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Second-Generation Cephalosporin — Respiratory / Surgical Prophylaxis

Cefuroxime

Brand names: Zinacef (IV), Zinnat (oral)

Used in: Acute Appendicitis

Cefuroxime is a second-generation cephalosporin used for respiratory, urinary, skin and other infections, and surgical prophylaxis.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

US labelling (FDA)

Reference — US labelling, may differ from UK

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION This product is intended for intravenous administration only. Dosage: Adults: The usual adult dosage range for cefuroxime is 750 mg to 1.5 grams every 8 hours, usually for 5 to 10 days. In uncomplicated urinary tract infections, skin and skin-structure infections, disseminated gonococcal infections, and uncomplicated pneumonia, a 750 mg dose every 8 hours is recommended. In severe or complicated infections, a 1.5 gram dose every 8 hours is recommended. In bone and joint infections, a 1.5 gram dose every 8 hours is recommended. In clinical trials, surgical intervention was performed when indicated as an adjunct to cefuroxime therapy. A course of oral antibacterials …

Source: US FDA prescribing information (openFDA / DailyMed), label dated 2020-12-05. Accessed 2026-06-12. US dosing and indications can differ from UK practice — use UK sources for prescribing decisions.

Clinical monograph

How it works

A beta-lactam that inhibits bacterial cell-wall synthesis by binding penicillin-binding proteins, with greater stability to some beta-lactamases than first-generation agents.

Prescribing in practice

  • Use caution in penicillin allergy (cross-reactivity is low but more relevant after immediate or severe reactions).
  • Reduce the dose in significant renal impairment.
  • Like other antibiotics it can predispose to Clostridioides difficile infection.

Monitoring

Short courses need no routine monitoring; review response and adverse effects.

Counselling the patient

  • Complete the course.
  • Report a rash, or severe or prolonged diarrhoea.

Evidence & guidelines

Used per local antimicrobial guidance for the indications above.

Reference: PHE Antibiotic Guidelines; NICE CAP Guideline NG138; NICE Surgical Site Infection NG125; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

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