Cefuroxime axetil is the 1-(acetyloxy)ethyl ester prodrug of the second-generation cephalosporin antibiotic cefuroxime. It is designed to improve oral bioavailability by facilitating better absorption in the gastrointestinal tract compared to the parent drug. Upon ingestion, the acetyloxyethyl ester is hydrolyzed by esterases in the intestinal mucosa and blood to release active cefuroxime, which exerts its bactericidal effect by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis. Cefuroxime axetil is effective against a broad spectrum of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including beta-lactamase producing strains, and is commonly used to treat respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, skin and soft tissue infections, and other susceptible infections. It is available in oral formulations such as tablets and suspension.