Indications of Cef-3

Upper and lower respiratory tract infections, Urinary tract infections, Gonococcal urethritis, Acute otitis media.

Pharmaceutical Name of Cef-3

Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

Pharmacology

Cefixime is a third-generation semi-synthetic cephalosporin antibiotic for oral administration. It has a bactericidal effect on a broad spectrum of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria at easily reached plasma concentrations. It kills bacteria by interfering with the synthesis of bacterial cell walls. It is very stable in the presence of the enzyme β-lactamase. Therefore, due to the presence of β-lactamase, many organisms resistant to penicillin and some cephalosporins may be sensitive to cefixime. Whether taken with food or not, the absorption rate is approximately 40% to 50%.

Dosage & Administration of Cef-3

The usual course of treatment is 7 days. This may be continued for up to 14 days depending on the severity of the infection.

Adult and children over 12 years: The recommended adult dose is 200-400 mg (1 to 2 capsules) daily, given either as a single dose or in two divided doses. For the treatment of uncomplicated cervical/urethral gonococcal infections, a single oral dose of Cefixime 400 mg is recommended.

Children (6 month or older): Usually 8 mg/kg/day given as a single dose or in two divided doses or may be given as following

• ½-1 year: 75 mg daily.
• 1-4 years: 100 mg daily.
• 5-10 years: 200 mg daily.
• 11-12 years: 300 mg daily
• In typhoid fever, dosage should be 10 mg/kg/day for 14 days.

Children (under 6 month): The safety and efficacy of Cefixime has not been established in children aged less than 6 months.

Interaction

Carbamazepine: Concomitant use elevates the carbamazepine level. Warfarin and other anticoagulants: Concomitant use increases prothrombin time.

Contraindications

It is contraindicated in hypersensitivity to Cefixime or other cephalosporins.

Side Effects of Cef-3

In general, the drug is well tolerated. The most common side effects are diarrhea and changes in stool; the most common are related to higher doses. Other side effects include nausea, abdominal pain, indigestion, vomiting, flatulence, headache, and dizziness. Allergies in the form of rash, itching, hives, drug fever, and joint pain have been reported. These reactions usually disappear after stopping treatment.

Pregnancy & Lactation

However, there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Because research on animal reproduction does not always predict human response, the drug should be used during pregnancy only when clearly necessary. It is not clear whether cefixime is excreted in human milk. Therefore, caution should be exercised when administering cefixime to lactating women.

Precautions & Warnings

For people with a history of gastrointestinal diseases, especially colitis, the drug should be used with caution. Patients with obvious renal failure and patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis should use this drug with caution. Dosage adjustments are only necessary for severe renal insufficiency (creatinine clearance <20 ml/min). In this case, the dose of 200 mg should not be exceeded once a day.

Therapeutic Class

Third generation Cephalosporins

Storage Conditions

Keep below 30ºC temperature, protected from light & moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.

Generic Name of Cef-3

Cefixime Trihydrate.