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Cefuroxime axetil

Prescription ANDA TE AB Official labelling
Informational index, not medical advice. Content is reproduced from public FDA and NLM data. Always confirm against the manufacturer's current prescribing information. Report adverse events to FDA MedWatch.

Overview

Brand name
Cefuroxime axetil
Generic name
Cefuroxime axetil
Dosage form
Tablet, Film Coated
Route
Oral
Marketing category
ANDA · ANDA
Labeler
PD-Rx Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Product type
Human Prescription Drug
DEA schedule
Not scheduled
Active ingredients
2
NDC product codes
26
Packages
45
Data completeness
82% of corroborating sources present

Active ingredients

Source: NDC Directory
Active ingredients and strengths as listed in the NDC Directory.
Ingredient Strength RxCUI Monograph
Cefuroxime Axetil 250 mg/1 309097 View
Cefuroxime Axetil 500 mg/1 309097 View

Forms, strengths and routes

Source: NDC Directory
Dosage form
Tablet, Film Coated
Route of administration
Oral
Presentations
71

Pharmacologic classes are listed in the class section below.

Pharmacologic class

Source: NDC Directory
Established pharmacologic classes (EPC), mechanisms of action (MoA), chemical structures (CS) and physiologic effects (PE).
Class Type Browse
Cephalosporin Antibacterial [EPC] EPC All 41 members
Cephalosporins [CS] CS All 41 members

Regulatory status

Source: Drugs@FDANDC Directory
Application number
065496
Application type
ANDA · Abbreviated New Drug Application
Approval date
June 7, 2010
Sponsor
ALKEM LABS LTD
Products on application
2
Submissions recorded
7
Products approved under application 065496.
Product Trade name Form Strength Ingredient Status TE Flags
065496-001 CEFUROXIME AXETIL TABLET CEFUROXIME AXETIL Prescription AB
065496-002 CEFUROXIME AXETIL TABLET CEFUROXIME AXETIL Prescription AB

Therapeutic equivalence

Source: Orange Book
TE code
AB
Reference Listed Drug
No
Reference Standard
No

What this rating means: Therapeutically equivalent — bioequivalence demonstrated by in vivo or in vitro testing

Codes beginning with “A” indicate products the FDA considers therapeutically equivalent. Codes beginning with “B” indicate bioequivalence has not been established. See methodology.

Approval history

Source: Drugs@FDA
Most recent submissions on application 065496.
Type No. Action Status Date Review
Supplement 15 Labeling Approved May 27, 2022 Standard
Supplement 12 Labeling Approved December 19, 2019 Standard
Supplement 10 Labeling Approved December 19, 2019 Standard
Supplement 6 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved April 19, 2017 Unknown
Supplement 7 Labeling Approved March 10, 2017 Standard
Supplement 4 Labeling Approved March 24, 2016 Standard
Original application 1 Approved June 7, 2010 —

Prescribing information

Source: openFDA Drug Labeling

Reproduced verbatim from the Structured Product Labeling submitted to the FDA (effective 20260116). This is the manufacturer's labelling text, not a summary and not advice.

HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG · 20260116 HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG · 20251211 HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG · 20250912 HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG · 20250731

Recent Major Changes

openFDA Drug Labeling

Indications and Usage, Acute Bacterial 11/2016 Exacerbations of Chronic Bronchitis and Secondary Bacterial Infections of Acute Bronchitis: Secondary Bacterial Infections of Acute Bronchitis (1.4)- Removed Dosage and Administration, Dosage for 11/2016 cefuroxime axetil tablets: Secondary Bacterial Infections of Acute Bronchitis (2.2)-Removed

