Stemcef-500
Cefuroxim Axetil 500 mg
| Composition | Cefuroxim Axetil 500 mg |
|---|---|
| Packing | 10x1X10 Alu/Alu |
| MRP | ₹ 5860 |
| Dosage Form | Tablets |
About Stemcef-500
Stemcef-500 is an antibiotic tablet containing Cefuroxime Axetil 500 mg, a second-generation cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat moderate to more serious bacterial infections. The higher 500 mg strength is prescribed when a stronger dose is needed to effectively clear the infection, as determined by your doctor.
Like Stemcef-250, the 500 mg tablet is a prodrug form that is converted to active Cefuroxime in the body. It provides broad-spectrum antibacterial coverage across respiratory, urinary, skin, and other common infection sites, with stability against many beta-lactamase-producing bacteria.
Uses of Stemcef-500
This medicine is commonly used for:
- Moderate to severe respiratory infections including pneumonia and bronchitis
- Complicated urinary tract infections
- Moderate skin and soft tissue infections
- Sinusitis and ear infections requiring higher antibiotic exposure
- Early Lyme disease (as prescribed by a doctor)
Indications
Cefuroxime Axetil 500 mg is indicated for moderate to moderately severe infections including community-acquired pneumonia, complicated urinary tract infections, acute bacterial sinusitis, pharyngitis/tonsillitis, skin and soft tissue infections, and early disseminated Lyme disease. At this higher dose, it provides augmented tissue concentrations effective against susceptible gram-positive and gram-negative organisms including beta-lactamase-producing H. influenzae, M. catarrhalis, and S. aureus.
How Stemcef-500 Works
Cefuroxime in Stemcef-500 kills bacteria by preventing them from constructing their cell walls — an essential outer structure that bacteria need to survive. Without a properly formed cell wall, the bacteria burst and die. The 500 mg dose delivers a higher concentration of the antibiotic to infection sites, making it appropriate for more significant infections.
Mechanism of Action
Cefuroxime Axetil is an orally administered prodrug ester that is hydrolysed post-absorption to active Cefuroxime. Cefuroxime binds with high affinity to essential penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs 1a, 1b, 2, and 3) on the bacterial cytoplasmic membrane, inhibiting cell wall transpeptidase enzymes and preventing peptidoglycan cross-linking. This results in loss of cell wall structural integrity, autolytic enzyme activation, and bactericidal cell death. The 500 mg dose achieves higher maximum plasma concentrations and area-under-curve values, improving efficacy against organisms requiring higher minimum inhibitory concentrations.
Key Benefits
- Higher 500 mg dose provides greater antibacterial exposure for moderate infections
- Effective against beta-lactamase-producing resistant bacteria
- Convenient oral therapy for infections that might otherwise need intravenous antibiotics
- Established safety profile across a broad patient population
Did You Know?
Cefuroxime Axetil is one of the few second-generation cephalosporins available in oral tablet form that achieves adequate blood and tissue concentrations to treat community-acquired pneumonia without needing an injection — a significant convenience for patients.
When & How to Take
Stemcef-500 should be taken with food to maximise absorption, at regular intervals as prescribed by your doctor. Swallow the tablet whole and complete the entire prescribed course. Your doctor will determine the duration based on the type and severity of infection.
Always follow the dosage and schedule advised by your doctor — this is general guidance only.
Possible Side Effects
Some people may experience diarrhoea, nausea, stomach pain, or headache. A skin rash may occasionally occur. As with any antibiotic, antibiotic-associated diarrhoea is possible. Tell your doctor if any side effect is severe or persistent.
Precautions & Safety
- Inform your doctor of any known penicillin or cephalosporin allergy before use
- Take with food to improve absorption and reduce stomach discomfort
- Complete the full prescribed course without interruption
- Inform your doctor if you have kidney impairment, as dose adjustment may be required
- Do not self-medicate or share this antibiotic
Myths vs Facts
The higher the dose, the faster the infection will clear.
Your doctor prescribes the dose that is effective and safe for your specific infection. Taking more than prescribed does not speed up cure and increases the risk of side effects.
You only need antibiotics for a couple of days because you feel fine quickly.
Bacteria may still be present even after symptoms resolve. Completing the full course prevents relapse and the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
