Beuflox 500 mg

Description

Indications:
Beuflox is a broad-spectrum antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections, including single infections or mixed infections caused by multiple susceptible organisms. It is also effective against infections caused by organisms resistant to other antibiotics, such as Aminoglycosides, Penicillins, and Cephalosporins. It is commonly used for conditions such as:

• Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
• Respiratory Tract Infections
• Skin and Soft Tissue Infections
• Gonorrhea
• Bone and Joint Infections
• Gastrointestinal Infections
• Infections in patients with cystic fibrosis

Note: Beuflox should be used as prescribed by a registered healthcare professional.

Pharmacology:
Beuflox contains Ciprofloxacin, a synthetic quinolone antibiotic with a broad spectrum of activity. Ciprofloxacin effectively combats most Gram-negative bacteria, including Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. It is also active against several Gram-positive bacteria, including methicillin-resistant staphylococci. However, some strains of Streptococci show resistance to this drug.

The bactericidal effect of Ciprofloxacin results from the inhibition of the enzyme DNA gyrase, which is essential for bacterial DNA replication. Upon oral administration, Ciprofloxacin is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, with a bioavailability of approximately 70-80%. It is widely distributed throughout body tissues and fluids. The elimination half-life of Ciprofloxacin is about 3.5 hours. Around 30% to 50% of an oral dose is excreted unchanged in the urine within 24 hours.

Dosage & Administration:
The dosage of Beuflox is determined based on the type and severity of the infection, the sensitivity of the causative organisms, as well as the patient’s age, weight, and renal function.

• Adults:

  • For mild to moderate infections, the usual dosage is 250–500 mg twice daily.
  • For severe infections, the dose may range from 500–750 mg twice daily.
  • UTI: 250-500 mg twice daily (depending on severity).
  • Respiratory Tract Infections: 250-500 mg twice daily (for both upper and lower respiratory infections).
  • Gonorrhea: A single dose of 250–500 mg.
  • Cystic Fibrosis (Pseudomonal infections): 750 mg twice daily.
  • Renal Impairment: For patients with renal dysfunction (serum creatinine > 265 µmol/l or creatinine clearance < 20 ml/min), the total daily dose should be reduced by half. Monitoring drug serum levels is essential.

• Children and Adolescents:

  • Ciprofloxacin is not recommended for children and growing adolescents unless the benefit outweighs the risk. In such cases, the recommended dosage is 7.5-15 mg/kg/day in divided doses.

• Elderly:

  • No dosage adjustment is necessary unless there is significant renal or hepatic impairment.

• Duration of Treatment:

  • The typical treatment duration is 5-10 days for acute infections, and should generally be continued for three days after the infection symptoms disappear.

• Extended-Release Tablet:

  • For uncomplicated urinary tract infections, a 1000 mg tablet once daily for three days is recommended.

Administration Instructions for IV Infusion:

• Inspect the infusion bag for leaks before use. If leaks are found, discard the solution.
• Do not use if the solution is cloudy or contains precipitates.
• Administer the solution via an IV set after following the instructions for proper connection and administration.

Interactions:
Beuflox may interact with the following substances:

• Antacids and Sucralfate: Magnesium and aluminum-containing antacids or sucralfate may reduce the absorption of Beuflox. Take these medications 2 hours after or 6 hours before Beuflox.
• Dairy Products: Avoid taking Beuflox with milk or dairy products as they can significantly reduce absorption. However, dietary calcium in a meal does not have a major effect on absorption.

Contraindications:
Beuflox should not be used in patients who have a history of hypersensitivity to Ciprofloxacin or other quinolones.

Side Effects:
Some possible side effects of Beuflox include:

• Gastrointestinal issues: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain.
• Central Nervous System (CNS) disturbances: Headache, dizziness, confusion, and rare convulsions.
• Allergic Reactions: Skin rash, pruritus, and in very rare cases, serious conditions like Stevens-Johnson syndrome.
• Other effects: Joint pain, photosensitivity, mild increase in liver enzymes, serum bilirubin, urea, or creatinine levels, and mental health disturbances.

Pregnancy & Lactation:

• Pregnancy: Ciprofloxacin should not be used during pregnancy unless absolutely necessary, as it may cause arthropathy in immature animals. Its safety during human pregnancy has not been well-established.
• Lactation: Ciprofloxacin is excreted in breast milk in rats. Therefore, it is not recommended for nursing mothers.

Precautions & Warnings:

• Beuflox should be used cautiously in patients with a history of CNS disorders, such as arteriosclerosis or epilepsy.
• Stay hydrated while using Beuflox and avoid concurrent use with certain antacids or calcium, iron, or zinc supplements.

Use in Special Populations:
Although Beuflox is effective in clinical trials, it is not the first-choice antibiotic for pediatric patients due to concerns about potential adverse effects on developing joints.

Overdose Effects:
Overdose of Beuflox may result in symptoms such as confusion, abdominal discomfort, seizures, hallucinations, renal and hepatic impairment, crystalluria, hematuria, and reversible renal toxicity.

Therapeutic Class:
Beuflox belongs to the class of 4-quinolones and anti-diarrheal antimicrobial drugs.

Storage Conditions:
Store Beuflox below 30°C, in a dry place, protected from light and moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.