Q: I am a M.pharma student. I would like to know whether Cefuroxime sodium and Cefuroxime axetil are one and the same? Do they offer the same Spectrum and Tissue penetration. Looking forwadrd to your reply.

A:Cefuroxime axetil and sodium are similar in therapeutic actions though pharmacologically different. Hence the route of administration is different. 1.2g of axetil is equal to 1g of cefuroxime while 1.05g of sodium salt is equal to 1g of cefuroxime. Axetil occurs in amorphous and crystalline forms. It is slightly soluble in water and alcohol but soluble in acetone, in ethyl alcohol, in methyl alcohol. It is used in oral forms including suspension form. Cefuroxime sodium is freely soluble in water; very slightly soluble in alcohol. Therefore it can be formulated in an injectable form.