Cefuroxime 500 is a prescription antibiotic containing Cefuroxime Axetil. It is highly effective against a wide range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. By inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis, it effectively stops the growth of bacteria causing infections in the lungs, ears, throat, and urinary tract. Produced by The ACME Laboratories Ltd. (as Curocef 500), it is a mainstay in anti-infective therapy.
What is Cefuroxime 500 Used For?
Cefuroxime 500 mg is primarily prescribed for:
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Respiratory Tract Infections: Treatment of pneumonia, acute bronchitis, and tonsillitis.
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Ear, Nose, and Throat Infections: Effective against otitis media, sinusitis, and pharyngitis.
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Urinary Tract Infections (UTI): Treatment of uncomplicated UTIs like cystitis and pyelonephritis.
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Skin and Soft Tissue Infections: Management of furunculosis, pyoderma, and impetigo.
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Lyme Disease: Early-stage treatment of Lyme disease in adults and children.
Clinical Insight: Cefuroxime is stable in the presence of many beta-lactamase enzymes, making it more potent than earlier penicillins. Peer-reviewed research indicates its high efficacy in community-acquired respiratory infections. For a deeper look at the clinical efficacy, you can review the pharmacology of Cefuroxime on DrugBank.
Dosage
For most infections in adults and adolescents (13 years and older), the standard dosage is 500 mg twice daily (every 12 hours). The duration usually ranges from 7 to 10 days. To ensure maximum absorption, it is recommended to take the tablet after a meal.
Common Side Effects
While highly effective, some users may experience:
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Diarrhea or loose stools
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Nausea or vomiting
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Abdominal pain
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Dizziness or headache
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Fungal overgrowth (Vaginal yeast infection or oral thrush)
2026 Safety Update: According to research published on PubMed, prolonged use of broad-spectrum antibiotics can lead to Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea. Patients should consult a doctor if they experience severe, persistent diarrhea during or after treatment.
Important Warnings & Precautions
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Complete the Course: Always finish the full course prescribed, even if symptoms improve, to prevent antibiotic resistance.
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Penicillin Allergy: Use with extreme caution if you have a history of severe allergic reactions to penicillin.
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Kidney Health: Dosage adjustments may be necessary for patients with severe renal impairment.
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Pregnancy/Breastfeeding: Generally considered safe (Category B), but should be used only if clearly needed.
Cefuroxime 500 vs. Azithromycin 500: Key Differences and Usage
While both are used for respiratory infections, Cefuroxime is a Cephalosporin (cell wall inhibitor) whereas Azithromycin is a Macrolide (protein synthesis inhibitor), often chosen for different bacterial strains.
| Feature | Cefuroxime 500 | Azithromycin 500 |
| Drug Class | 2nd Gen Cephalosporin | Macrolide Antibiotic |
| Primary Use | Broad-spectrum Bacterial Infections | Respiratory & Skin Infections |
| Action Mechanism | Inhibits Cell Wall Synthesis | Inhibits Protein Synthesis |
| Common Dosage | Twice daily (7–10 days) | Once daily (3–5 days) |
| Unit Price | ৳50.00 | ৳35.00 – ৳45.00 |
Cefuroxime 500 Price in Bangladesh (January 2026 Update)
The following table provides the updated pricing for Cefuroxime (Curocef) and its variants by ACME.
| Product Name | Strength | Unit Price (BDT) | Strip Price (10-12 Tabs) |
| Curocef 500 | 500 mg | ৳50.00 | ৳600.00 (12 Tabs) |
| Curocef 250 | 250 mg | ৳30.00 | ৳360.00 (12 Tabs) |
| Curocef Plus | 500mg + 125mg | ৳65.00 | ৳650.00 (10 Tabs) |
Cefuroxime 500 Alternative Brands & Prices
Here are the top 10 alternative brands for Cefuroxime 500 mg in Bangladesh as of January 2026:
| Brand Name | Company Name | Price per Unit (BDT) |
| Zinacef 500 | GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) | ৳50.00 |
| Zinnat 500 | Sandoz / Novartis | ৳50.00 |
| Cerox 500 | Incepta Pharmaceuticals | ৳50.00 |
| Furoclav 500 | Square Pharmaceuticals | ৳50.00 |
| Xiclav 500 | Beximco Pharmaceuticals | ৳50.00 |
| Kilmax 500 | Eskayef (SK+F) | ৳50.00 |
| Axet 500 | Aristopharma Ltd. | ৳50.00 |
| Benicef 500 | Renata Limited | ৳50.00 |
| Cetox 500 | ACI Limited | ৳50.00 |
| Oracef 500 | Opsonin Pharma | ৳50.00 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Cefuroxime 500
Q: What is the Cefuroxime 500 mg price in Bangladesh?
As of January 2026, the retail price for a standard Cefuroxime 500 mg tablet is ৳50.00.
Q: What is Cefuroxime 500 used for?
It is used to treat various bacterial infections including pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus infections, UTIs, and certain skin infections.
Q: What are the Cefuroxime 500 side effects?
Common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, and headache. Rarely, it may cause an allergic reaction or fungal infection.
Q: Is Cefuroxime 500 safe during pregnancy?
Yes, it is generally considered safe (Category B), but it should only be used if prescribed by a doctor. You can find more safety data via the PMC Archive.
Q: What is the recommended Cefuroxime 500 dose?
The standard dose for adults is one 500 mg tablet twice daily, usually for 7 to 10 days.
Q: Should I take Cefuroxime 500 before or after food?
It should be taken after food to increase the absorption of the drug into the bloodstream.
Q: Can Cefuroxime 500 treat a viral cold or flu?
No, Cefuroxime is an antibiotic and only works against bacterial infections. It will not work for viral infections like the common cold.
Q: Is Cefuroxime 500 high risk?
It is considered safe for most people, but there is a risk of cross-sensitivity for those with severe penicillin allergies.
Q: Are there any alternatives to Cefuroxime 500 in Bangladesh?
Yes, high-quality alternatives include Cerox 500 (Incepta), Furoclav 500 (Square), and Xiclav 500 (Beximco).
Disclaimer: This is educational information only (updated January 2026). Not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified physician before starting/stopping any antibiotic.
