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Antibiotic (2nd Generation Cephalosporin)

Cefuroxime

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

Cefuroxime is a second-generation cephalosporin available in intravenous and oral forms, used for respiratory, urinary, skin, and soft-tissue infections and widely as surgical antibiotic 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.

Clinical monograph

How it works

It inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding penicillin-binding proteins and has useful stability against some beta-lactamases.

Prescribing in practice

  • Avoid in patients with a history of severe or anaphylactic reaction to penicillins or cephalosporins because of cross-reactivity risk.
  • When used for surgical prophylaxis it should be given so that adequate tissue concentrations are present at the time of incision, with re-dosing for prolonged procedures or major blood loss.
  • Adjust dosing in renal impairment, and be alert to antibiotic-associated diarrhoea and Clostridioides difficile infection.

Monitoring

Monitor for hypersensitivity, clinical response, renal function where relevant, and signs of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea.

Counselling the patient

  • Take the oral tablets with food to improve absorption and complete the prescribed course.
  • Report any rash, swelling, or breathing difficulty straight away.
  • Tell your doctor if you develop severe or persistent diarrhoea.

Evidence & guidelines

Cefuroxime is an established cephalosporin with well-documented efficacy in common infections and as surgical prophylaxis in NICE and stewardship guidance.

Reference: WHO Surgical Site Infection Prevention Guidelines; 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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