Anaphylactic Shock Developing in Association with Cefuroxime Axetil Use

Cephalosporins, a class of beta lactam antibiotics, are frequently employed today in the treatment of infection. There is also an associated increase in the frequency of cephalosporin-related allergic reactions. A 31-year-old woman presented to the emergency department with widespread rubor, nausea, shortness of breath and altered consciousness. The patient's symptoms had commenced half an hour after the oral ingestion of a drug containing 500 mg cefuroxime axetil. Drug-related anaphylactic shock was suspected. Literature contains five similar cases associated with cefuroxime axetil. This case report describes a case of anaphylactic shock developing after the ingestion of a drug containing cefuroxime axetil prescribed for upper respiratory tract infection, with a discussion of the relevant literature.