Indications and Usage

openFDA Drug Labeling

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Cefuroxime axetil tablets are a cephalosporin antibacterial drug indicated for the treatment of the following infections due to susceptible bacteria: ( 1 ) • Pharyngitis/tonsillitis (adults and pediatric patients) ( 1.1 ) • Acute bacterial otitis media (pediatric patients) ( 1.2 ) • Acute bacterial maxillary sinusitis (adults and pediatric patients) ( 1.3 ) • Acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic bronchitis (adults and pediatric patients 13 years and older) ( 1.4 ) • Uncomplicated skin and skin-structure infections (adults and pediatric patients 13 years and older) ( 1.5 ) • Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (adults and pediatric patients 13 years and older) ( 1.6 ) • Uncomplicated gonorrhea (adults and pediatric patients 13 years and older) ( 1.7 ) • Early Lyme disease (adults and pediatric patients 13 years and older) ( 1.8 ) To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of cefuroxime axetil tablets and other antibacterial drugs, cefuroxime axetil tablets should be used only to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by bacteria. 1.1 Pharyngitis/Tonsillitis Cefuroxime axetil tablets are indicated for the treatment of adult patients and pediatric patients (13 years and older) with mild-to-moderate pharyngitis/tonsillitis caused by susceptible strains of Streptococcus pyogenes . Limitations of Use • The efficacy of cefuroxime axetil tablets in the prevention of rheumatic fever was not established in clinical trials. • The efficacy of cefuroxime axetil tablets in the treatment of penicillin-resistant strains of Streptococcus pyogenes has not been demonstrated in clinical trials. 1.2 Acute Bacterial Otitis Media Cefuroxime axetil tablets are indicated for the treatment of pediatric patients (who can swallow tablets whole) with acute bacterial otitis media caused by susceptible strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae (including β-lactamase–producing strains), Moraxella catarrhalis (including β-lactamase–producing strains), or Streptococcus pyogenes . 1.3 Acute Bacterial Maxillary Sinusitis Cefuroxime axetil tablets are indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients (13 years and older) with mild-to-moderate acute bacterial maxillary sinusitis caused by susceptible strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae or Haemophilus influenzae (non - β-lactamase–producing strains only). Limitations of Use The effectiveness of cefuroxime axetil tablets for sinus infections caused by β-lactamase–producing Haemophilus influenzae or Moraxella catarrhalis in patients with acute bacterial maxillary sinusitis was not established due to insufficient numbers of these isolates in the clinical trials [see Clinical Studies (14.1) ] . 1.4 Acute Bacterial Exacerbations of Chronic Bronchitis Cefuroxime axetil tablets are indicated for the treatment of adult patients and pediatric patients (aged 13 and older) with mild-to-moderate acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic bronchitis caused by susceptible strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae , Haemophilus influenzae (β-lactamase–negative strains), or Haemophilus parainfluenzae (β-lactamase–negative strains). 1.5 Uncomplicated Skin and Skin-Structure Infections Cefuroxime axetil tablets are indicated for the treatment of adult patients and pediatric patients (aged 13 and older) with uncomplicated skin and skin-structure infections caused by susceptible strains of Staphylococcus aureus (including β - lactamase–producing strains) or Streptococcus pyogenes. 1.6 Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections Cefuroxime axetil tablets are indicated for the treatment of adult patients and pediatric patients (aged 13 and older) with uncomplicated urinary tract infections caused by susceptible strains of Escherichia coli or Klebsiella pneumoniae . 1.7 Uncomplicated Gonorrhea Cefuroxime axetil tablets are indicated for the treatment of adult patients and pediatric patients (aged 13 and older) wi …

