TheraRadar
Data updated: Jul 17, 2026

CEFUROXIME AXETIL · CHARTWELL RX

Generic · see CEFTIN Trial Activity: Mature 5 active trials
Infectious Disease Approved 1987-12-28

Cefuroxime axetil is a second-generation cephalosporin antibiotic indicated for the treatment of various mild-to-moderate infections caused by susceptible bacteria. Key indications include pharyngitis/tonsillitis, acute bacterial otitis media, and acute bacterial maxillary sinusitis. It is also indicated for acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic bronchitis, uncomplicated skin and skin-structure infections, uncomplicated urinary tract infections, and uncomplicated gonorrhea. Additionally, it is used to treat early Lyme disease (erythema migrans) in adults and pediatric patients 13 years and older. To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria, this medication should only be used for infections proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible organisms.

Source: FDA Label

How CEFUROXIME AXETIL Works

Cefuroxime axetil is a bactericidal agent that inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis. After oral administration, it is absorbed and hydrolyzed to cefuroxime. Cefuroxime acts by binding to essential penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) located on the inner membrane of the bacterial cell wall. This binding inhibits the transpeptidation step of peptidoglycan synthesis, which is required for cross-linking the bacterial cell wall. The resulting cell wall instability leads to bacterial cell lysis and death.

Source: FDA Label

Development Insights

Odense University Hospital conducting 2 trials (17%)
17 indications explored (Broad Platform)
antibiotic prophylaxis (2 trials)
infection (2 trials)
acute uncomplicated diverticulitis (1 trials)
11
Indications
--
Phase 3 Trials
38
Years on Market

Details

Status
Prescription
First Approved
1987-12-28
Routes
ORAL
Dosage Forms
TABLET, FOR SUSPENSION

CEFUROXIME AXETIL Approval History

2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026
Original
New Indication
New Form
Label Update
163 FDA actions from 2002 to 2025
Sep 2025 SUPPL
Label · Labeling
Jun 2022 SUPPL
Label · Labeling
May 2022 SUPPL
Label · Labeling

What CEFUROXIME AXETIL Treats

9 indications

CEFUROXIME AXETIL is approved for 9 conditions since its original approval in 2002. These indications span multiple therapeutic areas including oncology, immunology, and more.

Source: FDA Label

CEFUROXIME AXETIL Competitive Set

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Filters applied: drops same-active-ingredient (505(b)(2) reformulations), route-mismatch (topical vs systemic), and cross-therapeutic-area matches in same-indication rings.

Drugs Similar to CEFUROXIME AXETIL

3 of 20

FDA-approved drugs for similar conditions. Compare mechanisms and indications to understand treatment alternatives.

SUPRAX
CEFIXIME
4 shared
Lupin
Shared indications:
Urinary Tract InfectionPharyngitisTonsillitis +1 more
AZITHROMYCIN
AZITHROMYCIN
3 shared
Novartis
Shared indications:
Acute Otitis MediaPharyngitisTonsillitis
CEFPODOXIME PROXETIL
CEFPODOXIME PROXETIL
3 shared
CHARTWELL RX
Shared indications:
Acute Otitis MediaPharyngitisTonsillitis
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Clinical Trial Registry

1 trials
Trial Sponsor ID Phase Status Title
NCT06527560 CEFURO 2024-0118 Ph 4 recruiting Clinical Trial Comparing Oral Versus Intravenous Cefuroxime in Pregnant Women with Pyelonephritis
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Active Pipeline

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Key Completed Trials

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Completed studies with published results, ranked by significance

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Trial Timeline

Full development history with FDA approval milestones

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Understanding FDA Approval Types
Count Type What it means
- ORIG Original approval - drug first enters market
- SUPPL - Efficacy New indication (new disease/condition approved)
- SUPPL - Labeling Label text changes (warnings, dosing updates)
- SUPPL - Manufacturing Production changes (new facility)
- SUPPL - Chemistry Formulation changes (new dosage strength)

Green lines in the timeline show ORIG and Efficacy approvals - the clinically meaningful milestones.

CEFUROXIME AXETIL FDA Label Details

Indications & Usage

Cefuroxime axetil tablet is a cephalosporin antibacterial drug indicated for the treatment of the following infections due to susceptible bacteria: Pharyngitis/tonsillitis (adults and pediatric patients) Acute bacterial otitis media (pediatric patients) Acute bacterial maxillary sinusitis (adults and pediatric patients) Acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic bronchitis (adults and pediatric patients 13 years and older) Uncomplicated skin and skin-structure infections (adults and pediatric patients 13 years and older) Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (adults and pediatric patients 13 ye...

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Data Sources

Data sourced from official FDA and NIH databases. Click links to verify on original sources.

How We Calculate These Metrics

Trial Activity Stage

Measures the current development activity pattern based on trial phases, status, and trends. Important: This measures R&D activity, not commercial lifecycle.

Trial statuses: "Active" means recruiting or ongoing. "Completed" means reached planned endpoint. "Terminated" means stopped early—often due to safety, efficacy, or business reasons.

  • Growth: High proportion of early-phase trials (Phase 1/2), active development
  • Expansion: Significant Phase 3 activity, approaching or pursuing approvals
  • Mature: Substantial Phase 4 post-marketing studies
  • Stable: Mixed phase distribution, steady development
  • Declining: Low active trial ratio, reduced R&D investment