A Relook of Cefuroxime in Community Infections: An Option Still Beneficial

Abstract

In community and family practice, infections are a common OPD presentation. In the management of common bacterial infections seen in community especially RTI, UTI, SSTI; cefuroxime a second generation cephalosporin with a broad spectrum of activity can be used for empirical treatment. To know current place of cefuroxime in the management of infections, physicians, surgeons, microbiologist, chest physician, gynecologist and pediatrician came together to discuss and debate their experience with cefuroxime and its place in today's world. Cefuroxime is a drug which balances efficacy with safety. Several international bodies and guidelines including the US FDA and The British Thoracic Society, the World Society of Emergency Surgery (WSES) have recommended cefuroxime for the management of community acquired pneumonia and skin and soft tissue infection respectively. Cefuroxime has been recommended in the 2015 list of the US FDA list of drugs which can be used safely during pregnancy. Cefuroxime can become a useful empiric choice antibiotic for the Indian physicians treating urinary tract infections, respiratory tract infections and skin and soft tissue infections in their outpatient departments.