Zinacef

Drug name: Zinacef

Other names used:

• Zinacef®

Active Ingredients: cefuroxime

Therapeutic action: Zinacef is a bactericidal cephalosporin antibiotic which is resistant to most beta-lactamases and is active against a wide range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms.

Indications: It is indicated for the treatment of infections before the infecting organism has been identified or when caused by sensitive bacteria. In addition, it is an effective prophylactic against post-operative infection in a variety of operations. Usually Zinacef will be effective alone, but when appropriate it may be used in combination with an aminoglycoside antibiotic, or in conjunction with metronidazole, orally or by suppository or injection.
Indications include:

• Respiratory tract infections for example, acute and chronic bronchitis, infected bronchiectasis, bacterial pneumonia, lung abscess and post operative chest infections;
• Ear, nose and throat infections for example, sinusitis, tonsillitis and pharyngitis;
• Urinary tract infections for example acute and chronic pyelonephritis, cystitis and asymptomatic bacteriuria;
• Soft-tissue infections for example cellulitis, erysipelas, peritonitis and wound infections;
• Bone and joint infections for example, osteomyelitis and septic arthritis;
• Obstetric and gynaecological infections pelvic inflammatory diseases;
• Gonorrhoea particularly when penicillin is unsuitable;
• Other infections including septicaemia and meningitis;
• Prophylaxis against infection in abdominal, pelvic, orthopaedic, cardiac, pulmonary, oesophageal and vascular surgery where there is increased risk from infection.

Contraindications and cautions: Hypersensitivity to cephalosporin antibiotics.

Common side effects:

• Neutropenia, eosinophilia;
• Transient rise in liver enzymes;
• Injection site reactions which may include pain and thrombophlebitis.

Uncommon side effects:

• Candida overgrowth from prolonged use;
• Leukopenia, decreased haemoglobin concentration, positive Coomb's test;
• Skin rash, urticaria and pruritus;
• Gastrointestinal disturbance;
• Transient rise in bilirubin;

Rare side efects:

• Thrombocytopenia;
• Drug fever.

Very rare side efects:

• Haemolytic anaemia;
• Interstitial nephritis, anaphylaxis;
• Pseudomembranous colitis;
• Erythema multiforme, toxic epidermal necrolysis and Stevens Johnson Syndrome;
• Elevations in serum creatinine, elevations in blood urea nitrogen and decreased creatinine clearance.

Interactions: A false-positive reaction for glucose in the urine may occur with copper reduction tests (Benedict's or Fehling's solution or with CLINITEST® 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 ZINACEF.
Cefuroxime does not interfere with the assay of serum and urine creatinine by the alkaline picrate method.

Additional Information: DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS PRODUCT, as well as syringes and needles, if needed during treatment, out of the reach of children. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials.