A retrospective pharmacovigilance study of post-marketing safety concerns with cefuroxime

Abstract

Background: Cefuroxime has played a crucial role in the prevention and treatment of bacterial infections. However, the differences in adverse events across formulations and routes remain unclear. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the post-marketing safety of cefuroxime, particularly concerning formulations and routes. Design: A retrospective pharmacovigilance study of cefuroxime was conducted using the data from Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System database. Methods: The clinical characteristics and concomitant drugs reported with cefuroxime were investigated. Adverse event signals of cefuroxime were identified based on four disproportionality algorithms. The signal differences of cefuroxime across formulations and routes were further examined. Results: A total of 1810 adverse event reports associated with cefuroxime were identified, and 181 cefuroxime-associated signals were detected. Compared with tablets, injections were more likely to cause preferred terms ‘blood pressure decreased’ and ‘anaphylactic shock’. In addition, system organ class ‘eye disorders’ significantly increased when cefuroxime was administered intraocularly, underscoring the importance of exercising caution regarding ocular toxicity. Conclusion: The adverse events associated with cefuroxime were significantly different across formulations and routes, which deserve special attention in clinical use.