Pharmacy Guide

Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.

Pharmacy Guide

Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.

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Ximaract

⚠ This medicine appears to have been discontinued

The electronic medicines compendium (emc) no longer publishes a Summary of Product Characteristics for this product, which usually means it is no longer marketed in the UK. The patient leaflet below is kept for reference, but the product may not be available.

If you were prescribed this medicine, other products containing Cefuroxime sodium may still be available. Do not stop your treatment — ask your pharmacist or GP what to use instead.

Active substance: Cefuroxime sodium
Source: electronic medicines compendium (emc)
Official leaflet: Read the PIL on emc

What it is and what it is used for

for

Ximaract contains the active substance cefuroxime (as cefuroxime sodium) which belongs to a group of antibiotics called cephalosporins. Antibiotics are used to kill the bacteria or germs that cause infections. This medicine will be used if you are undergoing eye surgery because of a cataract (cloudiness of the lens). Your ophthalmic surgeon will administer this medicine by injection into the eye at the end of cataract surgery in order to prevent eye infection.

2.

What you need to know before you take it

Ximaract

Do not use Ximaract if you are allergic to cefuroxime or to any of the cephalosporin type antibiotics or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6). Warnings and precautions Talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse before you are given Ximaract:

  • if you have had a reaction to other antibiotics such as penicillin;
  • if you have previously had an antibiotic resistant infection e.g. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus;
  • if you are at risk of a severe infection;
  • if you have been diagnosed with a complicated cataract;
  • if combined eye surgery is planned;
  • if you have severe thyroid disease. Ximaract should be administered in aseptic conditions (meaning clean and germ free) of cataract surgery. One vial of Ximaract must be used for one patient only.

2

Other medicines and Ximaract Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines. Pregnancy and breast-feeding If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before you are given this medicine. You will only be given Ximaract if your doctor thinks it is clearly necessary.

3.

How Ximaract is administered

Ximaract injections will be administered, as an injection into the eye, by an ophthalmic surgeon at the end of cataract surgery. Ximaract is supplied as a sterile powder and is dissolved in saline solution for injection before it is administered. If you are given too much, or too little Ximaract Your medication will usually be given by the health professional. If you think you may have received too little or too much medicine, please tell your doctor or nurse. If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor, pharmacist or nurse.

4.

Possible side effects

Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Speak to a doctor or nurse immediately if you get any of these symptoms.

  • Serious allergic reaction which causes a raised itchy skin rash (urticaria or 'hives'), difficulty in breathing, or dizziness. The side effect is very rare (may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people).
  • Blurry or wavy vision near or in the center of your field of vision (macular oedema). The frequency of this side effect is not known (cannot be estimated from the available data). Reporting of side effects If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

5.

How to store it

Ximaract

Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children. Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the carton and vial label after EXP. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. Do not store above 25 °C. Keep the vial in the outer carton, in order to protect from light. For single use only. After reconstitution the product should be used immediately. Any remaining reconstituted solution must be discarded. 3

Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment.

6.

Contents of the pack and other information

What Ximaract contains –

The active substance is cefuroxime (as cefuroxime sodium). Each vial contains 50 mg of cefuroxime. After reconstitution, 0.1 ml solution contains 1 mg of cefuroxime. There are no other ingredients.

To prepare the product for intracameral administration, a sterile needle (18G x 11⁄2", 1.2 mm x 40 mm) with 5-micron filter (acrylic co-polymer membrane) must be used.

For details on the required medical devices and solvent, please refer to "How to prepare and administer Ximaract". What Ximaract looks like and contents of the pack Ximaract is a white to almost white powder for solution for injection, supplied in a clear, transparent glass vial. Each box contains 1 vial, 10 vials, 25 vials or 1 vial together with 1 sterile filter needle, 10 vials together with 10 sterile filter needles, 25 vials together with 25 sterile filter needles. Not all pack sizes may be marketed. Marketing Authorisation Holder and Manufacturer Marketing Authorisation Holder Bausch & Lomb UK Limited, Bausch & Lomb House, 106 London Road , Kingston-Upon-Thames, Surrey, UK, KT2 6TN Manufacturer ACS DOBFAR S.P.A. Via Alessandro Fleming 2 37135 Verona Italy PRESPACK Sp. z o.o. ul. Sadowa 38 60-185 Skórzewo Poland

This leaflet was last revised in September 2021

<—————————————————————————————————————————–> 4

The following information is intended for healthcare professionals only: Incompatibilities This medicinal product must not be mixed with other medicinal products except those mentioned below (sodium chloride 9 mg/ml (0.9 %) solution for injection). How to prepare and administer Ximaract Single-use vial for intracameral use only. Ximaract must be administered after reconstitution by intraocular injection in the anterior chamber of the eye (intracameral injection), by an ophthalmic surgeon, in the recommended aseptic conditions of cataract surgery. The reconstituted solution should be visually inspected and should only be used if it is a clear, colourless to yellowish solution free from visible particles. The product should be used immediately after reconstitution and not reused. The medicinal product should be discarded if particles are visible in the solution. The recommended dose for cefuroxime is 1 mg in 0.1 ml sodium chloride 9 mg/ml (0.9 %) solution for injection. THE RECOMMENDED DOSE MUST NOT BE EXCEEDED. Vial is for single use only. Each vial should only be used for the treatment of a single eye. The flag label of the vial should be stuck on the patient's file, as applicable.