Dosage and Administration

openFDA Drug Labeling

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Tablets and oral suspension are not bioequivalent and are therefore not substitutable on a milligram-per-milligram basis. ( 2.1) Administer tablets with or without food. ( 2.2) Administer cefuroxime axetil tablets as described in the dosage guidelines. ( 2.2) Dosage adjustment is required for patients with impaired renal function. ( 2.5) Adult Patients and Pediatric Patients Dosage Guidelines for Cefuroxime Axetil Tablets Infection Dosage Duration (Days) Adults and Adolescents (13 years and older) Pharyngitis/tonsillitis (mild to moderate) 250 mg every 12 hours 10 Acute bacterial maxillary sinusitis (mild to moderate) 250 mg every 12 hours 10 Acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic bronchitis (mild to moderate) 250 or 500 mg every 12 hours 10 Uncomplicated skin and skin-structure infections 250 or 500 mg every 12 hours 10 Uncomplicated urinary tract infections 250 mg every 12 hours 7 to 10 Uncomplicated gonorrhea 1,000 mg single dose Early Lyme disease 500 mg every 12 hours 20 Pediatric Patients younger than 13 years (who can swallow tablets whole) Acute bacterial otitis media 250 mg every 12 hours 10 Acute bacterial maxillary sinusitis 250 mg every 12 hours 10 Tablets and oral suspension are not bioequivalent and are therefore not substitutable on a milligram-per-milligram basis. ( 2.1 ) Administer tablets with or without food. ( 2.2 ) Administer cefuroxime axetil tablets as described in the dosage guidelines. ( 2.2 ) Dosage adjustment is required for patients with impaired renal function. ( 2.5 ) Adult Patients and Pediatric Patients Dosage Guidelines for Cefuroxime Axetil Tablets Infection Dosage Duration (Days) Adults and Adolescents (13 years and older) Pharyngitis/tonsillitis (mild to moderate) 250 mg every 12 hours 10 Acute bacterial maxillary sinusitis (mild to moderate) 250 mg every 12 hours 10 Acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic bronchitis (mild to moderate) 250 or 500 mg every 12 hours 10 Uncomplicated skin and skin-structure infections 250 or 500 mg every 12 hours 10 Uncomplicated urinary tract infections 250 mg every 12 hours 7 to 10 Uncomplicated gonorrhea 1,000 mg single dose Early Lyme disease 500 mg every 12 hours 20 Pediatric Patients younger than 13 years (who can swallow tablets whole ) Acute bacterial otitis media 250 mg every 12 hours 10 Acute bacterial maxillary sinusitis 250 mg every 12 hours 10 2.1 Important Administration Instructions Cefuroxime axetil tablets and cefuroxime axetil for oral suspension are not bioequivalent and are therefore not substitutable on a milligram-per-milligram basis [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]. Administer cefuroxime axetil tablets as described in the appropriate dosage guidelines [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.2 )]. Administer cefuroxime axetil tablets with or without food. Pediatric patients (aged 13 years and older) who cannot swallow the cefuroxime axetil tablets whole should receive cefuroxime axetil for oral suspension because the tablet has a strong, persistent bitter taste when crushed [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.2 )]. 2.2 Dosage for Cefuroxime Axetil Tablets Administer cefuroxime axetil tablets as described in the dosage guidelines table below with or without food. Table 1. Adult Patients and Pediatric Patients Dosage Guidelines for Cefuroxime Axetil Tablets Infection Dosage Duration (Days) Adults and Adolescents (13 years and older) Pharyngitis/tonsillitis (mild to moderate) 250 mg every 12 hours 10 Acute bacterial maxillary sinusitis (mild to moderate) 250 mg every 12 hours 10 Acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic bronchitis (mild to moderate ) 250 or 500 mg every 12 hours 10a Uncomplicated skin and skin-structure infections 250 or 500 mg every 12 hours 10 Uncomplicated urinary tract infections 250 mg every 12 hours 7 to 10 Uncomplicated gonorrhea 1,000 mg single dose Early Lyme disease 500 mg every 12 hours 20 Pediatric Patients younger than 13 years (who can swallow tablets whole) b Acute bacterial otitis m …

Dosage Forms and Strengths

openFDA Drug Labeling

3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS Cefuroxime Axetil Tablets USP, 250 mg of cefuroxime (as cefuroxime axetil), are white to off-white, film-coated, capsule shaped tablets with ‘A33’ debossed on one side and plain on the other side. Cefuroxime Axetil Tablets USP, 500 mg of cefuroxime (as cefuroxime axetil), are white to off-white, film-coated, capsule shaped tablets with ‘A34’ debossed on one side and plain on the other side. • Tablets: 250 mg and 500 mg ( 3 )

Contraindications

openFDA Drug Labeling

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Cefuroxime axetil tablets are contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity (e.g., anaphylaxis) to cefuroxime axetil tablets or to other β-lactam antibacterial drugs (e.g., penicillins and cephalosporins). Known hypersensitivity (e.g., anaphylaxis) to cefuroxime axetil tablets or to other β-lactams (e.g., penicillins and cephalosporins). ( 4 )

