Medicine Information

Polycef

Name: Polycef
Brand: Polycef

Injection1 gmAnti-bacterial (3rd generation Cephalosporins)ATC: J01DD04

Generic Name

Ceftriaxone

Manufacturer

Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

Country

Bangladesh

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Price Details

Current market pricing information

Variant	Unit Price	Strip Price
polycef 1 gm injection	৳ 90.00	N/A

Description

Overview of the medicine

Polycef 1 gm Injection contains Ceftriaxone, a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections.

Uses & Indications

Lower respiratory tract infections

Acute bacterial otitis media

Skin and skin structure infections

Urinary tract infections

Uncomplicated gonorrhea

Pelvic inflammatory disease

Bacterial septicemia

Bone and joint infections

Intra-abdominal infections

Meningitis

Surgical prophylaxis

Dosage

Adults

Usual adult dose is 1-2 gm once daily (every 24 hours) via IM or IV administration, depending on the severity and type of infection. In severe cases, dose may be increased up to 4 gm once daily.

Elderly

Same as adults, but dose adjustment may be necessary in cases of severe renal or hepatic impairment.

Renal_impairment

No dose adjustment is required for mild to moderate renal impairment. For severe renal impairment, a maximum daily dose of 2 gm should not be exceeded.

How to Take

Administer slowly intravenously over 30 minutes (for IV infusion) or 2-4 minutes (for IV push), or deep intramuscularly. Solutions for IM injection must be prepared with lidocaine to reduce pain.

Mechanism of Action

Ceftriaxone acts by inhibiting the bacterial cell wall synthesis, leading to bacterial cell lysis and death. It has a bactericidal effect.

Pharmacokinetics

Onset

Rapid onset of action, typically within 2-3 hours.

Excretion

Approximately 50-60% excreted unchanged in urine via glomerular filtration and tubular secretion, and 40-50% excreted unchanged in bile.

Half life

Approximately 6-9 hours.

Absorption

Rapid and complete absorption after intramuscular (IM) or intravenous (IV) administration.

Metabolism

Partially metabolized in the liver to inactive metabolites. About 35-65% excreted unchanged.

Side Effects

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to ceftriaxone, any other cephalosporins, or any component of the formulation.
Neonates (≤28 days) with hyperbilirubinemia, particularly premature neonates, due to the risk of bilirubin encephalopathy.
Concomitant use with calcium-containing IV solutions in neonates (≤28 days).

Drug Interactions

Aminoglycosides

Synergistic effect, but separate administration is recommended due to potential physical incompatibility.

Calcium-containing solutions

Concomitant use with ceftriaxone in neonates can lead to precipitation in lungs and kidneys, potentially fatal.

Loop diuretics (e.g., Furosemide)

May increase the risk of nephrotoxicity with concomitant use of some cephalosporins, though less common with ceftriaxone.

Oral anticoagulants (e.g., Warfarin)

May increase the anticoagulant effect, requiring close monitoring of INR and prothrombin time.

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light. Reconstituted solutions should be used immediately or stored according to manufacturer's guidelines.

Overdose

In case of overdose, symptomatic treatment and supportive measures should be initiated. Ceftriaxone is not significantly removed by hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy Category B. Studies in animals have shown no evidence of harm to the fetus. However, it should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Ceftriaxone is excreted into breast milk in low concentrations; caution should be exercised when administering to a nursing mother.

Side Effects

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to ceftriaxone, any other cephalosporins, or any component of the formulation.
Neonates (≤28 days) with hyperbilirubinemia, particularly premature neonates, due to the risk of bilirubin encephalopathy.
Concomitant use with calcium-containing IV solutions in neonates (≤28 days).

Drug Interactions

Aminoglycosides

Synergistic effect, but separate administration is recommended due to potential physical incompatibility.

Calcium-containing solutions

Concomitant use with ceftriaxone in neonates can lead to precipitation in lungs and kidneys, potentially fatal.

Loop diuretics (e.g., Furosemide)

May increase the risk of nephrotoxicity with concomitant use of some cephalosporins, though less common with ceftriaxone.

Oral anticoagulants (e.g., Warfarin)

May increase the anticoagulant effect, requiring close monitoring of INR and prothrombin time.

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light. Reconstituted solutions should be used immediately or stored according to manufacturer's guidelines.

Overdose

In case of overdose, symptomatic treatment and supportive measures should be initiated. Ceftriaxone is not significantly removed by hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this medicine

Pack Sizes

1 gm vial with 10 ml Water for Injection

Shelf Life

Typically 2 to 3 years from the date of manufacture when stored correctly.

Availability

Hospitals and pharmacies

Approval Status

Approved by DGDA and international authorities

Patent Status

Off-patent

WHO Essential Medicine

Yes

Clinical Trials

Ceftriaxone has been extensively studied in numerous clinical trials demonstrating its efficacy and safety across various bacterial infections in adults and children.

Lab Monitoring

Renal function tests (BUN, creatinine) during prolonged therapy.
Liver function tests (AST, ALT, bilirubin) if hepatic impairment is suspected.
Complete Blood Count (CBC) including differential, especially with prolonged therapy.
Prothrombin time (PT) / INR, particularly in patients with vitamin K deficiency or on anticoagulants.

Doctor Notes

Always inquire about previous hypersensitivity reactions to cephalosporins or penicillins.
Monitor renal and hepatic function, especially in patients with pre-existing impairment or during prolonged therapy.
Strictly avoid co-administration with calcium-containing solutions in neonates.

Patient Guidelines

Complete the entire prescribed course of therapy, even if symptoms improve, to prevent recurrence and development of resistance.
Report any unusual or severe side effects to your doctor immediately.
Inform your doctor about all other medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking.
Do not share this medicine with others, even if they have similar symptoms.

Missed Dose Advice

If a dose is missed, administer it as soon as remembered. If it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume the regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose.

Driving Precautions

Ceftriaxone may cause dizziness or lightheadedness in some patients. Patients should be cautioned about operating machinery or driving until they know how the medication affects them.