Cefuroxime in soft tissue infections and septicaemia

Data are presented on the absorption, antibacterial activity, clinical efficacy and side effects of cefuroxime in 33 cases with proven bacterial infection in soft tissues and in patients with septicaemia. The drug was administered mainly intramuscularly (i.m.) but also intravenously (i.v.). Peak serum concentrations 1 h after an injection of 750 mg cefuroxime i.m. were between 16-25 mug/ml. After 8 h the levels were mostly < 4 mug/ml in patients with normal renal function. I.v. injection gave only slightly higher maximum serum level obtained was approximately 40 mug/ml. No accumulation of the drug occurred in patients with normal renal function. Cefuroxime was active against all the gram-positive bacteria isolated from our patients as well as most of the gram-negatives. The clinical effect was satisfactory in 96%. The drug was well tolerated. Side effects were slight and relatively few.