Warnings and Cautions

openFDA Drug Labeling

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS • Serious hypersensitivity (anaphylactic) reactions: In the event of a serious reaction, discontinue cefuroxime axetil and institute appropriate therapy. ( 5.1 ) • Clostridioides difficile- associated diarrhea (CDAD): If diarrhea occurs, evaluate patients for CDAD. ( 5.2 ) 5.1 Anaphylactic Reactions Serious and occasionally fatal hypersensitivity (anaphylactic) reactions have been reported in patients on β-lactam antibacterials, including cefuroxime axetil [see Adverse Reactions (6.2) ] . These reactions are more likely to occur in individuals with a history of β-lactam hypersensitivity and/or a history of sensitivity to multiple allergens. There have been reports of individuals with a history of penicillin hypersensitivity who have experienced severe reactions when treated with cephalosporins. Cefuroxime axetil is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to cefuroxime axetil or other β-lactam antibacterial drugs [see Contraindications (4) ] . Before initiating therapy with cefuroxime axetil, inquire about previous hypersensitivity reactions to penicillins, cephalosporins, or other allergens. If an allergic reaction occurs, discontinue cefuroxime axetil and institute appropriate therapy. 5.2 Clostridioides difficile -Associated Diarrhea Clostridioides difficile- associated diarrhea (CDAD) has been reported with use of nearly all antibacterial agents, including cefuroxime axetil, and may range in severity from mild diarrhea to fatal colitis. Treatment with antibacterial agents alters the normal flora of the colon leading to overgrowth of C. difficile . C. difficile produces toxins A and B which contribute to the development of CDAD. Hypertoxin-producing strains of C. difficile cause increased morbidity and mortality, as these infections can be refractory to antimicrobial therapy and may require colectomy. CDAD must be considered in all patients who present with diarrhea following antibiotic use. Careful medical history is necessary since CDAD has been reported to occur over 2 months after the administration of antibacterial agents. If CDAD is suspected or confirmed, ongoing antibiotic use not directed against C. difficile may need to be discontinued. Appropriate fluid and electrolyte management, protein supplementation, antibiotic treatment of C. difficile , and surgical evaluation should be instituted as clinically indicated. 5.3 Potential for Microbial Overgrowth The possibility of superinfections with fungal or bacterial pathogens should be considered during therapy. 5.4 Development of Drug-Resistant Bacteria Prescribing cefuroxime axetil either in the absence of a proven or strongly suspected bacterial infection or a prophylactic indication is unlikely to provide benefit to the patient and increases the risk of the development of drug-resistant bacteria. 5.6 Interference with Glucose Tests A false-positive result for glucose in the urine may occur with copper reduction tests, and a false-negative result for blood/plasma glucose may occur with ferricyanide tests in subjects receiving cefuroxime axetil [see Drug Interactions (7.3) ] .

Adverse Reactions

openFDA Drug Labeling

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following serious and otherwise important adverse reaction is described in greater detail in the Warnings and Precautions section of the label: Anaphylactic Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )]. The most common adverse reactions (≥3%) for cefuroxime axetil tablets are diarrhea, nausea/vomiting, Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction, and vaginitis (early Lyme disease). ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Ascend Laboratories, LLC at 1-877-ASC-RX01 (877-272-7901) or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch . 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared with rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Tablets Multiple-Dose Dosing Regimens with 7 to 10 Days’ Duration : In multiple-dose clinical trials, 912 subjects were treated with cefuroxime axetil (125 to 500 mg twice daily). It is noted that 125 mg twice daily is not an approved dosage. Twenty (2.2%) subjects discontinued medication due to adverse reactions. Seventeen (85%) of the 20 subjects who discontinued therapy did so because of gastrointestinal disturbances, including diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. The percentage of subjects treated with cefuroxime axetil who discontinued study drug because of adverse reactions was similar at daily doses of 1,000, 500, and 250 mg (2.3%, 2.1%, and 2.2%, respectively). However, the incidence of gastrointestinal adverse reactions increased with the higher recommended doses. The adverse reactions in Table 5 are for subjects (n = 912) treated with cefuroxime axetil in multiple-dose clinical trials. Table 5. Adverse Reactions (≥1%) after Multiple-Dose Regimens with Cefuroxime Axetil Tablets Adverse Reaction Cefuroxime Axetil (n = 912) Blood and lymphatic system disorders Eosinophilia 1% Gastrointestinal disorders Diarrhea 4% Nausea/Vomiting 3% Investigations Transient elevation in AST 2% Transient elevation in ALT 2% Transient elevation in LDH 1% The following adverse reactions occurred in less than 1% but greater than 0.1% of subjects (n = 912) treated with cefuroxime axetil in multiple-dose clinical trials. Immune System Disorders: Hives, swollen tongue. Metabolism and Nutrition Disorders: Anorexia. Nervous System Disorders: Headache. Cardiac Disorders: Chest pain. Respiratory Disorders: Shortness of breath. Gastrointestinal Disorders: Abdominal pain, abdominal cramps, flatulence, indigestion, mouth ulcers. Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders: Rash, itch. Renal and Urinary Disorders: Dysuria. Reproductive System and Breast Disorders: Vaginitis, vulvar itch. General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions: Chills, sleepiness, thirst. Investigations: Positive Coombs’ test. Early Lyme Disease with 20-Day Regimen: Two multicenter trials assessed cefuroxime axetil tablets 500 mg twice daily for 20 days. The most common drug-related adverse experiences were diarrhea (10.6%), Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction (5.6%), and vaginitis (5.4%). Other adverse experiences occurred with frequencies comparable to those reported with 7 to 10 days’ dosing. Single-Dose Regimen for Uncomplicated Gonorrhea: In clinical trials using a single 1,000-mg dose of cefuroxime axetil, 1,061 subjects were treated for uncomplicated gonorrhea. The adverse reactions in Table 6 were for subjects treated with a single dose of 1,000 mg cefuroxime axetil in U.S. clinical trials. Table 6. Adverse Reactions (≥1%) after Single-Dose Regimen with 1,000-mg Cefuroxime Axetil Tablets for Uncomplicated Gonorrhea Adverse Reaction Cefuroxime axetil (n = 1,061) Gastrointestinal disorders Nausea/Vomiting 7% Diarrhea 4% The following adverse reactions occurred in less than 1% but greater than 0.1% of subjects (n = 1,061) treated with a single dose of cefuroxime axetil 1,000 mg for uncomplicated gonorrhea in U.S. clinical trial …