To prepare Ximaract for intracameral administration, please adhere to the following instructions: 1. Check the integrity of the flip-off cap before withdrawing it. 2. Disinfect the surface of the rubber stopper before step 3. 3. Push the sterile needle vertically into the centre of the vial stopper, keeping the vial in an upright position. Aseptically inject into the vial 5 ml of sodium chloride 9 mg/ml (0.9 %) solution for injection. 4. Shake gently until the solution is clear, colourless to yellowish and free from visible particles. 5. Assemble a sterile needle (18G x 11⁄2", 1.2 mm x 40 mm) with 5-micron filter (acrylic co-polymer membrane) onto a 1 ml sterile syringe. Then, push this 1 ml sterile syringe vertically into the centre of the vial stopper, keeping the vial in an upright position. 6. Aseptically withdraw at least 0.1 ml of the solution. Discard the remaining reconstituted solution (4.9 ml) in the vial. 7. Disconnect 5-micron filter needle from the syringe and attach a sterile anterior chamber cannula to the syringe. 8. Carefully expel the air from the syringe and expel excess drug by slowly depressing the plunger so that the plunger tip aligns with the line that marks 0.1 ml on the syringe. The syringe is ready for injection. After use, discard the remaining reconstituted solution. Do not keep it for subsequent use. Any unused product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements. Discard used needles in a sharps container.

5

Frequently asked questions about Ximaract

What is the active substance in Ximaract?

The active substance in Ximaract is cefuroxime sodium.

Where does this information come from?

This leaflet reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for Ximaract, as published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). The version printed inside your medicine’s packaging is the one that applies to you.

Can I get Ximaract without a prescription?

Whether a medicine is available over the counter or on prescription only depends on its licence. Check the leaflet, or ask your pharmacist — they can tell you straight away.

About this leaflet

The text above reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for this medicine, restructured for easier reading.

Medical disclaimer: This page is for information only and does not replace advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always read the leaflet supplied with your medicine. If you are unwell, call NHS 111; in an emergency, call 999.

Medicines with the same active substance: Cefuroxime sodium (8 medicines)
See every medicine containing this substance, or browse the full A–Z of active substances.
⚕For healthcare professionals — Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC)Full SmPC: dosage, interactions, contraindications, warnings+
Technical information intended for healthcare professionals (doctors and pharmacists). The Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) is the official document approved by the MHRA/EMA. It does not replace the patient leaflet or a doctor’s advice.

4.1. Therapeutic indications

Antibiotic prophylaxis of postoperative endophthalmitis after cataract surgery (see section 5.1).

Consideration should be given to official guidance on the appropriate use of antibacterial agents, including guidance on antibiotic prophylaxis in eye surgery.

4.2. Posology and method of administration

Intracameral use. One vial for single-use only.

Posology

Adults:

The recommended dose is 0.1 ml of reconstituted solution (see section 6.6), i.e. 1 mg of cefuroxime.

THE RECOMMENDED DOSE MUST NOT BE EXCEEDED (see section 4.9).

Paediatric population

The optimal dose and the safety of Ximaract have not been established in the paediatric population.

Elderly:

No dose adjustment is necessary.

Patients with hepatic and renal impairment:

Considering the low dose and the expected negligible systemic exposure to cefuroxime using Ximaract, no dose adjustment is necessary.

Method of administration

Ximaract must be administered after reconstitution by intraocular injection in the anterior chamber of the eye (intracameral use), by an ophthalmic surgeon, in the recommended aseptic conditions of cataract surgery. Only sodium chloride 9 mg/ml (0.9 %) solution for injection must be used when reconstituting Ximaract (see section 6.6).

After reconstitution, Ximaract should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration.

At the end of the cataract surgery, 0.1 ml of the reconstituted solution should be slowly injected into the anterior chamber of the eye.

Each vial should only be used for the treatment of a single eye.

The vial contains more than the recommended dose of 1 mg (equivalent to 0.1 ml). The extractable reconstituted volume (5 ml) is not to be used in total.

Injection of the entire volume will result in an overdose.

After injection any unused product must be discarded.

For instructions on reconstitution of the medicinal product before administration, see section 6.6.

4.3. Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to the cephalosporin group of antibiotics

4.4. Special warnings and precautions for use

Treatment with Ximaract is for intracameral use only.

Special care is indicated in patients who have experienced an allergic reaction to penicillins or any other beta-lactam antibiotics as cross-reactions may occur.

In patients at risk for infections with resistant strains, e.g. those with known previous infection or colonisation with MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), alternative prophylactic antibiotic should be considered.

