The Basics
What is Cefuroxime?
Used to treat certain infections caused by bacteria, such as bronchitis; gonorrhea; Lyme disease; and infections of the skin, ears, sinuses, throat, tonsils,, and urinary tract.
Brand names for Cefuroxime
Zinacef
How Cefuroxime is classified
Anti-Infective Agents, Antibacterial Agents, Cephalosporins
Cefuroxime During Pregnancy
Cefuroxime pregnancy category
Category BNote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Cefuroxime while pregnant
Reproduction studies have been performed in mice at doses up to 6,400 mg/kg/day (6.3 times the recommended maximum human dose based on mg/m2) and rabbits at doses up to 400 mg/kg/day (2.1 times the recommended maximum human dose based on mg/m2) and have revealed no evidence of impaired fertility or harm to the fetus due to cefuroxime. There are, however, no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.
Taking Cefuroxime While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Cefuroxime?
Limited information indicates that cefuroxime produces low levels in milk that are not expected to cause severe adverse effects in breastfed infants. Occasionally disruption of the infant’s gastrointestinal flora, resulting in diarrhea or thrush have been reported with cephalosporins, but these effects have not been adequately evaluated. Cefuroxime is acceptable in nursing mothers.
Maternal / infant drug levels
Limited information indicates that cefuroxime produces low levels in milk that are not expected to cause severe adverse effects in breastfed infants. Occasionally disruption of the infant’s gastrointestinal flora, resulting in diarrhea or thrush have been reported with cephalosporins, but these effects have not been adequately evaluated. Cefuroxime is acceptable in nursing mothers.
Possible effects of Cefuroxime on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Possible alternatives to Cefuroxime
None listed
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/1. Takase Z, Shirofuji H, Uchida M. Fundamental and clinical studies of cefuroxime in the field of obstetrics and gynecology. Chemotherapy (Tokyo). 1979;27 (Suppl 6):600-2.
2. Voropaeva SD, Emel’ianova AI, Ankirskaia AS et al. [Effectiveness of using cefuroxime in the obstetrics and gynecology clinic]. Antibiotiki. 1981;27:697-701. PMID: 7149693
3. Amiraslanova LA, Emel’ianova AI, Fursova SA, Rukhadze TG. [Various characteristics of the pharmacokinetics of ampicillin, kanamycin and cefuroxime in puerperants with endometritis]. Akush Ginekol (Mosk). 1985;Oct; (10):14-7. PMID: 2934996
4. Nakamura T, Hashimoto I, Sawada Y, Mikami J. [Clinical studies on cefuroxime axetil in acute mastitis]. Jpn J Antibiot. 1987;40:340-8. PMID: 3599383
5. Kiriazopoulos E, Zaharaki S, Vonaparti A et al. Quantification of three beta-lactam antibiotics in breast milk and human plasma by hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography/positive-ion electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. Drug Test Anal. 2017;9:1062-72. PMID: 27714984
6. Benyamini L, Merlob P, Stahl B et al. The safety of amoxicillin/clavulanic acid and cefuroxime during lactation. Ther Drug Monit. 2005;27:499-502. PMID: 16044108
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
