Afix 200 mg

Description

Indications
Afix is an orally administered cephalosporin antibiotic with potent bactericidal activity against a broad range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. It is indicated for the treatment of various acute infections caused by susceptible microorganisms.

Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (URTI): Afix is used in conditions such as otitis media and other upper respiratory infections where the causative bacteria are resistant to commonly used antibiotics or when treatment failure poses a significant risk.

Lower Respiratory Tract Infections: Effective in the management of bronchitis and other lower respiratory tract infections.

Urinary Tract Infections (UTI): Treats infections such as cystitis, cystourethritis, and pyelonephritis. It has shown clinical efficacy against pathogens including Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes, Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Klebsiella species, Haemophilus influenzae (both beta-lactamase positive and negative), Moraxella catarrhalis (both beta-lactamase positive and negative), and Enterobacter species. Afix is highly stable against beta-lactamase enzymes.

Pharmacology
Cefixime is a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic that acts by disrupting bacterial cell wall synthesis, leading to bacterial cell death. It is resistant to beta-lactamase enzymes, making it effective against bacteria that are resistant to penicillins and some other cephalosporins. The absorption rate of Cefixime ranges between 40% to 50%, irrespective of food intake.

Dosage & Administration
The absorption of Cefixime is not significantly affected by food. The typical course of treatment lasts for 7 days and may be extended to 14 days if necessary.

• Adults & Children over 10 years: 200-400 mg daily, either as a single dose or divided into two doses, depending on infection severity.
• Elderly Patients: Same dosage as adults, with dosage adjustments if there is severe renal impairment.
• Children: Recommended dose is 8 mg/kg/day, either as a single dose or divided into two doses.
  • 6 months – 1 year: 3.75 ml daily
  • 1-4 years: 5 ml daily
  • 5-10 years: 10 ml daily
• For Typhoid: 5 mg/kg body weight twice daily for 10-14 days.
• Children over 50 kg or older than 10 years: Should follow the adult dosage regimen.
• Children under 6 months: The safety and efficacy of Cefixime in infants below 6 months have not been established.

Dosage in Renal Impairment:

• Patients with creatinine clearance ≥ 20 ml/min: Normal dose and schedule.
• Patients with creatinine clearance < 20 ml/min: Do not exceed 200 mg once daily.
• Patients on chronic ambulatory peritoneal dialysis or hemodialysis should follow the same dosage guidelines as those with creatinine clearance < 20 ml/min.

Drug Interactions
Like other cephalosporins, Afix may cause increased prothrombin times in some patients. Caution is advised for those on anticoagulant therapy.

Contraindications

• Not to be used in patients with known hypersensitivity to cephalosporin antibiotics.

Side Effects
Afix is generally well tolerated. Most adverse reactions are mild and self-limiting.

• Gastrointestinal: Diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, dyspepsia, vomiting, flatulence, and rarely, pseudomembranous colitis.
• Central Nervous System: Headache, dizziness.
• Hypersensitivity Reactions: Rash, pruritus, urticaria, drug fever, and arthralgia, which subside upon discontinuation.
• Hematological: Rare cases of thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, eosinophilia.
• Miscellaneous: Mild and transient changes in liver and renal function tests, genital pruritus, vaginitis.

Pregnancy & Lactation
There are no well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Cefixime should only be used if clearly necessary. It is unknown whether Cefixime is excreted in human milk; therefore, caution should be exercised when administering it to nursing mothers.

Precautions & Warnings

• Use with caution in patients with known hypersensitivity to cephalosporins or penicillins due to possible cross-allergenicity.
• Severe reactions, including anaphylaxis, have been reported.
• In patients with significant renal impairment, dosage adjustments are required.
• Prolonged use of broad-spectrum antibiotics may lead to the overgrowth of resistant bacteria such as Clostridium difficile, leading to antibiotic-associated diarrhea.

Overdose Management
Gastric lavage may be required, but there is no specific antidote. Afix is not significantly removed through hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis. Single doses of up to 2 g in healthy adults did not cause adverse reactions beyond the normal profile.

Therapeutic Class
Third-generation cephalosporins.

Storage Conditions

• Store below 30°C, away from light and moisture.
• Keep out of reach of children.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is Afix 200 mg Capsule used for?
   Afix is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections, including respiratory, urinary tract, and certain other infections. It does not work against viral infections such as the flu.
2. Can Afix be used for colds and flu?
   No, as it is an antibiotic, Afix does not treat viral infections like colds or flu.
3. What are the common side effects of Afix?
   Common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, dizziness, and skin rash.
4. Is Afix safe for infants?
   The safety of Afix in infants under 6 months has not been established; consult a doctor before use.
5. Can I take Afix with acetaminophen (paracetamol)?
   There are no known interactions between Afix and acetaminophen, but consulting a doctor is recommended before combining medications.
6. How long does it take for Afix to work?
   Afix starts working soon after ingestion, but symptom relief may take a few days. Completing the full prescribed course is essential for effectiveness.
7. What if my symptoms do not improve after taking Afix?
   If symptoms persist or worsen, consult your doctor immediately.

Quick Tips

• Complete the full course of treatment even if you feel better to prevent resistance.
• Take with food to reduce stomach discomfort.
• Avoid alcohol consumption during treatment.
• Inform your doctor immediately if you experience severe allergic reactions.

For best results, always follow your doctor’s advice regarding dosage and treatment duration.