Secoclav
Generic Name
Amoxicillin + Clavulanic Acid
Manufacturer
Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Country
Bangladesh
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| secoclav 250 mg tablet | ৳ 40.00 | ৳ 280.00 |
| secoclav 500 mg tablet | ৳ 65.00 | ৳ 455.00 |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Secoclav is a broad-spectrum antibiotic combining amoxicillin, a penicillin-type antibiotic, and clavulanic acid, a beta-lactamase inhibitor. It is used to treat various bacterial infections resistant to amoxicillin alone.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
Varies by strength and infection severity, e.g., 500 mg/125 mg three times daily or 875 mg/125 mg twice daily. Duration 7-10 days.
Elderly
Similar to adults, but adjust for renal function. Monitor renal function regularly.
Renal_impairment
Dose reduction required based on creatinine clearance. For CrCl 10-30 mL/min, 250/125 mg every 12 hours; for CrCl <10 mL/min, 250/125 mg every 24 hours.
How to Take
Take orally with food at the start of a meal to minimize potential gastrointestinal intolerance. Do not crush or chew prolonged-release tablets. Shake oral suspension well before use.
Mechanism of Action
Amoxicillin inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis, leading to bacterial cell lysis. Clavulanic acid irreversibly binds to and inactivates beta-lactamase enzymes produced by resistant bacteria, thereby extending amoxicillin's spectrum of activity.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Typically within 1-2 hours.
Excretion
Primarily renal excretion.
Half life
Amoxicillin 1-1.5 hours, Clavulanate 1 hour.
Absorption
Rapidly absorbed after oral administration. Bioavailability of amoxicillin is 70-90%, clavulanate is 60-70%.
Metabolism
Limited hepatic metabolism for amoxicillin; clavulanate is extensively metabolized.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- History of hypersensitivity to penicillin or other beta-lactam antibiotics
- History of amoxicillin/clavulanate-associated jaundice or hepatic dysfunction
- Severe renal impairment (CrCl < 30 mL/min) without dose adjustment
Drug Interactions
Warfarin
May prolong prothrombin time; monitor INR. Adjustment of anticoagulant dose may be necessary.
Allopurinol
Increased incidence of rash, especially in hyperuricemic patients. Co-administration should be avoided if possible.
Methotrexate
Increased methotrexate toxicity due to reduced renal excretion by amoxicillin. Monitor methotrexate levels.
Oral Contraceptives
May reduce efficacy of oral contraceptives; advise additional non-hormonal contraceptive methods.
Storage
Store below 30°C (86°F) in a dry place, away from direct light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children. Reconstituted oral suspension should be stored in a refrigerator (2-8°C) and used within 7-14 days.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose include gastrointestinal symptoms (abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea) and fluid and electrolyte imbalance. Crystalluria, leading to renal failure, has been observed in some cases. Treatment is symptomatic and supportive. Hemodialysis can effectively remove amoxicillin/clavulanate from circulation.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category B. Studies in animals have not shown a risk, but human studies are limited. Use only if clearly needed after consulting a physician. Both amoxicillin and clavulanic acid are excreted into breast milk; use with caution and monitor the infant for gastrointestinal disturbances or candidiasis.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- History of hypersensitivity to penicillin or other beta-lactam antibiotics
- History of amoxicillin/clavulanate-associated jaundice or hepatic dysfunction
- Severe renal impairment (CrCl < 30 mL/min) without dose adjustment
Drug Interactions
Warfarin
May prolong prothrombin time; monitor INR. Adjustment of anticoagulant dose may be necessary.
Allopurinol
Increased incidence of rash, especially in hyperuricemic patients. Co-administration should be avoided if possible.
Methotrexate
Increased methotrexate toxicity due to reduced renal excretion by amoxicillin. Monitor methotrexate levels.
Oral Contraceptives
May reduce efficacy of oral contraceptives; advise additional non-hormonal contraceptive methods.
Storage
Store below 30°C (86°F) in a dry place, away from direct light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children. Reconstituted oral suspension should be stored in a refrigerator (2-8°C) and used within 7-14 days.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose include gastrointestinal symptoms (abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea) and fluid and electrolyte imbalance. Crystalluria, leading to renal failure, has been observed in some cases. Treatment is symptomatic and supportive. Hemodialysis can effectively remove amoxicillin/clavulanate from circulation.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category B. Studies in animals have not shown a risk, but human studies are limited. Use only if clearly needed after consulting a physician. Both amoxicillin and clavulanic acid are excreted into breast milk; use with caution and monitor the infant for gastrointestinal disturbances or candidiasis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
24-36 months from the date of manufacture when stored properly.
Availability
Available in pharmacies and hospitals
Approval Status
Approved by Directorate General of Drug Administration (DGDA), Bangladesh
Patent Status
Generic available (Original patent expired)
WHO Essential Medicine
YesClinical Trials
Extensive clinical trials have established the efficacy and safety of amoxicillin/clavulanate for various bacterial infections globally. Post-marketing surveillance and ongoing studies continue to monitor its use, resistance patterns, and optimize treatment strategies.
Lab Monitoring
- Liver function tests (especially in patients with pre-existing hepatic impairment or prolonged therapy)
- Renal function tests (for patients with impaired renal function, especially during prolonged therapy)
- Complete blood count (CBC) during prolonged therapy
Doctor Notes
- Always consider local susceptibility patterns and clinical guidelines when prescribing.
- Adjust dosage in patients with known renal impairment according to creatinine clearance.
- Advise patients on the importance of completing the full course to prevent resistance and ensure efficacy.
- Be aware of potential hepatotoxicity, especially in elderly patients and those with pre-existing hepatic disease.
Patient Guidelines
- Complete the full prescribed course of antibiotics, even if symptoms improve.
- Take this medicine with food to reduce stomach upset and improve absorption.
- Do not save medicine for future infections as it may lead to resistance.
- Report any severe diarrhea, rash, breathing difficulties, or yellowing of skin/eyes to your doctor immediately.
- Do not share your medication with others.
Missed Dose Advice
If a dose is missed, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Driving Precautions
Secoclav is generally not expected to affect the ability to drive or operate machinery. However, if you experience side effects like dizziness, headache, or allergic reactions that impair your concentration, you should avoid driving or operating machinery.
Lifestyle Advice
- Stay well-hydrated while taking this antibiotic to prevent crystalluria.
- Consider taking probiotics to help maintain healthy gut flora, especially if you experience diarrhea, as antibiotics can disrupt it.
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Global Brand Names
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