Mefoxin
Mefoxin - General Information
Broad-spectrum cephalosporin antibiotic resistant to beta-lactamase. It has been proposed for infections with gram-negative and gram-positive organisms, gonorrhea, and haemophilus. [PubChem]
Pharmacology of Mefoxin
Mefoxin is a β-lactam type antibiotic. More specifically, it is a second-generation cephalosporin. Cephalosporins work the same way as penicillins: they interfere with the peptidoglycan synthesis of the bacterial wall by inhibiting the final transpeptidation needed for the cross-links. This effect is bactericidal. Mefoxin is effective against the following organisms: Aerobic Gram-positive Microorganisms: Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes. Aerobic Gram-negative Microorganisms: Escherichia coli, Haemophilus influenzae (including beta-lactamase-producing strains), Haemophilus parainfluenzae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Moraxella catarrhalis (including beta-lactamase-producing strains), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (including beta-lactamase-producing strains). Spirochetes: Borrelia burgdorferi.
Mefoxin for patients
Patients should be counseled that antibacterial drugs including Cefuroxime for Injection USP and Dextrose Injection USP should only be used to treat bacterial infections. They do not treat viral infections (e.g., the common cold). When Cefuroxime for Injection USP and Dextrose Injection USP is prescribed to treat a bacterial infection, patients should be told that although it is common to feel better early in the course of therapy, the medication should be taken exactly as directed. Skipping doses or not completing the full course of therapy may (1) decrease the effectiveness of the immediate treatment and (2) increase the likelihood that bacteria will develop resistance and will not be treatable by Cefuroxime for Injection USP and Dextrose Injection USP or other antibacterial drugs in the future.
Mefoxin Interactions
Drug/Laboratory Test Interactions: A false-positive reaction for glucose in the urine may occur with copper reduction tests (Benedictís or Fehlingís solution or with ClinitestÒ tablets) but not with enzyme-based tests for glycosuria. As a false-negative result may occur in the ferricyanide test, it is recommended that either the glucose oxidase or hexokinase method be used to determine blood plasma glucose levels in patients receiving cefuroxime.
Cefuroxime does not interfere with the assay of serum and urine creatinine by the alkaline picrate method.
Mefoxin Contraindications
Cefuroxime for Injection USP and Dextrose Injection USP is contraindicated in patients with known allergy to the cephalosporin group of antibiotics. Solutions containing dextrose may be contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to corn products.
Additional information about Mefoxin
Mefoxin Indication: For the treatment of many different types of bacterial infections such as bronchitis, sinusitis, tonsillitis, ear infections, skin infections, gonorrhea, and urinary tract infections.
Mechanism Of Action: Mefoxin, like the penicillins, is a beta-lactam antibiotic. By binding to specific penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) located inside the bacterial cell wall, it inhibits the third and last stage of bacterial cell wall synthesis. Cell lysis is then mediated by bacterial cell wall autolytic enzymes such as autolysins; it is possible that cefuroxime interferes with an autolysin inhibitor.
Drug Interactions: Probenecid Probenecid increases the antibiotic's level
Food Interactions: Take with food to increase absorption.
Generic Name: Cefuroxime
Synonyms: Cefuroxime [USAN-BAN-INN]; Cefuroximo [INN-Spanish]; Cefuroximum [INN-Latin]; Cefuroxim
Drug Category: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Cephalosporins
Drug Type: Small Molecule; Approved
Other Brand Names containing Cefuroxime: Ancef; Biofuroksym; Cedax; Cefizox; Cefobid; Cefotan; Ceftin; Cefurax; Cefuril; Cefzil; Cepazine; Cephuroxime; Duricef; Elobact; Kefurox; Kefzol; Kerurox; Mandol; Maxipime; Mefoxin; Monocid; Oraxim; Rocephin; Sharox; Velosef; Zinacef; Zinat; Zinnat;
Absorption: Absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Absorption is greater when taken after food (absolute bioavailability increases from 37% to 52%).
Toxicity (Overdose): Allergic reactions might be expected, including rash, nasal congestion, cough, dry throat, eye irritation, or anaphylactic shock. Overdosage of cephalosporins can cause cerebral irritation leading to convulsions.
Protein Binding: 50% to serum protein
Biotransformation: The axetil moiety is metabolized to acetaldehyde and acetic acid.
Half Life: Approximately 80 minutes following intramuscular or intravenous injection.
Dosage Forms of Mefoxin: Powder, for solution Oral
Tablet Oral
Powder, for solution Intravenous
Chemical IUPAC Name: (6R,7R)-3-(carbamoyloxymethyl)-7-[[(2E)-2-furan-2-yl-2-methoxyiminoacetyl]amino]-8-oxo-5-thia-1-azabicyclo[4.2.0]oct-2-ene-2-carboxylic acid
Chemical Formula: C16H16N4O8S
Cefuroxime on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cefuroxime
Organisms Affected: Enteric bacteria and other eubacteria
