Zinacef Caution For Usage

Injection: Instructions for Handling: Intramuscular: Add 1 mL Water for Injections to 250 mg Cefuroxime (as sodium] (Zinacef) or 3 mL Water for Injections to 750 mg Cefuroxime (as sodium) (Zinacef). Shake gently to produce an opaque suspension.
Intravenous: Dissolve Cefuroxime (as sodium) (Zinacef) in Water for Injections using at least 2 mL for 250 mg, at least 6 mL for 750 mg, or 15 mL for 1.5 g.
Intravenous infusion: Dissolve 1.5 g of Cefuroxime (as sodium) (Zinacef) injection in 15 mL of Water for Injections. Add the reconstituted solution of Cefuroxime (as sodium) (Zinacef) injection to 50 or 100 mL of a compatible infusion fluid (see information on Compatibility as follows). These solutions may be given directly into the vein or introduced into the tubing of the giving set if the patient is receiving parenteral fluids.
Incompatibilities: Cefuroxime (as sodium) (Zinacef) should not be mixed in the syringe with aminoglycoside antibiotics.
The pH of 2.74% w/v Sodium Bicarbonate Injection BP considerably affects the colour of the solution and therefore this solution is not recommended for the dilution of Cefuroxime (as sodium) (Zinacef). However, if required, for patients receiving Sodium Bicarbonate Injection by infusion Cefuroxime (as sodium) (Zinacef) may be introduced into the tube of the giving set.
Compatibility: 1.5 g Cefuroxime (as sodium) (Zinacef) constituted with 15 mL Water for Injections may be added to metronidazole injection (500 mg/100 mL) 1.5 g Cefuroxime (as sodium) (Zinacef) constituted with 15 mL Water for Injections may be added to metronidazole injection (500 mg/100 mL) and both retain their activity for up to 24 hours below 25°C.
1.5 g Cefuroxime (as sodium) (Zinacef) is compatible with azlocillin 1 g (in 15 mL) or 5 g (in 50 mL) for up to 24 hours at 4°C or 6 hours below 25°C.
Cefuroxime (as sodium] (Zinacef) (5 mg/mL) in 5% w/v or 100% w/v xylitol injection may be stored for up to 24 hours at 25°C.
Cefuroxime (as sodium) (Zinacef) is compatible with aqueous solutions containing up to 1% lidocaine hydrochloride.
Cefuroxime (as sodium) (Zinacef) is compatible with the more commonly used i.v. infusion fluids. It will retain potency for up to 24 hours at room temperature in: Sodium Chloride Injection BP 0.9% w/v, 5% Dextrose Injection BP, 0.18% w/v Sodium Chloride plus 4% Dextrose Injection BP, 5% Dextrose and 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, 5% Dextrose and 0.45% Sodium Chloride Injection, 5% Dextrose and 0.225% Sodium Chloride Injection, 10% Dextrose Injection, 10% Invert Sugar in Water for Injection, Ringer's Injection USP, Lactated Ringer's Injection USP, M/6 Sodium Lactate Injection, Compound Sodium Lactate Injection BP (Hartmann's Solution).
The stability of Cefuroxime (as sodium) (Zinacef) in Sodium Chloride Injection BP 0.9% w/v and in 5% Dextrose Injection is not affected by the presence of hydrocortisone sodium phosphate.
Cefuroxime (as sodium) (Zinacef) has also been found compatible for 24 hours at room temperature when admixed in i.v. infusion with: Heparin (10 and 50 units/mL) in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection; Potassium Chloride (10 and 40 mEqL) in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection.