Placental transfer of cefuroxime

Abstract

The transfer of cefuroxime across the placenta was studied in 10 women in labour and 12 women being delivered by Caesarean section. Following a single intramuscular injection of 750 mg cefuroxime, high antibiotic concentrations were found in the amniotic fluid in women in labour; the peak concentration of 18 mg/l was achieved after five hours. Therapeutic concentrations of cefuroxime were present in umbilical vein serum for up to eight hours after injection. A similar pharmacokinetic picture was observed in the women undergoing Caesarean section although in the limited time interval (up to four hours) between injection and delivery the amniotic fluid levels of cefuroxime achieved were lower. Cefuroxime appears to cross the placenta well to produce effective concentrations in fetal blood and amniotic fluid.