Cefuroxime is a semi-synthetic, broad-spectrum, β-lactamase-resistant, second-generation cephalosporin. The compound was patented in 1971. It has increased stability to β-lactamases, which can widen the spectrum so that many organisms that are resistant to cephalosporins in general are susceptible to Cefuroxime.
Cefuroxime is soluble in water
| Mechanism of Action | Cephalosporins interfere with PBP (penicillin binding protein) activity involved in the final phase of peptidoglycan synthesis. PBPs are enzymes which catalyze a pentaglycine crosslink between alanine and lysine residues providing additional strength to the cell wall. Without a pentaglycine crosslink, the integrity of the cell wall is severely compromised and ultimately leads to cell lysis and death. Resistance to cephalosporins is commonly due to cells containing plasmid encoded β-lactamases. |
| Spectrum | It is rapidly bactericidal against Gram-positive bacteria, including penicillinase-producing staphylococci and a wide range of Gram-negative organisms including non-β-lactamase-producing strains. Unlike the majority of cephalosporins, Cefuroxime is highly active agaisnt strains of Haemophilus influenzae, and this activity is maintained against the ampicillin-resistant strains. Ampicillin resistance is due to the production of class III β-lactamase, to which Cefuroxime is completely stable. |
| Microbiology Applications | Cefuroxime is used in clinical in vitro microbiological antimicrobial susceptibility tests (panels, discs, and MIC strips) against Gram-positive and Gram-negative isolates. Medical microbiologists use AST results to recommend antibiotic treatment options. Representative MIC values include:
Haemophilus influenzae: <0.06 － 16 µg/ml For a representative list of MIC values, click here. |
| Molecular Formula | C16H16N4O8S |
| References |
Ballestero-Tellez M et al (2020) Inter-technique variability between antimicrobial susceptibility testing methods affects clinical classification of Cefuroxime in strains close to breakpoint. Clinc. Microbiol. Infect. Res Note 26(5):P648. E1-648. E3 O'Callaghan CH, Sykes RB, Griffiths A, Thornton JE (1976) Cefuroxime, a new cephalosporin antibiotic: Activity in vitro. Antimicrob. Agents Chemother. 9(3):511-519 PMID 1259407 |
