Fortimox
Generic Name
Amoxicillin
Manufacturer
General Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Country
Bangladesh
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| fortimox 500 mg tablet | ৳ 32.00 | ৳ 128.00 |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Fortimox 500 mg Tablet is a penicillin antibiotic used to treat a variety of bacterial infections, including those of the respiratory tract, urinary tract, and skin.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
Typical dosage is 250 mg to 500 mg every 8 hours, or 500 mg to 875 mg every 12 hours, depending on the severity and type of infection. For severe infections, up to 1 gram every 8 hours may be prescribed.
Elderly
Dosage may need adjustment based on renal function, similar to adults with renal impairment.
Renal_impairment
For creatinine clearance 10-30 mL/min: 250-500 mg every 12 hours. For creatinine clearance less than 10 mL/min: 250-500 mg every 24 hours. Hemodialysis patients: 250-500 mg every 24 hours, plus an additional dose during and after dialysis.
How to Take
Fortimox 500 mg Tablet is for oral administration. It can be taken with or without food. It is crucial to complete the full prescribed course of treatment, even if symptoms improve, to prevent resistance and ensure complete eradication of the infection.
Mechanism of Action
Amoxicillin acts by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis, leading to cell lysis and subsequent bacterial death. It binds to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) located inside the bacterial cell wall.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Antibacterial effects begin within 1 hour.
Excretion
Primarily excreted unchanged by the kidneys via tubular secretion and glomerular filtration. About 60% of the dose is excreted in urine within 6-8 hours.
Half life
Approximately 1-1.5 hours in adults with normal renal function.
Absorption
Rapidly and well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, with bioavailability of approximately 70-90%. Peak plasma concentrations are reached within 1-2 hours after oral administration. Food does not significantly affect absorption.
Metabolism
Approximately 10-25% of amoxicillin is metabolized in the liver to inactive penicilloic acid.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to amoxicillin, any other penicillin, or to any of the excipients of the tablet.
- History of a severe immediate hypersensitivity reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) to another beta-lactam agent (e.g., a cephalosporin, carbapenem or monobactam).
- Infectious mononucleosis, due to increased risk of rash.
Drug Interactions
Probenecid
Concomitant use with probenecid decreases renal tubular secretion of amoxicillin, resulting in increased and prolonged blood levels of amoxicillin.
Oral contraceptives
Amoxicillin may reduce the efficacy of oral contraceptives, leading to a risk of unintended pregnancy. Advise alternative contraception.
Warfarin and other oral anticoagulants
May prolong prothrombin time and increase the risk of bleeding; close monitoring of INR is recommended.
Tetracyclines, Macrolides, Chloramphenicol
Bacteriostatic antibiotics may interfere with the bactericidal effect of penicillin.
Storage
Store in a cool (below 30°C), dry place, protected from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose may include gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) and disturbances of fluid and electrolyte balance. In severe cases, crystalluria and renal failure have been reported. Management is symptomatic and supportive; hemodialysis can remove amoxicillin from the circulation.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category B. Amoxicillin has been widely used in pregnancy and is generally considered safe. Small amounts are excreted in breast milk; generally considered safe during lactation, but monitor breastfed infants for potential adverse effects like diarrhea, candidiasis, or allergic sensitization.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to amoxicillin, any other penicillin, or to any of the excipients of the tablet.
- History of a severe immediate hypersensitivity reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) to another beta-lactam agent (e.g., a cephalosporin, carbapenem or monobactam).
- Infectious mononucleosis, due to increased risk of rash.
Drug Interactions
Probenecid
Concomitant use with probenecid decreases renal tubular secretion of amoxicillin, resulting in increased and prolonged blood levels of amoxicillin.
Oral contraceptives
Amoxicillin may reduce the efficacy of oral contraceptives, leading to a risk of unintended pregnancy. Advise alternative contraception.
Warfarin and other oral anticoagulants
May prolong prothrombin time and increase the risk of bleeding; close monitoring of INR is recommended.
Tetracyclines, Macrolides, Chloramphenicol
Bacteriostatic antibiotics may interfere with the bactericidal effect of penicillin.
Storage
Store in a cool (below 30°C), dry place, protected from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose may include gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) and disturbances of fluid and electrolyte balance. In severe cases, crystalluria and renal failure have been reported. Management is symptomatic and supportive; hemodialysis can remove amoxicillin from the circulation.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category B. Amoxicillin has been widely used in pregnancy and is generally considered safe. Small amounts are excreted in breast milk; generally considered safe during lactation, but monitor breastfed infants for potential adverse effects like diarrhea, candidiasis, or allergic sensitization.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
Typically 24 to 36 months from the date of manufacture, depending on manufacturer specifications.
Availability
Pharmacies, Hospitals
Approval Status
Approved by regulatory bodies (e.g., FDA, DGDA)
Patent Status
Generic available
WHO Essential Medicine
YesClinical Trials
Amoxicillin has been subject to extensive clinical trials and research over decades, establishing its broad-spectrum efficacy and safety in treating various bacterial infections. Ongoing surveillance monitors for resistance patterns.
Lab Monitoring
- For prolonged therapy, periodic assessment of renal, hepatic, and hematopoietic function is advisable.
- In patients with severe renal impairment, plasma amoxicillin concentrations may need monitoring.
Doctor Notes
- Emphasize to patients the importance of completing the full course of treatment to prevent therapeutic failure and the development of resistance.
- Be vigilant for signs of hypersensitivity reactions, particularly in patients with a history of penicillin or cephalosporin allergy.
- Advise patients to report severe or persistent diarrhea, as it could indicate C. difficile-associated colitis.
- Adjust dose in patients with renal impairment.
Patient Guidelines
- Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not stop treatment early, even if you feel better.
- Inform your doctor about any known allergies, especially to penicillins or cephalosporins.
- Contact your doctor if you develop severe diarrhea, skin rash, or difficulty breathing.
- Drink plenty of fluids to help prevent crystalluria.
Missed Dose Advice
If you miss a dose of Fortimox 500 mg Tablet, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Driving Precautions
Fortimox 500 mg Tablet generally does not affect the ability to drive or operate machinery. However, if side effects such as dizziness or allergic reactions occur, patients should avoid these activities.
Lifestyle Advice
- Maintain good personal hygiene to prevent the spread of infection and reinfection.
- Avoid alcohol during the course of antibiotic treatment as it may exacerbate gastrointestinal side effects.
- Consume probiotics if recommended by your doctor to help maintain gut flora.
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