Zinnat tablets 500 mg 10’s

What Is ZINNAT?

Zinnat contains Cefuroxime Axetil, a prodrug of Cefuroxime, which is a second-generation cephalosporin antibiotic. After being absorbed from the gut, Cefuroxime Axetil is converted to active Cefuroxime, which kills bacteria by disrupting the synthesis of their cell walls, causing the bacteria to burst and die.

As a second-generation cephalosporin, Cefuroxime has a broad spectrum of activity that covers both Gram-positive bacteria (like Streptococcus and Staphylococcus) and Gram-negative bacteria (like Haemophilus influenzae, E. coli, and Klebsiella), making it effective against many of the bacteria responsible for respiratory, urinary, and skin infections. It is stable to many bacterial enzymes that destroy older penicillin-type antibiotics, giving it an advantage in treating resistant organisms.

What Is It Used For?

Zinnat 500mg is prescribed for a range of common bacterial infections in adults and older children. In Kenya, it is widely used for community-acquired pneumonia (lung infections), urinary tract infections and kidney infections (pyelonephritis), acute sinusitis, acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis, tonsillitis and pharyngitis caused by Streptococcus, skin and soft tissue infections including cellulitis and infected wounds, and Lyme disease in its early stages.

The 500mg tablet strength represents the higher therapeutic dose appropriate for more severe infections or when a shorter treatment course is desired. It is suitable for patients who cannot receive intravenous antibiotics and require an effective oral option.

Usual Adult Dose

250mg–500mg twice daily, depending on the infection severity and type. Zinnat 500mg tablets are typically prescribed as 500mg twice daily for 5–10 days.

With Food

MUST be taken with food, food significantly increases Cefuroxime Axetil absorption by up to 37%. Taking on an empty stomach significantly reduces efficacy.

Complete the Course

Always complete the full antibiotic course even if you feel better, stopping early leads to relapse and antibiotic resistance.

Missed Dose

Take as soon as remembered with food. If nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Never double dose.

Swallow Whole or Crushed

Tablets can be swallowed whole or crushed and mixed with food, unlike many MR tablets, Zinnat tablets do not have a special release mechanism that requires them to be swallowed whole.

Common Side Effects

·       Diarrhoea, most common (usually mild)

·       Nausea

·       Stomach upset

·       Headache

·       Dizziness

Uncommon Side Effects

·       Oral thrush (Candida) from antibiotic disruption of normal flora

·       Vomiting

·       Elevated liver enzymes

·       Skin rash

Serious Side Effects, Seek Immediate Medical Attention

·       Clostridioides difficile colitis (severe antibiotic-associated diarrhoea, seek care for watery or bloody diarrhoea with fever or cramps)

·       Severe hypersensitivity reactions, anaphylaxis (seek emergency care immediately)

·       Cross-reactivity with penicillin allergy: approximately 1–2% of penicillin-allergic patients may also react to cephalosporins, screen carefully

·       Stevens-Johnson Syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis (rare, severe skin reaction)

·       PENICILLIN ALLERGY: Ask specifically about penicillin and cephalosporin allergy history before dispensing. Patients with a history of severe, immediate penicillin allergy (anaphylaxis) should use a non-beta-lactam antibiotic.

·       FOOD IS ESSENTIAL: Cefuroxime Axetil absorption is significantly reduced without food. Always take with a meal, never on an empty stomach.

·       COMPLETE THE COURSE: Stopping early, even when feeling better, risks relapse and contributes to antibiotic resistance. Complete all prescribed doses.

·       ANTIBIOTIC-ASSOCIATED DIARRHOEA: If diarrhoea becomes severe, watery, bloody, or is accompanied by fever and cramps, stop and seek medical care, this could indicate C. difficile colitis.

·       ANTIBIOTIC STEWARDSHIP: Cefuroxime is a broad-spectrum antibiotic, use only for confirmed or strongly suspected bacterial infections. Do not use for viral infections like the common cold or flu.

Antacids and H2 blockers (ranitidine, famotidine): Reduce stomach acid needed for optimal Cefuroxime Axetil conversion, take Zinnat with food, not antacids.

Probenecid: Reduces renal elimination of cefuroxime, increases blood levels; use with caution.

Oral contraceptives: Broad-spectrum antibiotics may theoretically reduce OCP efficacy, advise additional contraception during the course.

Warfarin: Cephalosporins may enhance anticoagulant effect, monitor INR.

Aminoglycosides: Additive nephrotoxicity with injectable forms, not relevant for oral Zinnat.

·       Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place.

·       Protect from moisture and light.

·       Keep in original blister packaging.

·       Keep out of reach of children.

·       Do not use after the expiry date.

Zinnat 500mg is a prescription-only antibiotic (POM) in Kenya. A valid prescription from a registered medical practitioner is required. Responsible antibiotic dispensing is essential, Zinnat should not be dispensed without a prescription or confirmed clinical indication. Available at Pharmily with a valid prescription.

Zinnat 500mg (Cefuroxime Axetil) is a GSK-branded second-generation cephalosporin widely trusted in Kenya. The food requirement is the single most important counselling point, Cefuroxime Axetil is a prodrug that requires gastric acid and food for adequate conversion and absorption. Taking on an empty stomach can result in inadequate drug levels and treatment failure.

Penicillin cross-reactivity screening is mandatory, while the cross-reactivity rate is low (~1–2%), patients with a history of severe/immediate penicillin allergy (anaphylaxis, angioedema, urticaria) should be directed to a non-beta-lactam alternative.

Antibiotic stewardship: confirm the indication is bacterial and not viral before dispensing. Warfarin interaction: monitor INR during the course. OCP interaction: advise additional barrier contraception during and 7 days after the course, though evidence for this interaction is debated, it is prudent counsel. The 10-tablet pack provides 5 days at twice-daily dosing, confirm this is the intended course length. Most indications require 7–10 days, requiring 2 packs.

Q1: What is Zinnat 500mg used for?

A: Zinnat is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections including pneumonia, urinary tract infections, sinusitis, tonsillitis, bronchitis, and skin infections. It kills bacteria by breaking down their protective cell walls.

Q2: Why must Zinnat be taken with food?

A: Zinnat (Cefuroxime Axetil) is a prodrug that requires the stomach environment (including acid produced during eating) for proper conversion to its active form. Without food, much less of the antibiotic gets into your bloodstream, meaning it may not work effectively. Always take with a meal.

Q3: I am allergic to penicillin, can I take Zinnat?

A: There is a small chance of cross-reactivity between penicillin and cephalosporin antibiotics like Zinnat. If your penicillin allergy was mild (e.g., a skin rash), Zinnat may be used cautiously. If your allergy was severe (e.g., anaphylaxis, breathing difficulty), inform your doctor, a different antibiotic should be chosen.

Q4: Why must I complete the full course even if I feel better?

A: Stopping antibiotics early, even when symptoms improve, often means not all the bacteria have been killed. The surviving bacteria can multiply again, causing the infection to return and potentially becoming resistant to the antibiotic.

Q5: Can Zinnat cause diarrhoea?

A: Mild diarrhoea is a very common side effect of most antibiotics, including Zinnat. If the diarrhoea becomes severe, bloody, or is accompanied by stomach cramps and fever, stop the antibiotic and see a doctor immediately; this can indicate a serious complication called C. difficile colitis.