Cefuroxime
Brand names: Zinnat (oral), Zinacef (IV)
Cefuroxime is a second-generation cephalosporin used in children for respiratory, urinary and other infections, and for surgical prophylaxis, available in oral and parenteral forms.
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.
Clinical monograph
How it works
It inhibits bacterial cell-wall synthesis by binding penicillin-binding proteins, with useful activity against many Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms and stability against some beta-lactamases.
Prescribing in practice
- Check for penicillin or cephalosporin hypersensitivity before prescribing, as cross-reactivity can cause serious allergic reactions.
- Dose by weight using a children's formulary, with adjustment in renal impairment, and take the oral form with food to improve absorption.
- As with other broad-spectrum antibiotics, there is a risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea including Clostridioides difficile.
Monitoring
Monitor clinical response and watch for allergic reactions or persistent diarrhoea during treatment.
Counselling the patient
- Give the oral medicine with food and complete the full course.
- Report any rash, facial swelling or difficulty breathing straight away.
- Mention any previous reaction to penicillins or cephalosporins.
Evidence & guidelines
Cefuroxime is an established cephalosporin used across a range of paediatric infections and surgical prophylaxis in UK practice.
Reference: NICE NG143; 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.