Epizide powder for injection #1

What is Epizide and what is it used for?

Epizide is a brand name for Cefuroxime Sodium, a semi-synthetic, broad-spectrum cephalosporin antibiotic. It's used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections.

How does Cefuroxime work?

Cefuroxime works by stopping the growth of bacteria. It does this by interfering with the formation of bacterial cell walls, which are essential for bacterial survival.

What is the usual dosage of Cefuroxime Sodium injections for adults?

The usual dosage for adults is 750 mg to 1.5 grams every 8 hours, typically for 5 to 10 days. The specific dose depends on the severity and type of infection.

Are there any contraindications to using Cefuroxime?

Cefuroxime is contraindicated in patients with known allergy to the cephalosporin group of antibiotics.

What precautions should be taken before administering Cefuroxime?

Before administering Cefuroxime, it's essential to determine if the patient has had previous hypersensitivity reactions to cephalosporins, penicillins, or other drugs. It should be used cautiously in penicillin-sensitive patients.

What are the potential side effects of Cefuroxime?

The most common side effects include local reactions following IV administration, such as thrombophlebitis. Other potential adverse reactions include gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea and nausea, hypersensitivity reactions like rash and urticaria, and altered laboratory tests like prolonged prothrombin time and leukopenia.

What is Clostridium difficile associated diarrhea (CDAD) and how is it related to Cefuroxime?

CDAD is a potentially serious complication that can occur with nearly all antibacterial agents, including Cefuroxime. It's caused by an overgrowth of C. difficile bacteria in the colon, which produce toxins that can lead to diarrhea, colitis, and even death.

What are the specific directions for reconstituting Cefuroxime Sodium injections?

**For Intramuscular Use:** Each 750-mg vial should be constituted with 3.0 mL of Sterile Water for Injection. Shake gently to disperse and withdraw completely the resulting suspension for injection. **For Intravenous Use:** Each 750-mg vial should be constituted with 8.3 ml. of Sterile Water for Injection. Withdraw completely the resulting solution for injection. * Each 1.5-gram vial should be constituted with 16.0 ml. of Sterile Water for Injection, and the solution should be completely withdrawn for injection. * The 7.5-gram pharmacy bulk vial should be constituted with 77 ml. of Sterile Water for Injection; each 8 ml. of the resulting solution contains 750 mg of cefuroxime. * Each 750-mg and 1.5-gram infusion pack should be constituted with 100 ml. of Sterile Water for Injection, 5% Dextrose Injection, 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, or any of the solutions listed under the Intravenous portion of the COMPATIBILITY AND STABILITY section.

How should Cefuroxime Sodium injections be stored?

Store below 30°C. Protect from light. Keep out of reach of children.

Is there a difference between Cefuroxime Sodium injections and Cefuroxime axetil tablets/suspension?

Yes, Cefuroxime axetil tablets and oral suspension are not bioequivalent to Cefuroxime Sodium injections and should not be substituted on a milligram-per-milligram basis.

Are there any specific dosage recommendations for pediatric patients?

For pediatric patients above 3 months of age, the dosage is 50 to 100 mg/kg/day in equally divided doses every 6 to 8 hours for most infections. Higher doses (up to the maximum adult dosage) may be used for more severe infections.

What should be done in case of Cefuroxime overdose?

Overdosage of cephalosporins can cause cerebral irritation leading to convulsions. Serum levels of cefuroxime can be reduced by hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. If seizures occur, discontinue the drug and administer anticonvulsant therapy if clinically indicated.

Does Cefuroxime affect laboratory tests?

Cefuroxime can cause prolonged prothrombin time and pancytopenia, agranulocytosis.

What information regarding the safety and efficacy of Cefuroxime in patients with renal failure is available?

The safety and efficacy of Cefuroxime axetil in patients with renal failure have not been established. Since Cefuroxime is renally eliminated, its half-life will be prolonged in patients with renal failure. A reduced dosage should be employed when renal function is impaired.