Cefuroxime is a 2nd generation cephalosporin group of broad-spectrum β-lactam antibiotics.

Clavulanic acid is a beta lactamase inhibitor used to enhance the effectiveness of beta lactam antibiotics. Clavulanic acid does have some degree of bacterial activity; its principal role is as a beta-lactamase inhibitor. 

Used in combination with the beta-lactam antibiotics, it has become one of the most prescribed antibiotics prolonging the effective life of antibiotics.

TAKE HOME MESSAGE:

·       Cefuroxime is generally well tolerated and side effects are usually transient.

·       Unlike other second-generation cephalosporins cefuroxime can cross the blood-brain barrier.

·       Cefuroxime "follow-on" therapy produces clinical and bacteriological efficacy equivalent to that of amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, with the advantage of twice daily oral administration.

·       Most active cephalosporin for beta-lactamase-producing Haemophilus influenzae, an organism that causes respiratory tract infections such as otitis media, bronchitis and sinusitis.

·       Cefuroxime serum levels may be increased if taken with food or dairy products (from 37% to 52%).