In the absence of data for special patient groups (patients with severe risk of infection, patients with complicated cataracts, patients having combined operations with cataract surgery, patients with severe thyroid disease, patients with less 2,000 corneal endothelial cells), Ximaract should only be used after careful risk/benefit assessment.

The use of cefuroxime should not be regarded as an isolated measure but other circumstances are also of importance like prophylactic antiseptic treatment.

Corneal endothelial toxicity has not been reported at the recommended concentration of cefuroxime; nevertheless, this risk cannot be excluded and in the post-surgical surveillance, physicians should have in mind this potential risk.

4.5. Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction

No interaction studies have been performed.

Since the systemic exposure is expected to be negligible, systemic interactions are unlikely.

No incompatibility with most commonly used medicinal products in cataract surgery was reported in the literature.

4.6. Fertility, pregnancy and lactation

Pregnancy

There are limited amount of data from the use of cefuroxime in pregnant woman. Animal studies do not show any harmful effects on embryonal and foetal development. Cefuroxime reaches the embryo/foetus via the placenta. No effects during pregnancy are anticipated, since systemic exposure to cefuroxime using Ximaract is negligible. Ximaract can be used during pregnancy.

Breastfeeding

Cefuroxime is expected to be excreted in human milk in very small quantities. Adverse effects at therapeutic doses are not expected after Ximaract use. Cefuroxime can be used during breastfeeding.

Fertility

There are no data on the effects of cefuroxime sodium on fertility in humans. Reproductive studies in animals have shown no effects on fertility.

4.7. Effects on ability to drive and use machines

Not relevant.

4.8. Undesirable effects

No particular adverse reactions were reported in the literature when cefuroxime is administered as intraocular injection except the following:

Immune system disorders

Very rare (<1/10,000): Anaphylactic reaction.

Eye disorders

Not known (frequency cannot be estimated from the available data): Macular oedema.

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via Yellow Card Scheme

Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.

4.9. Overdose

The reported cases of overdose are those described in the literature after incorrect dilution and non-authorised use of cefuroxime intended for systemic administration.

Inadvertent high-dose (3-fold the recommended dose) intracameral cefuroxime was administered to 6 patients following an incorrect dilution due to homemade cefuroxime dilution protocol. These injections did not cause any detectable adverse effect in any patient even on ocular tissues.

Toxicity data were available following intracameral injection, during cataract surgery, of 40 to 50-fold the recommended dose of cefuroxime in 6 patients after a dilution error. Initial mean visual acuity was 20/200. Severe anterior segment inflammation was present, and retinal optical coherence tomography showed extensive macular oedema. Six weeks after surgery, mean visual acuity reached 20/25. Macular optical coherence tomography profile returned to normal. A 30 % decrease of scotopic electroretinography was, however, observed in all patients.

Administration of incorrectly diluted cefuroxime (10-100 mg per eye) to 16 patients resulted in ocular toxicity including corneal oedema resolving in weeks, transient raised intraocular pressure, loss of corneal endothelial cells and changes in the electroretinography. A number of these patients had permanent and severe vision loss.

🇷🇴 Known in Romania as

Medicines sold in Romania with the same active substance: Cunoscut în România ca

⚠ Same active substance, but a different pharmaceutical form (for example a gel instead of a tablet). Not interchangeable — ask a pharmacist.

  • CEFUROXIMA ATB 250 mg prescriptionCEFUROXIMUM · taken by mouth
  • CEFUROXIMA ATB 500 mg prescriptionCEFUROXIMUM · taken by mouth
  • CEFUROXIMA ATB 1,5g prescriptionCEFUROXIMUM · injection / infusion
  • CEFUROXIMA ATB 750mg prescriptionCEFUROXIMUM · injection / infusion
  • CEFEROXAN 500 mg prescriptionCEFUROXIMUM · taken by mouth
  • CEFUROXIMA SWISSI 1,5 g prescriptionCEFUROXIMUM · injection / infusion

Same active substance. The strength, the form and whether you need a prescription can differ. Always ask a pharmacist before you switch. Romanian medicines in the UK →

🇵🇱 Known in Poland as

Medicines sold in Poland with the same active substance: W Polsce znany jako

⚠ Same active substance, but a different pharmaceutical form (for example a gel instead of a tablet). Not interchangeable — ask a pharmacist.

  • BiofuroksymCefuroximum · injection / infusion
  • BioracefCefuroximum · taken by mouth
  • ZinacefCefuroximum · injection / infusion
  • ZinnatCefuroximum · taken by mouth
  • Cefuroxim-MIP 750 mgCefuroximum · injection / infusion
  • TarsimeCefuroximum · injection / infusion

Same active substance. The strength, the form and whether you need a prescription can differ. Always ask a pharmacist before you switch. Polish medicines in the UK →

💬 Ask about this leaflet

Ask anything about Ximaract. The assistant answers only from this leaflet — if the leaflet does not cover it, it will say so. It does not give medical advice.

Answers come from the patient leaflet published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). They are not medical advice. Ask a pharmacist or your GP if you are unsure. For urgent help call NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency.

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