Description:

Skycef 500mg Tablets (Cefuroxime Axetil USP 500mg by Eskay) is a second-generation cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections. It is effective against a broad range of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, particularly for respiratory tract infections (e.g., bronchitis, pneumonia, sinusitis, tonsillitis/pharyngitis), urinary tract infections, skin and soft tissue infections, and gonorrhea. The 500mg strength provides a convenient twice-daily dose for adults. It is widely available in Ghanaian pharmacies (e.g., in Accra at Scab Pharmacy, Beybee Pharmacy, Country Medical Pharmacy) as an affordable generic option for bacterial infections requiring oral cephalosporin therapy.

Prescription:

Prescription-only (requires a doctor’s prescription in Ghana; dispensed by pharmacies with Rx to confirm bacterial infection and appropriate use, avoiding misuse/resistance).

Therapeutic Category:

Second-Generation Cephalosporin Antibiotic (Oral broad-spectrum antibacterial).

Active Ingredients/Composition:

• Active ingredient: Cefuroxime axetil USP equivalent to cefuroxime 500 mg per tablet (prodrug form; converted to active cefuroxime in the body). Other ingredients (excipients, typical): Microcrystalline cellulose, croscarmellose sodium, sodium lauryl sulfate, colloidal silicon dioxide, magnesium stearate, hypromellose, titanium dioxide, and other film-coating agents. Tablets are film-coated (often white to off-white, capsule-shaped).

Vitamins: None.

Minerals: None.

Variant:

• Skycef 500mg Tablets (standard 500mg strength; common pack sizes 10 tablets per blister). Related variants: Skycef 250mg Tablets (lower dose), Skycef Suspension (125mg/5ml for children). The 500mg tablet is the adult/high-dose variant.

Consume Type:

Oral – Film-coated tablet (swallow whole with water; take with food to increase absorption and reduce stomach upset).

Directions/Usage:

Take as prescribed by a doctor (usually twice daily every 12 hours).

• Adults: Typically 250–500 mg every 12 hours (for 500mg tablet: 1 tablet twice daily).
• Duration: 5–10 days for most infections (e.g., 10 days for sinusitis/bronchitis; longer for Lyme disease if indicated).
• Take with food (improves bioavailability).
• Complete full course even if symptoms improve to prevent resistance/recurrence.
• For gonorrhea: Single 1g dose (may require 2 tablets). Children: Use suspension form or lower-dose tablets (doctor determines).

Common Side Effects: Common (usually mild):

• Diarrhea/loose stools
• Nausea/vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Headache
• Rash Other: Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction (fever/chills in early Lyme treatment), vaginitis (in females). Rare/serious (seek immediate help): Severe diarrhea (C. difficile), allergic reactions (rash/swelling/anaphylaxis), liver issues (jaundice), or blood disorders (low white cells).

Package Type:

Blister packs (commonly 10 tablets per strip, packs of 1×10 or 2×10 = 10–20 tablets; foil blisters in carton with patient information leaflet).

Storage Advice:

Store at room temperature (below 25–30°C) in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture. Keep in original packaging, tightly closed, and out of reach of children.

Safety Advice:

• Only for bacterial infections (ineffective against viruses).
• Contraindicated if allergic to cefuroxime/cephalosporins/penicillins (cross-reactivity risk).
• Caution in kidney impairment (dose adjustment), history of colitis, or pregnancy/breastfeeding (generally safe but consult doctor).
• May interact with antacids (reduce absorption), probenecid, or oral contraceptives (decreased efficacy).
• If severe diarrhea, rash, or breathing difficulty occurs, stop and seek urgent care.
• Complete course to avoid resistance; probiotics may help prevent diarrhea.

Product Substitutes: Similar cefuroxime axetil 500mg tablets in Ghana include:

• Generic cefuroxime axetil 500mg (various importers).
• Ceftin equivalents or other brands (e.g., Kocef 500mg, Zinnat generics). Alternatives: Other cephalosporins (e.g., cefixime, ceftriaxone injections) or amoxicillin-clavulanate (consult doctor for switch based on infection/sensitivity).

Manufacturer/Marketer:

Eskay Therapeutics Limited (Ghana-based; marketer/distributor; Skycef is their branded generic line). Manufactured by Eskay or licensed Indian/Chinese partners (common for such generics in Ghana).

Country of Origin:

India (primary manufacturing source for Skycef cefuroxime axetil 500mg tablets imported and marketed in Ghana by Eskay Therapeutics; USP/BP-compliant). Eskay Therapeutics Ltd. handles local distribution in Accra (address: 42 South Industrial Area, P.O. Box 431, Darkuman).