Cefasyn (Cefuroxime Axetil 500mg) Tablets

Cefasyn general information

What is Cefasyn used for?

Harmful bacteria can invade many parts of the body and multiply, causing a range of bacterial infections, including superficial skin infections, internal infection of the lungs and respiratory tract, and infections of the genitourinary system.  Most contagious bacterial infections are spread by direct transmission, such as inhaling bacteria when an infected person coughs or sneezes near you, by direct physical contact, or through broken skin or an open wound.  Others are only transmitted by an insect bite such as Lyme disease, which is not infectious.

Often the body’s immune system can prevent serious bacterial disease from developing. However, if the harmful bacteria multiply rapidly and spread, the immune system may be overwhelmed, and the bacterial infection can cause a severe disease, which is when antibiotics are needed. 

Many symptoms of a bacterial infection are caused by the immune system attempting to kill off the invading pathogen.  These include fever, feeling unwell and tired, headache, nausea, inflammation (redness, swelling and pain).  Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, in the armpits and in the groin are further signs that the immune system is actively fighting the infection. 

Cefasyn tablets 500mg are a broad-spectrum antibiotic used to treat common infections caused by a variety of bacteria in different parts of the body, particularly bacteria that are resistant to other antibiotics. 

Respiratory infections

These infections include the chest, throat, ear and sinuses.  Bacterial infections of the upper respiratory tract include pharyngitis (inflammation of the pharynx at the back of the throat), tonsillitis (infection of the tonsils, which are patches of lymph node tissue at the back of the throat), sinusitis (infection of the sinuses or nasal passages) otitis media (infection of the middle ear).  Lower respiratory tract infections include bronchitis (infection of the bronchioles or airways); pneumonia (infections of the lungs).  Cefasyn tablets 500mg are used to treat and prevent exacerbations (worsening) of bronchitis.

Skin and soft tissue infections

Cellulitis is an infection that begins when the skin is broken, and therefore, the bacteria can invade the deeper layers of the skin and underlying soft tissue, causing inflammation and swelling, which makes you feel generally unwell.  It can spread rapidly and become life-threatening if not treated.  Impetigo is a superficial skin infection causing sores that usually begin with small blisters that break and weep, and these are very contagious so that the infection is easily spread.  A boil (furunculus) is an infection around a hair follicle that causes a pus-filled swelling; a large boil is called an abscess. 

Urinary tract infections

Acute, uncomplicated lower urinary tract infections include cystitis (infection of the bladder) and urethritis (infection of the urethra, the tube leading out from the bladder).  Urethritis and gonorrhoea are sexually transmitted diseases caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoea.  Urethritis can also be caused by chlamydia.  Pyelonephritis is an infection that usually begins in the urethra or bladder and then spreads into the kidneys, causing inflammation and pain.

Lyme disease

Lyme disease or borreliosis is an infection caused by the bacteria Borrelia, transmitted by a bite from the black-legged tick or deer tick and is the most common tick-borne infection in both North America and Europe.  Symptoms of Lyme disease include erythema migrans (a circular spreading rash), flu-like symptoms, joint pain, and neurological problems. 

How does Cefasyn work?

Cefasyn tablets 500mg contain cefuroxime, a second generation cephalosporin antibiotic, belonging to a subgroup of the beta-lactam group of antibiotics (which include penicillins) and is used to treat a range of bacterial infections in different part of the body. 

Cefuroxime in Cefasyn is first converted to its active form, and it can then attach to the penicillin-binding proteins on the bacterial cell wall.  These proteins are enzymes that are essential for the synthesis of the peptidoglycan component of the bacterial cell wall.  The peptidoglycan layer of the bacterial cell wall is critical to the structural integrity of the bacterial cell.  Cefuroxime blocks the formation of the bacterial cell wall in susceptible bacteria and kills the bacteria. 

Unlike other beta-lactam antibiotics like penicillins, cephalosporins are less susceptible to destruction by beta-lactamase found in some resistant bacteria.  Cefuroxime is not destroyed by bacterial beta-lactamase and is therefore, active against many ampicillin-resistant or amoxycillin-resistant strains.  Cefuroxime in Cefasyn is effective against a wide range of common bacteria found in general practice and in hospitals including: Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus (including penicillinase-producing strains and non-resistant strains); Haemophilus influenzae; Klebsiella pneumonia, Escherichia coli among others.  

What does Cefasyn contain?

Cefasyn tablets 500mg contain the active ingredient cefuroxime axetil, an antibiotic used to treat a range of bacterial infections in different parts of the body. 

What are the side effects of Cefasyn?

Most medications have some side effects, but they are not experienced by everyone.  Some side effects are commonly experienced when taking Cefasyn, but others are not so common, and you should discuss any problems or concerns with your primary care physician. 

Common side effects when taking Cefasyn include gastrointestinal upset, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, genital and anal pruritis (itching), due to candida overgrowth, headache, dizziness.

When should Cefasyn not be used?

Have a talk with your primary healthcare physician before taking Cefasyn tablets 500mg so that you have a full understanding of what this medicine is for and how to use it.  There are some reasons for not taking a medication; these are called contraindications, and for Cefasyn you should consider the following before taking Cefasyn:

• Have you ever had an unusual reaction or an allergy when taking Cefasyn?
• Are you allergic to cefuroxime or any other cephalosporin or any other beta-lactam antibiotic, including penicillins or any ingredients in Cefasyn?
• Are you pregnant or breastfeeding?
• Do you have any problems with your kidneys?
• Do you have a history of gastrointestinal disease particularly pseudomembranous colitis?

What medications interact with Cefasyn?

Some medicines interact with Cefasyn tablets 500mg and may affect the way it works, or are affected by Cefasyn or increase side effects; you should discuss possible interactions with your primary care physician.  These may include probenecid for gout, oral contraceptives, anticoagulants like warfarin, and medications to reduce gastric acidity, which may reduce how much cefuroxime can be used by the body (bioavailability). 

If other medications may interact with Cefasyn, your doctor will discuss these with you. 

How should Cefasyn be taken and for how long?

You should take your Cefasyn tablets 500mg swallowed whole with a glass of water, and after food.  The dose you take and how often, depends on what you are being treated for and your doctor’s recommendation, which is usually twice daily for an average of 7 days, but could be between 5-10 days, depending on your condition.  You should continue to take your Cefasyn for as long as recommended by your doctor and always finish your course of tablets even if you feel better if not, the infection may not clear up completely, or your symptoms may return

Missed dose of Cefasyn

If you miss a dose of Cefasyn tablets 500mg take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose.  Do not take a double dose.

How should Cefasyn be stored?

You should store your Cefasyn tablets 500mg below 25°C in a cool dry place.