Drug Interactions

openFDA Drug Labeling

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS • Oral Contraceptives: Effects on gut flora may lower estrogen reabsorption and reduce efficacy of oral contraceptives. ( 7.1 ) • Drugs that reduce gastric acidity may lower the bioavailability of cefuroxime axetil. ( 7.2 ) • Co-administration with probenecid increases systemic exposure to cefuroxime axetil and is therefore not recommended. ( 7.3 ) 7.1 Oral Contraceptives Cefuroxime axetil may affect the gut flora, leading to lower estrogen reabsorption and reduced efficacy of combined oral estrogen/progesterone contraceptives. Counsel patients to consider alternate supplementary (non-hormonal) contraceptive measures during treatment. 7.2 Drugs that Reduce Gastric Acidity Drugs that reduce gastric acidity may result in a lower bioavailability of cefuroxime axetil compared with administration in the fasting state. Administration of drugs that reduce gastric acidity may negate the food effect of increased absorption of cefuroxime axetil when administered in the postprandial state. Administer cefuroxime axetil at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after administration of short-acting antacids. Histamine-2 (H2) antagonists and proton pump inhibitors should be avoided. 7.3 Probenecid Concomitant administration of probenecid with cefuroxime axetil tablets increases serum concentrations of cefuroxime [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. Co-administration of probenecid with cefuroxime axetil is not recommended. 7.4 Drug/Laboratory Test Interactions A false-positive reaction for glucose in the urine may occur with copper reduction tests (e.g., Benedict's or Fehling's solution), 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 axetil. The presence of cefuroxime does not interfere with the assay of serum and urine creatinine by the alkaline picrate method.

Use in Specific Populations

openFDA Drug Labeling

8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS 8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Available data from published epidemiologic studies, case series, and case reports over several decades with cephalosporin use, including cefuroxime axetil, in pregnant women have not established drug-associated risks of major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes (see Data) . In studies in pregnant mice and rats administered oral cefuroxime axetil during organogenesis at 14 and 9 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) based on body surface area, respectively, there were no adverse developmental outcomes (see Data). The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated populations are unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defects, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively. Clinical Considerations Disease-Associated Maternal and/or Embryo/Fetal Risk: Maternal gonorrhea may be associated with preterm birth, low neonatal birth weight, chorioamnionitis, intrauterine growth restriction, small for gestational age, and premature rupture of membranes. Perinatal transmission of gonorrhea to the offspring can result in infant blindness, joint infections, and bloodstream infections. Data Human Data: While available studies cannot definitively establish the absence of risk, published data from epidemiologic studies, case series, and case reports over several decades have not identified an association with cephalosporin use (including cefuroxime axetil) during pregnancy and major birth defects, miscarriage, or other adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. Available studies have methodologic limitations, including small sample size, retrospective data collection, and inconsistent comparator groups. Animal Data: Studies performed with oral cefuroxime axetil administered to pregnant mice during organogenesis (Gestation Days 7 through 16) at doses up to 3,200 mg/kg/day (14 times the MRHD based on body surface area); and in rats dosed during organogenesis and lactation (Gestation Days 7 through 16 and Gestation Days 17 through Lactation Day 21, respectively) at doses up to 1,000 mg/kg/day (9 times the MRHD based on body surface area) have revealed no adverse developmental outcomes. 8.2 Lactation Risk Summary Based on several published case reports describing multiple lactating women who received cefuroxime via intravenous, intramuscular, and oral routes, cefuroxime is present in human milk. The highest maternal milk concentration described occurred in lactating women 8 hours after an intramuscular administration of cefuroxime 750 mg. Allowing for an infant milk consumption of 150 mL/kg/day, the estimated breastfed infant dose would be less than 1% of the adult dose . No data are available on the effects of the drug on the breastfed infant or the effects of the drug on milk production. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for cefuroxime and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from cefuroxime or from the underlying maternal condition. 8.4 Pediatric Use The safety and effectiveness of cefuroxime axetil have been established for pediatric patients aged 3 months to 12 years for acute bacterial maxillary sinusitis based upon its approval in adults. Use of cefuroxime axetil in pediatric patients is supported by pharmacokinetic and safety data in adults and pediatric patients, and by clinical and microbiological data from adequate and well-controlled trials of the treatment of acute bacterial maxillary sinusitis in adults and of acute otitis media with effusion in pediatric patients. It is also supported by postmarketing adverse events surveillance. [See Indications and Usage ( 1 ), Dosage and Administration ( 2 ), Adverse Reactions (6), Clinical Pharma …

