Polycef
Generic Name
Cefixime
Manufacturer
Gaco Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Country
Bangladesh
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| polycef 500 mg capsule | ৳ 12.54 | ৳ 50.16 |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Polycef 500 mg Capsule contains Cefixime, a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria. It is effective against various Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
Usually 200-400 mg once daily or in two divided doses. For severe infections or specific conditions, dosage may be adjusted by a physician. For Polycef 500 mg, typical adult dosage could be one capsule once daily or as directed by physician.
Elderly
No dosage adjustment is generally required in elderly patients with normal renal function. For those with renal impairment, dosage should be adjusted as for other adults.
Renal_impairment
For creatinine clearance 21-60 mL/min, the dose should be 75% of the standard dose. For creatinine clearance <20 mL/min, the dose should be 50% of the standard dose.
How to Take
Polycef 500 mg Capsule should be taken orally, with or without food. It is recommended to complete the full course of treatment even if symptoms improve to prevent resistance and recurrence.
Mechanism of Action
Cefixime is a bactericidal antibiotic. It inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) located inside the bacterial cell wall. This leads to the disruption of cell wall integrity and ultimately causes bacterial cell lysis and death.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Peak plasma concentrations are achieved 2-6 hours post-oral administration.
Excretion
Primarily excreted unchanged in the urine (about 50% of absorbed dose) and also via biliary excretion.
Half life
Approximately 3-4 hours.
Absorption
Approximately 40-50% orally absorbed, absorption is slightly delayed by food but the total amount absorbed remains unchanged.
Metabolism
Minimal metabolism; approximately 10% of the dose is metabolized in the liver.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to Cefixime, other cephalosporins, or any component of the formulation.
- History of severe hypersensitivity reactions to penicillin (due to potential cross-reactivity).
Drug Interactions
Nifedipine
May increase the absorption and peak plasma levels of Cefixime.
Carbamazepine
Concomitant use may increase carbamazepine plasma concentrations. Monitoring of carbamazepine levels may be necessary.
Aminoglycosides
Enhanced nephrotoxicity when used concomitantly with certain cephalosporins, although less documented for Cefixime.
Warfarin and other anticoagulants
May increase prothrombin time (PT) and International Normalized Ratio (INR), leading to an increased risk of bleeding. Close monitoring is recommended.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
In case of overdose, symptomatic and supportive treatment should be given. Gastric lavage may be indicated. Cefixime is not removed in significant quantities from the circulation by hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category B. Studies in animals have shown no evidence of harm to the fetus, but there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Use during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Cefixime is excreted in small amounts in breast milk; caution should be exercised when administered to a nursing woman.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to Cefixime, other cephalosporins, or any component of the formulation.
- History of severe hypersensitivity reactions to penicillin (due to potential cross-reactivity).
Drug Interactions
Nifedipine
May increase the absorption and peak plasma levels of Cefixime.
Carbamazepine
Concomitant use may increase carbamazepine plasma concentrations. Monitoring of carbamazepine levels may be necessary.
Aminoglycosides
Enhanced nephrotoxicity when used concomitantly with certain cephalosporins, although less documented for Cefixime.
Warfarin and other anticoagulants
May increase prothrombin time (PT) and International Normalized Ratio (INR), leading to an increased risk of bleeding. Close monitoring is recommended.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
In case of overdose, symptomatic and supportive treatment should be given. Gastric lavage may be indicated. Cefixime is not removed in significant quantities from the circulation by hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category B. Studies in animals have shown no evidence of harm to the fetus, but there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Use during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Cefixime is excreted in small amounts in breast milk; caution should be exercised when administered to a nursing woman.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
Typically 24 to 36 months from the date of manufacture, specific details on packaging.
Availability
Available in pharmacies and hospitals
Approval Status
Approved by DGDA (Bangladesh)
Patent Status
Generic available
WHO Essential Medicine
YesClinical Trials
Cefixime has undergone extensive clinical trials demonstrating its efficacy and safety profile for approved indications. Post-marketing surveillance continues to monitor its use.
Lab Monitoring
- Complete Blood Count (CBC) with differential in prolonged therapy
- Renal function tests (BUN, creatinine) in patients with renal impairment or prolonged therapy
- Liver function tests (ALT, AST) periodically in patients with hepatic impairment or prolonged therapy
Doctor Notes
- Ensure proper diagnosis before prescribing Cefixime to avoid misuse and resistance.
- Advise patients to complete the full course of therapy for optimal outcomes and to prevent resistance development.
- Monitor for signs of C. difficile infection if diarrhea develops during or after treatment.
Patient Guidelines
- Take the medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
- Complete the entire course of medication, even if you feel better, to prevent bacterial resistance.
- Do not share this medication with others, even if they have similar symptoms.
Missed Dose Advice
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Driving Precautions
Polycef may cause dizziness in some individuals. If you experience dizziness, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery.
Lifestyle Advice
- Maintain adequate hydration by drinking plenty of fluids.
- Avoid alcohol consumption during the treatment period as it may exacerbate gastrointestinal side effects.
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