Cefuroxime, a new cephalosporin antibiotic: activity in vivo.

The pharmacokinetic properties of cefuroxime have been evaluated in laboratory animals. On injection into mice, rats, and rabbits by the subcutaneous or intramuscular routes, high serum level peaks were recorded. There was no significant absorption after oral administration. After injection, the antibiotic was excreted in large amounts in the urine. It was well distributed in the body and penetrated into the tissues at a satisfactory rate. This, coupled with a low degree of serum protein binding, was correlated with a very good protective effect in animals (mice, rats, and rabbits) experimentally infected with a wide range of bacteria, including beta-lactamase-producing strains. It is concluded that cefuroxime should have a good potential for treating a wide range of bacterial infections in humans.