Mechanism of Action

openFDA Drug Labeling

12.1 Mechanism of Action Cefuroxime axetil is an antibacterial drug [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.4 )].

Description

openFDA Drug Labeling

11 DESCRIPTION Cefuroxime axetil tablets, USP contain cefuroxime as cefuroxime axetil. Cefuroxime axetil is a semisynthetic, cephalosporin antibacterial drug for oral administration. The chemical name of cefuroxime axetil (1-(acetyloxy) ethyl ester of cefuroxime) is ( RS )-1 hydroxyethyl (6 R ,7 R )-7-[2-(2-furyl)glyoxyl-amido]-3-(hydroxymethyl)-8-oxo-5-thia-1 azabicyclo[4.2.0]-oct-2-ene-2-carboxylate, 72-( Z )-( O -methyl-oxime), 1-acetate 3-carbamate. Its molecular formula is C 20 H 22 N 4 O 10 S, and it has a molecular weight of 510.48. Cefuroxime axetil is in the amorphous form and has the following structural formula: Cefuroxime axetil tablets, USP are film-coated and contain the equivalent of 250 or 500 mg of cefuroxime as cefuroxime axetil. Cefuroxime axetil tablets, USP contain the inactive ingredients microcrystalline cellulose, croscarmellose sodium, sodium lauryl sulfate, colloidal silicon dioxide, calcium stearate, calcium carbonate, crospovidone, hypromellose, titanium dioxide, propylene glycol, FD &C blue no.1 Aluminium lake. cefuroxime-structure

10 OVERDOSAGE Overdosage of cephalosporins can cause cerebral irritation leading to convulsions or encephalopathy. Serum levels of cefuroxime can be reduced by hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.

How Supplied / Storage and Handling

openFDA Drug Labeling

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING Cefuroxime axetil tablets, USP 250 mg of cefuroxime (as cefuroxime axetil), are blue, capsule-shaped, biconvex, film-coated tablets with ''204 debossed on one side and plain on the other side as follows: 20 Tablets/Bottle NDC 67877-215-20 60 Tablets/Bottle NDC 67877-215-60 100 Tablets/Bottle NDC 67877-215-01 30 Tablets (3x10 Unit-dose Tablets) NDC 67877-215-84 Cefuroxime Axetil Tablets, USP 500 mg of cefuroxime (as cefuroxime axetil), are blue, capsule-shaped, biconvex, film-coated tablets with 203'' debossed on one side and plain on the other side as follows: 20 Tablets/Bottle NDC 67877-216-20 60 Tablets/Bottle NDC 67877-216-60 100 Tablets/Bottle NDC 67877-216-01 30 Tablets (3x10 Unit-dose Tablets) NDC 67877-216-84 Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F). [See USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Replace cap securely after each opening.

Adverse event reports

Source: openFDA FAERS
3,415
FAERS reports mentioning this drug
as of 2026-09-25T03:42:24+00:00
A report count is not a risk measure. FAERS accepts voluntary and mandatory reports without establishing causation, and reporting is influenced by how widely a drug is used, how long it has been marketed, and media attention. FDA states that reports “do not prove that the drug caused the event”. Compare rates, not totals.

Attributed to this product's most-reported active ingredient: CEFUROXIME AXETIL. Combination products with more than six active ingredients are not attributed, because a report count summed across a long ingredient list measures the list, not the medicine.

