Cef-3 DS

Description

Indications

Cef-3 DS is an orally administered cephalosporin antibiotic known for its potent bactericidal activity against a wide range of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms. This antibiotic is effective in treating various acute infections caused by susceptible bacteria, including the following:

• Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (URTI): such as otitis media, and other upper respiratory infections where the causative bacteria are resistant to other commonly used antibiotics, or in situations where treatment failure could lead to severe complications.
• Lower Respiratory Tract Infections: including conditions like bronchitis.
• Urinary Tract Infections: such as cystitis, cystourethritis, and pyelonephritis.

Clinical efficacy has been proven against common pathogens like Streptococcus pneumonia, Streptococcus pyogenes, Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Klebsiella species, Haemophilus influenzae (both beta-lactamase positive and negative strains), Moraxella catarrhalis (both beta-lactamase positive and negative strains), and Enterobacter species. Cef-3 DS is notably stable in the presence of beta-lactamase enzymes, making it effective against many resistant organisms.

Pharmacology

Cefixime, the active ingredient in Cef-3 DS, is a third-generation, semisynthetic cephalosporin antibiotic that is highly effective against a broad spectrum of bacteria. Its mechanism of action involves inhibiting the synthesis of bacterial cell walls, ultimately killing the bacteria. Cefixime is resistant to degradation by beta-lactamase, which allows it to treat infections caused by bacteria that are resistant to other beta-lactam antibiotics like penicillins.

The absorption of Cefixime is approximately 40%-50%, regardless of whether it is taken with or without food.

Dosage & Administration

Cefixime’s absorption is not significantly affected by food intake. The usual treatment duration is 7 days, although this may be extended up to 14 days depending on the severity of the infection.

• Adults and Children Over 10 Years: The recommended dosage is 200-400 mg daily, based on infection severity, either as a single dose or divided into two doses.

• Elderly Patients: Elderly individuals can generally follow the same dosage as adults, but renal function should be assessed, and dosage may be adjusted in cases of severe renal impairment.

• Children: The recommended dosage for children is 8 mg/kg/day, administered as a single dose or divided into two doses. For younger children, the following guidelines apply:

  • 6 months to 1 year: 3.75 mL daily
  • 1 to 4 years: 5 mL daily
  • 5 to 10 years: 10 mL daily For typhoid, the recommended dose for children is 5 mg/kg body weight twice daily for 10-14 days.

• Children Aged Over 10 Years or Weighing More Than 50 kg: Should be treated with the recommended adult dose of 200-400 mg daily, depending on the infection’s severity.

• Children Under 6 Months: The safety and efficacy of Cefixime have not been established in infants under 6 months.

Dosage in Renal Impairment: Cefixime can be used in patients with impaired renal function. For patients with creatinine clearances of 20 mL/min or greater, the normal dose can be administered. For those with creatinine clearances of less than 20 mL/min, the dose should not exceed 200 mg once daily. Patients undergoing chronic peritoneal dialysis or hemodialysis should follow the same dosing regimen as those with creatinine clearance less than 20 mL/min.

Interactions

As with other cephalosporins, slight increases in prothrombin time have been observed in some patients. Therefore, caution is advised for patients on anticoagulant therapy.

Contraindications

Cef-3 DS should not be used in patients with a known hypersensitivity to cephalosporin antibiotics.

Side Effects

Cef-3 DS is generally well-tolerated. Most adverse reactions are mild and self-limiting. The most common side effects are gastrointestinal disturbances such as diarrhea, which is more likely with higher doses. Other less frequent gastrointestinal issues include nausea, abdominal pain, dyspepsia, vomiting, and flatulence. Pseudomembranous colitis has also been reported.

Central nervous system side effects include headaches and dizziness. Hypersensitivity reactions may include rashes, itching, urticaria, drug fever, and joint pain, which usually subside upon discontinuation of therapy. Hematologic side effects such as thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, and eosinophilia have been reported but are rare and reversible. There may be mild, transient changes in liver and renal function tests, and other side effects may include genital itching and vaginitis.

Pregnancy & Lactation

There is limited data on the use of Cefixime in pregnant women. Animal studies are not always predictive of human response, so Cefixime should only be used during pregnancy if absolutely necessary. The excretion of Cefixime in human milk is unknown, so caution should be exercised when administering it to nursing mothers.

Precautions & Warnings

Cef-3 DS should be used with caution in patients with known hypersensitivity to other drugs. It should also be administered with caution to patients who are allergic to penicillins, as there is a potential for cross-allergenicity between penicillins and cephalosporins. Anaphylactic reactions have been reported in some cases. If an allergic reaction occurs, discontinuation of the drug is necessary, and appropriate treatment should be administered.

Patients with severely impaired renal function should also be monitored carefully. Broad-spectrum antibiotics like Cef-3 DS may disrupt the normal colon flora and lead to the overgrowth of Clostridium difficile, a bacterium associated with antibiotic-induced diarrhea.

Overdose Effects

In case of overdose, gastric lavage may be considered. Cef-3 DS is not significantly removed from circulation through hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis. No specific antidote exists. Clinical trials involving single doses of up to 2 grams of Cef-3 DS in healthy adult volunteers have not shown a difference in side effects compared to those receiving the usual recommended dose.

Therapeutic Class

Third-Generation Cephalosporins

Storage Conditions

Store at a temperature below 30ºC, away from light and moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.

Chemical Structure

• Molecular Formula: C16H15N5O7S2
• Chemical Structure: [Image of the chemical structure of Cefixime Trihydrate]

Common Questions About Cef-3 DS 400 mg Capsule

1. What is Cef-3 DS 400 mg Capsule? Cef-3 DS 400 mg Capsule is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. It is not effective against viral infections like the flu.

2. What are the uses of Cef-3 DS 400 mg Capsule? This antibiotic is used to treat conditions such as urinary tract infections, tonsillitis, pharyngitis, and bronchitis. It may also be used for fungal and gonococcal infections.

3. What are the side effects of Cef-3 DS 400 mg Capsule? Some common side effects include diarrhea, abdominal pain, indigestion, and dizziness. Serious side effects like swelling, chest pain, and difficulty breathing should be reported to a doctor immediately.

4. How should Cef-3 DS 400 mg Capsule be stored? Store it in a cool, dry place, and keep it in its original packaging. Keep out of reach of children.

5. Can Cef-3 DS 400 mg Capsule treat cold or flu? No, it is an antibiotic and will not work for viral infections such as cold or flu.

6. Is Cef-3 DS 400 mg Capsule safe for infants? The safety of this medication in infants under 6 months has not been established. Always consult a doctor before giving it to infants.

7. Can I take Cef-3 DS 400 mg Capsule with acetaminophen? There are no known clinically significant interactions between Cef-3 DS 400 mg Capsule and acetaminophen, but you should consult your doctor before taking both medications simultaneously.

Quick Tips

• Complete the full course of treatment even if you feel better. Stopping early may make the infection harder to treat.
• Take the medication with food to prevent an upset stomach.
• Avoid alcohol while taking Cef-3 DS 400 mg Capsule, as it may increase side effects.
• If you develop a rash, swelling, or trouble breathing, stop taking the medication and seek medical help immediately.