 25°C).