Packaging and NDCs

Source: NDC Directory
Every National Drug Code package associated with this medication. The NDC is the identifier used for dispensing, billing and pharmacovigilance in the United States.
Package NDC Product NDC Labeler Description Marketing start
50090-2157-0 50090-2157 A-S Medication Solutions 20 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BOTTLE (50090-2157-0) October 21, 2015
50090-2158-0 50090-2158 A-S Medication Solutions 20 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BOTTLE (50090-2158-0) October 21, 2015
50090-2158-3 50090-2158 A-S Medication Solutions 14 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BOTTLE (50090-2158-3) October 21, 2015
50090-2159-0 50090-2159 A-S Medication Solutions 20 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BOTTLE (50090-2159-0) October 21, 2015
50090-2159-1 50090-2159 A-S Medication Solutions 14 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BOTTLE (50090-2159-1) August 26, 2024
80425-0571-1 80425-0571 Advanced Rx of Tennessee, LLC 20 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BOTTLE (80425-0571-1) January 16, 2026
80425-0571-2 80425-0571 Advanced Rx of Tennessee, LLC 60 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BOTTLE (80425-0571-2) January 16, 2026
60687-272-94 60687-272 American Health Packaging 20 BLISTER PACK in 1 BOX, UNIT-DOSE (60687-272-94) / 1 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BLISTER PACK (60687-272-11) May 23, 2018
60687-283-94 60687-283 American Health Packaging 20 BLISTER PACK in 1 CARTON (60687-283-94) / 1 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BLISTER PACK (60687-283-11) June 26, 2023
67877-215-01 67877-215 Ascend Laboratories, LLC 100 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BOTTLE (67877-215-01) December 1, 2010
67877-215-20 67877-215 Ascend Laboratories, LLC 20 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BOTTLE (67877-215-20) December 1, 2010
67877-215-60 67877-215 Ascend Laboratories, LLC 60 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BOTTLE (67877-215-60) December 1, 2010
67877-215-84 67877-215 Ascend Laboratories, LLC 30 BLISTER PACK in 1 CARTON (67877-215-84) / 10 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BLISTER PACK December 1, 2010
67877-216-01 67877-216 Ascend Laboratories, LLC 100 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BOTTLE (67877-216-01) December 1, 2010
67877-216-20 67877-216 Ascend Laboratories, LLC 20 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BOTTLE (67877-216-20) December 1, 2010
67877-216-60 67877-216 Ascend Laboratories, LLC 60 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BOTTLE (67877-216-60) December 1, 2010
67877-216-84 67877-216 Ascend Laboratories, LLC 30 BLISTER PACK in 1 CARTON (67877-216-84) / 10 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BLISTER PACK December 1, 2010
51407-333-20 51407-333 Golden State Medical Supply, Inc. 20 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BOTTLE (51407-333-20) January 29, 2021
51407-333-60 51407-333 Golden State Medical Supply, Inc. 60 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BOTTLE (51407-333-60) January 29, 2021
51407-334-20 51407-334 Golden State Medical Supply, Inc. 20 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BOTTLE (51407-334-20) January 29, 2021
51407-334-60 51407-334 Golden State Medical Supply, Inc. 60 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BOTTLE (51407-334-60) January 29, 2021
0904-7542-10 0904-7542 Major Pharmaceuticals 2 BLISTER PACK in 1 CARTON (0904-7542-10) / 10 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BLISTER PACK August 25, 2025
68071-3899-4 68071-3899 NuCare Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 14 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BOTTLE (68071-3899-4) September 24, 2025
68071-3975-4 68071-3975 NuCare Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 14 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BOTTLE (68071-3975-4) March 30, 2026
68071-1637-2 68071-1637 NuCare Pharmaceuticals,Inc. 20 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BOTTLE (68071-1637-2) March 4, 2019
68071-4947-2 68071-4947 NuCare Pharmaceuticals,Inc. 2 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BOTTLE (68071-4947-2) June 26, 2019
43063-656-14 43063-656 PD-Rx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 14 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BOTTLE, PLASTIC (43063-656-14) July 8, 2024
43063-656-20 43063-656 PD-Rx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 20 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BOTTLE, PLASTIC (43063-656-20) February 5, 2016
43063-657-20 43063-657 PD-Rx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 20 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BOTTLE, PLASTIC (43063-657-20) February 5, 2016
