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Cefuroxime in the treatment of lower respiratory tract infection
Abstract:
Cefuroxime is a new parenteral antibiotic with a wider spectrum of activity than earlier cephalosporins and is particularly active against Haemophilus influenzae, including strains resistant to ampicillin due to beta-lactamase production. From 18 centres, 274 patients suffering with 275 infections were treated with cefuroxime sodium using the standard regimen of 750 mg 8-hourly by intramuscular injection. The clinical results showed a 90% success rate in the patients with bronchopneumonia (105), 91% in patients with post-operative pneumonia (74), and 89% in the patients with acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis (96). Renal function was closely monitored during therapy, and no adverse changes attributable to cefuroxime therapy were seen in any patient, including those who also received frusemide. Two patients (0.7%) developed a rash, although 8 penicillin-allergic patients were treated without incident. From these studies, it can be concluded that 750 mg cefuroxime 8-hourly is effective in the treatment of lower respiratory tract infections. It is suggested that the attributes of this antibiotic may offer several advantages over existing therapies.
Insights
Cefuroxime sodium demonstrates high efficacy in treating lower respiratory tract infections, including bronchopneumonia and bronchitis. This parenteral antibiotic shows a 90% success rate with good safety, even in penicillin-allergic patients.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Pharmacology
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Cefuroxime is a parenteral antibiotic with a broad spectrum of activity.
- It exhibits enhanced activity against beta-lactamase producing Haemophilus influenzae.
- Existing cephalosporins have limitations in spectrum and resistance profiles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of cefuroxime sodium in treating lower respiratory tract infections.
- To assess the effectiveness of a standard 750 mg intramuscular regimen administered 8-hourly.
- To compare cefuroxime's profile with existing antibiotic therapies.
Main Methods:
- A multicenter study involving 274 patients with 275 infections.
- Treatment administered via intramuscular injection of cefuroxime sodium (750 mg 8-hourly).
- Close monitoring of renal function and adverse events throughout the study.
Main Results:
- High success rates were observed: 90% for bronchopneumonia, 91% for post-operative pneumonia, and 89% for chronic bronchitis exacerbations.
- No adverse renal changes were attributed to cefuroxime therapy, even with concurrent frusemide use.
- Only 0.7% of patients experienced rash; 8 penicillin-allergic patients were treated without incident.
Conclusions:
- Cefuroxime sodium at 750 mg 8-hourly is an effective treatment for lower respiratory tract infections.
- The antibiotic exhibits a favorable safety profile, including in patients with penicillin allergy.
- Cefuroxime offers potential advantages over current therapeutic options for these infections.