Description:

Skycef 500mg Tablets 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 gonorrhoea. The 500mg strength provides a convenient twice-daily dose for adults.

Prescription:

Prescription-only.

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).