43063-657-60 43063-657 PD-Rx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 60 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BOTTLE, PLASTIC (43063-657-60) December 18, 2019
72789-035-14 72789-035 PD-Rx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 14 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BOTTLE, PLASTIC (72789-035-14) May 15, 2023
72789-035-20 72789-035 PD-Rx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 20 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BOTTLE, PLASTIC (72789-035-20) December 18, 2019
72789-035-60 72789-035 PD-Rx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 60 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BOTTLE, PLASTIC (72789-035-60) December 18, 2019
68788-8905-2 68788-8905 Preferred Pharmaceuticals Inc. 20 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BOTTLE (68788-8905-2) July 31, 2025
63187-991-20 63187-991 Proficient Rx LP 20 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BOTTLE (63187-991-20) March 1, 2018
63187-991-60 63187-991 Proficient Rx LP 60 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BOTTLE (63187-991-60) December 1, 2010
70518-3215-4 70518-3215 REMEDYREPACK INC. 14 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BOTTLE, PLASTIC (70518-3215-4) January 13, 2024
67296-2079-2 67296-2079 Redpharm Drug 20 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BOTTLE (67296-2079-2) March 29, 2006
67296-2168-7 67296-2168 Redpharm Drug 14 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BOTTLE (67296-2168-7) December 1, 2010
67296-2265-2 67296-2265 Redpharm Drug 20 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BOTTLE (67296-2265-2) March 29, 2006
67296-2265-4 67296-2265 Redpharm Drug 14 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BOTTLE (67296-2265-4) March 29, 2006
57237-058-20 57237-058 Rising Pharma Holdings, Inc. 20 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BOTTLE (57237-058-20) March 29, 2006
57237-058-60 57237-058 Rising Pharma Holdings, Inc. 60 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BOTTLE (57237-058-60) March 29, 2006
57237-059-20 57237-059 Rising Pharma Holdings, Inc. 20 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BOTTLE (57237-059-20) March 29, 2006
57237-059-60 57237-059 Rising Pharma Holdings, Inc. 60 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BOTTLE (57237-059-60) March 29, 2006
50090-2157 50090-2157 A-S Medication Solutions — December 1, 2010
50090-2158 50090-2158 A-S Medication Solutions — December 1, 2010
50090-2159 50090-2159 A-S Medication Solutions — December 1, 2010
80425-0571 80425-0571 Advanced Rx of Tennessee, LLC — January 16, 2026
60687-272 60687-272 American Health Packaging — May 23, 2018
60687-283 60687-283 American Health Packaging — June 26, 2023
67877-215 67877-215 Ascend Laboratories, LLC — December 1, 2010
67877-216 67877-216 Ascend Laboratories, LLC — December 1, 2010
51407-333 51407-333 Golden State Medical Supply, Inc. — June 7, 2010
51407-334 51407-334 Golden State Medical Supply, Inc. — June 7, 2010
0904-7542 0904-7542 Major Pharmaceuticals — August 25, 2025
68071-3899 68071-3899 NuCare Pharmaceuticals, Inc. — March 29, 2006
68071-3975 68071-3975 NuCare Pharmaceuticals, Inc. — December 1, 2010
68071-1637 68071-1637 NuCare Pharmaceuticals,Inc. — December 1, 2010
68071-4947 68071-4947 NuCare Pharmaceuticals,Inc. — December 1, 2010
43063-656 43063-656 PD-Rx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. — December 1, 2010
43063-657 43063-657 PD-Rx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. — December 1, 2010
72789-035 72789-035 PD-Rx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. — December 1, 2010
68788-8905 68788-8905 Preferred Pharmaceuticals Inc. — July 31, 2025
63187-991 63187-991 Proficient Rx LP — December 1, 2010
70518-3215 70518-3215 REMEDYREPACK INC. — September 8, 2021
67296-2079 67296-2079 Redpharm Drug — March 29, 2006
67296-2168 67296-2168 Redpharm Drug — December 1, 2010
67296-2265 67296-2265 Redpharm Drug — March 29, 2006
57237-058 57237-058 Rising Pharma Holdings, Inc. — March 29, 2006
57237-059 57237-059 Rising Pharma Holdings, Inc. — March 29, 2006

Sources for this page

Every dataset that contributed a fact to this page.
Dataset Agency Used for
NDC Directory FDA Identity, ingredients, strengths, forms, routes, labelers, packages
Drugs@FDA FDA Application, sponsor, submissions, review documents, marketing status
Orange Book FDA Therapeutic equivalence codes, reference drug flags, patents, exclusivity
Drug Labeling FDA / NLM Prescribing information reproduced above
FAERS FDA Adverse event report counts

Generated September 25, 2026 · 12 sections on this page.