Cefim-3 DS 200 mg/5 ml

Description

Indications
Cefim-3 DS is an orally administered cephalosporin antibiotic, effective against a broad spectrum of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. It is specifically designed for treating various acute infections caused by susceptible organisms.

Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (URTI):
This includes conditions like otitis media and other URTIs where the bacteria involved are known or suspected to resist commonly used antibiotics, or where inadequate treatment could lead to severe complications.

Lower Respiratory Tract Infections:
Including conditions such as bronchitis, Cefim-3 DS provides effective treatment for these infections.

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs):
Indicated for cystitis, cystourethritis, and pyelonephritis, Cefim-3 DS has proven efficacy against commonly encountered pathogens like Streptococcus pneumonia, Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Klebsiella species, Haemophilus influenzae (both beta-lactamase positive and negative), Moraxella catarrhalis, and Enterobacter species. It is highly stable when exposed to beta-lactamase enzymes, which are responsible for resistance against many other antibiotics.

For medication use, always follow the advice of a registered physician.

Pharmacology
Cefim-3 DS contains Cefixime, a third-generation semisynthetic cephalosporin antibiotic that is highly effective against a broad range of bacteria. This antibiotic works by disrupting the bacterial cell wall, which is essential for bacterial survival. Its bactericidal action is effective against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Cefixime is resistant to degradation by beta-lactamase, making it effective against organisms that have developed resistance to penicillins and some cephalosporins.

Cefixime has an absorption rate of about 40-50%, and its effectiveness is not significantly influenced by the presence of food.

Dosage & Administration
The absorption of Cefim-3 DS is not significantly affected by food intake. The usual duration for treatment is 7 days, though this can be extended to 14 days if necessary.

• Adults and children over 10 years: The recommended dosage for adults is 200-400 mg daily, depending on the infection’s severity. This can be administered as a single dose or divided into two doses.
• Elderly patients: Generally, elderly patients can take the same dosage as adults. However, renal function should be monitored, and adjustments made in cases of severe renal impairment.
• Children: The dosage for children is 8 mg/kg/day, either as a single dose or in two divided doses. Below are the suggested daily doses based on age:
  • 6 months to 1 year: 3.75 ml daily
  • 1-4 years: 5 ml daily
  • 5-10 years: 10 ml daily
    For typhoid, children should be given 5 mg/kg body weight twice daily for 10-14 days.
• Renal Impairment: For patients with renal impairment, normal dosing is appropriate for those with creatinine clearance above 20 ml/min. In patients with a creatinine clearance below 20 ml/min, the dose should be limited to 200 mg once daily.

Always follow the prescribed dosage from your physician.

Interactions
As with other cephalosporins, Cefim-3 DS may increase prothrombin time in some patients, so care should be taken when used alongside anticoagulant therapy.

Contraindications
Cefim-3 DS is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to cephalosporins.

Side Effects
Cefim-3 DS is generally well tolerated, with most side effects being mild and self-limiting. Common side effects include:

• Gastrointestinal: Diarrhea (especially with higher doses), nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, and dyspepsia. Rarely, pseudomembranous colitis may occur.
• Central Nervous System: Headaches and dizziness.
• Hypersensitivity Reactions: Rash, itching, hives, drug fever, and joint pain. These usually resolve after stopping the medication.
• Hematological: Rare occurrences of thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, and eosinophilia. These are generally reversible.
• Miscellaneous: Potential side effects include vaginal irritation and pruritus.

Pregnancy & Lactation
There are no well-controlled studies of Cefim-3 DS in pregnant women. Animal studies may not predict human reactions, so this medication should only be used in pregnancy if clearly needed. It is also unknown if Cefixime passes into breast milk. Caution should be exercised when administering this medication to breastfeeding mothers.

Precautions & Warnings

• Cefim-3 DS should be used with caution in patients with known hypersensitivity to other drugs, particularly those with a history of penicillin allergies due to potential cross-reactivity.
• Caution is advised for patients with impaired renal function, as dosage adjustments may be necessary.
• Long-term use of antibiotics like Cefim-3 DS may alter the normal bacterial flora of the colon, potentially leading to overgrowth of Clostridium difficile, which can cause antibiotic-associated diarrhea.

Overdose Effects
There is no specific antidote for Cefim-3 DS overdose. In cases of overdose, gastric lavage may be necessary. Cefim-3 DS is not significantly removed from circulation by hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis. Toxicity in healthy volunteers taking up to 2 g of Cefim-3 DS has not shown any different side effects compared to the standard dosing.

Storage Conditions
Store below 30ºC, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.

Chemical Information

• Molecular Formula: C16H15N5O7S2
• Chemical Structure: Cefixime Trihydrate

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What is Cefim-3 DS Syrup?
  Cefim-3 DS 200 mg/5 ml Syrup is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. It does not treat viral infections like the flu.

• Can Cefim-3 DS Syrup treat common cold or flu?
  No, Cefim-3 DS 200 mg/5 ml Syrup will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.

• What are the side effects of Cefim-3 DS Syrup?
  Common side effects include diarrhea, abdominal pain, and nausea. Serious side effects like skin rashes, breathing difficulties, and swelling of the face or lips may also occur and should be reported to your doctor immediately.

• Can I use Cefim-3 DS Syrup during pregnancy?
  Cefim-3 DS should only be used during pregnancy if clearly necessary. Consult your doctor before use.

Quick Tips

• Complete the full course of treatment even if you feel better. Stopping early may make the infection harder to treat.
• Take with food to avoid stomach upset.
• If diarrhea occurs, report it to your doctor, especially if it’s severe or contains blood.
• Avoid alcohol while using this medication, as it may increase side effects.