Related Experiment Videos
Pharmacokinetics and bactericidal activity of cefuroxime axetil
Insights
Cefuroxime axetil bioavailability is enhanced when taken with milk or infant formula, especially in children. Peak plasma concentrations and bactericidal activity were unaffected by food, showing consistent efficacy across different administration conditions.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Clinical Pharmacy
Background:
- Cefuroxime axetil is an oral antibiotic.
- Understanding its pharmacokinetics is crucial for effective dosing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of cefuroxime axetil in adults and children.
- To assess the impact of food on cefuroxime axetil absorption and efficacy.
Main Methods:
- Pharmacokinetic study involving adult volunteers and pediatric patients.
- Analysis of plasma concentrations and area under the curve (AUC).
- Assessment of plasma bactericidal activity against bacterial strains.
Main Results:
- Peak cefuroxime plasma concentrations occurred 90-120 min post-dose, irrespective of feeding status.
- Bioavailability significantly increased (25-88%) when cefuroxime axetil was co-administered with milk or infant formula.
- Plasma bactericidal activity was similar in adults and children and unaffected by food intake.
Conclusions:
- Concomitant intake of milk or infant formula enhances cefuroxime axetil bioavailability, particularly in pediatric populations.
- Cefuroxime axetil demonstrates consistent plasma bactericidal activity regardless of feeding status.
Abstract:
The pharmacokinetics of cefuroxime axetil were studied in 10 adult volunteers aged 24 to 31 years (mean age, 27), 22 infants and children aged 11 to 68 months (mean age, 33 months), and 11 children aged 7 years, 7 months to 12 years, 3 months (mean age, 11 years, 1 month). Mean peak plasma concentrations of cefuroxime occurred between 90 and 120 min in all study patients and were independent of the fasting or feeding status. The areas under the concentration-time curves were significantly higher in adult volunteers who received cefuroxime axetil with milk than in those who received the drug while fasting or with applesauce. The bioavailability of cefuroxime axetil was significantly enhanced in children by the concomitant ingestion of cefuroxime axetil and infant formula or whole milk. The areas under the concentration-time curves were 25 to 88% higher when cefuroxime axetil and milk were administered simultaneously than when the same dose was given to all fasting patients. The plasma bactericidal activities of cefuroxime against beta-lactamase-positive and -negative strains of Haemophilus influenzae and Staphylococcus aureus at the time of peak plasma concentrations were independent of feeding status and were similar in adults and in children. Against these strains, 52% of the children and 38% of the adults had peak bactericidal levels of 1:8 or greater.