Ultrasef
Generic Name
ultrasef-250-mg-capsule
Manufacturer
Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Country
Bangladesh
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
---|---|---|
ultrasef 250 mg capsule | ৳ 6.87 | ৳ 27.48 |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Cefixime is a broad-spectrum cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat a variety of bacterial infections, including those of the urinary tract, ear, throat, and lungs.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
The usual adult dose is 400 mg daily given either as a single dose or in two divided doses of 200 mg every 12 hours. For specific infections, dosage may vary.
Elderly
No dosage adjustment is generally required for elderly patients unless there is significant renal impairment. Monitor renal function.
Renal_impairment
For patients with creatinine clearance <60 mL/min, the dose should be reduced. For CrCl 21-60 mL/min, 75% of the standard dose; for CrCl <20 mL/min, 50% of the standard dose.
How to Take
Take the capsule orally with a glass of water. It can be taken with or without food. For best results, take at the same time each day and complete the full course of medication.
Mechanism of Action
Cefixime exerts its bactericidal action by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis. It binds to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) which interferes with the transpeptidation step of peptidoglycan synthesis, leading to bacterial cell lysis and death.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Peak plasma concentrations are generally achieved between 2 to 6 hours after oral administration.
Excretion
Primarily renal excretion, with about 50% of an absorbed dose excreted unchanged in the urine within 24 hours. Biliary excretion also occurs.
Half life
Plasma elimination half-life is typically 3 to 4 hours, which can be prolonged in patients with renal impairment.
Absorption
Approximately 40-50% orally absorbed, influenced by dosage form (suspension vs capsule). Food may slightly increase absorption.
Metabolism
Not extensively metabolized in vivo. Most of the drug is excreted unchanged.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to cefixime or any other cephalosporin antibiotic.
- History of hypersensitivity to penicillin or other beta-lactam antibiotics (due to potential cross-reactivity).
Drug Interactions
Nifedipine
May increase the absorption of cefixime, leading to higher plasma concentrations.
Carbamazepine
Concomitant use may increase carbamazepine plasma concentrations, requiring dose adjustment.
Warfarin and other anticoagulants
May increase prothrombin time (PT) and INR, increasing the risk of bleeding. Close monitoring is recommended.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a cool, dry place. Protect from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
In case of overdose, gastric lavage may be indicated. There is no specific antidote. Treatment should be supportive and symptomatic. Hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis do not remove significant quantities of cefixime from the body.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category B. Studies in animals have not shown harm to the fetus, but there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Use only if clearly needed. Cefixime is excreted in small amounts in breast milk; use with caution in nursing mothers.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to cefixime or any other cephalosporin antibiotic.
- History of hypersensitivity to penicillin or other beta-lactam antibiotics (due to potential cross-reactivity).
Drug Interactions
Nifedipine
May increase the absorption of cefixime, leading to higher plasma concentrations.
Carbamazepine
Concomitant use may increase carbamazepine plasma concentrations, requiring dose adjustment.
Warfarin and other anticoagulants
May increase prothrombin time (PT) and INR, increasing the risk of bleeding. Close monitoring is recommended.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a cool, dry place. Protect from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
In case of overdose, gastric lavage may be indicated. There is no specific antidote. Treatment should be supportive and symptomatic. Hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis do not remove significant quantities of cefixime from the body.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category B. Studies in animals have not shown harm to the fetus, but there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Use only if clearly needed. Cefixime is excreted in small amounts in breast milk; use with caution in nursing mothers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
Generally 2-3 years from the date of manufacture, specific details on packaging.
Availability
Pharmacies, Hospitals
Approval Status
Approved by relevant health authorities (e.g., DGDA in Bangladesh)
Patent Status
Off-patent
WHO Essential Medicine
YesClinical Trials
Cefixime has been extensively studied in clinical trials for its efficacy and safety in treating various bacterial infections. Ongoing research may explore new indications or formulations.
Lab Monitoring
- For prolonged therapy or in patients with impaired renal function, periodic assessment of renal function (e.g., creatinine clearance) is advisable.
- Complete blood counts (CBC) may be monitored in rare cases of blood dyscrasias.
Doctor Notes
- Advise patients on the importance of completing the full course of therapy to prevent resistance.
- Monitor for signs of hypersensitivity reactions, especially in patients with a history of penicillin allergy.
- Caution in patients with a history of gastrointestinal disease, particularly colitis.
Patient Guidelines
- Complete the entire course of medication, even if symptoms improve, to prevent recurrence and development of antibiotic resistance.
- Report any persistent or severe diarrhea to your doctor, as it could be a sign of a more serious condition (e.g., C. difficile-associated diarrhea).
- Do not share your medication with others, and do not use it for conditions for which it was not prescribed.
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
Cefixime may cause dizziness in some individuals. Patients should be advised to exercise caution before driving or operating machinery until they are reasonably certain that cefixime does not adversely affect their ability to perform such activities.
Lifestyle Advice
- Maintain good hydration by drinking plenty of fluids.
- Avoid alcohol if you experience gastrointestinal upset, as it may exacerbate symptoms.
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