Cefixim DS 200 mg/5 ml

Description

Indications

Cefixim DS is a broad-spectrum, orally active cephalosporin antibiotic with potent bactericidal activity against a wide range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms. It is indicated for the treatment of various acute infections caused by susceptible microorganisms, including:

• Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (URTI): such as otitis media, and other URTIs where the causative organism is resistant to commonly used antibiotics or where treatment failure could lead to significant risk.
• Lower Respiratory Tract Infections: such as bronchitis.
• Urinary Tract Infections: including cystitis, cystourethritis, and pyelonephritis.

Microorganisms susceptible to Cefixime DS include:

• 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)
• Enterobacter species

Cefixim DS is stable against beta-lactamase enzymes, making it effective against organisms that may be resistant to other antibiotics.

Pharmacology

Cefixime is a third-generation semisynthetic cephalosporin antibiotic for oral administration. It exerts its bactericidal effects by disrupting the bacterial cell wall synthesis. It is highly stable in the presence of beta-lactamase, which allows it to treat infections caused by penicillin-resistant organisms. Cefixime is absorbed at a rate of 40% to 50% and its absorption is not significantly affected by food.

Dosage & Administration

• Adults and children over 10 years: The recommended dosage is 200-400 mg daily, either as a single dose or in two divided doses, depending on the severity of the infection.
• Elderly patients: The same dosage as for adults is recommended. Renal function should be assessed, and adjustments should be made in case of severe renal impairment.
• Children: The recommended dosage is 8 mg/kg/day, either as a single dose or in two divided doses. The suggested daily volumes of the suspension are:
  • 6 months to 1 year: 3.75 ml
  • 1-4 years: 5 ml
  • 5-10 years: 10 ml
  • For typhoid, the recommended dose for children is 5 mg/kg body weight twice daily for 10-14 days.
• Children > 50 kg or older than 10 years: Should receive the adult dosage (200-400 mg daily).
• Children under 6 months: Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Dosage in Renal Impairment: For patients with creatinine clearance of 20 ml/min or greater, the normal dosage may be used. For patients with creatinine clearance less than 20 ml/min, the dosage should not exceed 200 mg once daily.

Interaction

• Cefixime may increase prothrombin time in some patients, especially those on anticoagulant therapy, and caution is advised.

Contraindications

• Known hypersensitivity to cephalosporin antibiotics.

Side Effects

Cefixim DS is generally well tolerated. Common side effects include:

• Gastrointestinal: Diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, dyspepsia, vomiting, flatulence.
• CNS: Headache, dizziness.
• Hypersensitivity: Rash, itching, urticaria, drug fever, arthralgia.
• Hematological: Thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, eosinophilia (rare and reversible).
• Liver/Renal function: Mild changes in liver and renal function tests.
• Miscellaneous: Genital itching and vaginitis.

Pregnancy & Lactation

• There are no well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Cefixime should be used during pregnancy only if clearly necessary.
• It is not known if Cefixime is excreted in human milk, so caution should be exercised when administered to nursing mothers.

Precautions & Warnings

• Use with caution in patients allergic to other drugs, especially penicillins, as there is some risk of cross-allergy.
• Caution is required in patients with impaired renal function and those at risk for antibiotic-associated diarrhea due to Clostridium difficile overgrowth.
• Cefixime should not be used during pregnancy or lactation unless necessary and recommended by a doctor.

Overdose Effects

• No specific antidote exists for an overdose. Gastric lavage may be indicated. Cefixime is not removed in significant amounts by dialysis.

Therapeutic Class: Third-generation Cephalosporins.

Storage Conditions

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

Common Questions

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

• What are the side effects of Cefixim DS?
  Common side effects include diarrhea, abdominal pain, dizziness, skin rashes, and swelling.

• How should Cefixim DS be stored?
  Keep it in a cool, dry place, away from children, and dispose of expired or unused medications properly.

Quick Tips

• Complete the full course of treatment as prescribed to avoid developing antibiotic resistance.
• Take with food to minimize stomach upset.
• Avoid alcohol during treatment as it may exacerbate side effects.