Medicine Information

Vecef

Name: Vecef
Brand: Vecef

Capsule500 mgFirst generation CephalosporinATC: J01DB01

Generic Name

Cefalexin

Manufacturer

Incepta Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

Country

Bangladesh

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Price Details

Current market pricing information

Variant	Unit Price	Strip Price
vecef 500 mg capsule	৳ 12.50	৳ 50.00

Description

Overview of the medicine

Vecef 500 mg Capsule contains Cefalexin, a first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria.

Uses & Indications

Respiratory tract infections (e.g., pharyngitis, tonsillitis, sinusitis)

Urinary tract infections (e.g., cystitis, pyelonephritis)

Skin and soft tissue infections (e.g., cellulitis, erysipelas, furunculosis)

Otitis media (middle ear infection)

Bone and joint infections

Dental infections

Dosage

Adults

The usual adult dose is 250 mg to 500 mg every 6 to 12 hours. For severe infections or less susceptible organisms, the dosage may be increased up to 1 g every 6 hours. Maximum daily dose is 4 g.

Elderly

No specific dose adjustment based on age alone, but renal function should be assessed, and dose adjusted accordingly for renal impairment.

Renal_impairment

Initial dose is the same as for patients with normal renal function. Subsequent doses and dosing intervals should be adjusted based on creatinine clearance. For CrCl 30-50 mL/min: 250-500 mg every 8-12 hours; For CrCl 10-29 mL/min: 250-500 mg every 12-24 hours; For CrCl <10 mL/min: 250-500 mg every 24-48 hours. Hemodialysis patients should receive an additional dose after dialysis.

How to Take

Take Vecef 500 mg Capsule orally, with or without food. If gastrointestinal upset occurs, it may be taken with food. Swallow the capsule whole with water. Do not chew or crush.

Mechanism of Action

Cefalexin is a bactericidal agent that inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to one or more of the penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs). This inhibits the final transpeptidation step of peptidoglycan synthesis in the bacterial cell wall, leading to cell lysis and death.

Pharmacokinetics

Onset

Onset of action is relatively rapid, typically within 1 hour.

Excretion

Excreted rapidly by the kidneys via glomerular filtration and tubular secretion. Approximately 75% to 90% of an oral dose is excreted unchanged in the urine within 8 hours.

Half life

Approximately 0.9 to 1.2 hours in individuals with normal renal function; significantly prolonged in patients with impaired renal function.

Absorption

Rapidly and well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract (about 90%) after oral administration. Peak plasma concentrations are usually attained within 1 hour.

Metabolism

Cefalexin is not significantly metabolized in the body. Approximately 1% of the dose may be converted to an inactive metabolite.

Side Effects

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to cefalexin or any other cephalosporin antibiotic.
History of severe hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis) to any beta-lactam antibiotic (e.g., penicillins).

Drug Interactions

Warfarin

Cephalosporins, including cefalexin, may enhance the anticoagulant effect of warfarin, increasing the risk of bleeding. INR monitoring is recommended.

Metformin

Cefalexin may increase plasma concentrations of Metformin, requiring dose adjustment.

Probenecid

Probenecid can delay the renal excretion of Cefalexin, leading to increased and prolonged plasma concentrations.

Aminoglycosides

Concurrent use with aminoglycosides may increase the risk of nephrotoxicity, although this is less common with cefalexin than with other cephalosporins.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place, below 30°C. Protect from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.

Overdose

Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, epigastric distress, diarrhea, and hematuria. In case of overdose, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. Gastric lavage and supportive therapy are recommended. Hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis are generally not necessary but may be useful in extreme cases.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy Category B. Cefalexin crosses the placenta, but studies in animals have shown no evidence of harm to the fetus. It is generally considered safe in pregnancy, but should be used only if clearly needed after consulting a doctor. Cefalexin is excreted in small amounts in breast milk. Caution should be exercised when administered to a nursing mother.

Side Effects

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to cefalexin or any other cephalosporin antibiotic.
History of severe hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis) to any beta-lactam antibiotic (e.g., penicillins).

Drug Interactions

Warfarin

Cephalosporins, including cefalexin, may enhance the anticoagulant effect of warfarin, increasing the risk of bleeding. INR monitoring is recommended.

Metformin

Cefalexin may increase plasma concentrations of Metformin, requiring dose adjustment.

Probenecid

Probenecid can delay the renal excretion of Cefalexin, leading to increased and prolonged plasma concentrations.

Aminoglycosides

Concurrent use with aminoglycosides may increase the risk of nephrotoxicity, although this is less common with cefalexin than with other cephalosporins.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place, below 30°C. Protect from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.

Overdose

Pregnancy & Lactation

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this medicine

Pack Sizes

10 x 10 capsules (100 capsules in a box)

Shelf Life

24 to 36 months from the date of manufacture.

Availability

Available in pharmacies and hospitals

Approval Status

Approved by DGDA (Bangladesh), FDA (USA) for generic form

Patent Status

Off-patent

WHO Essential Medicine

Yes

Clinical Trials

Cefalexin has been extensively studied in numerous clinical trials over several decades, confirming its efficacy and safety profile for treating various bacterial infections. Its clinical utility is well-established.

Lab Monitoring

Renal function tests (especially in elderly patients or those with pre-existing renal impairment)
Complete blood count (CBC) if used for prolonged periods
Liver function tests (LFTs) in patients with hepatic dysfunction

Doctor Notes

Emphasize completing the entire course of therapy to prevent resistance development.
Exercise caution in patients with a history of penicillin allergy, particularly severe reactions. Cross-reactivity, though low, can occur.
Monitor renal function in elderly patients and those with pre-existing renal impairment, adjusting dosage as necessary.
Advise patients about potential gastrointestinal side effects and instruct to take with food if needed.

Patient Guidelines

Take the full course of medicine as prescribed by your doctor, even if you feel better. Stopping early can lead to recurring infection and antibiotic resistance.
Do not share your medicine with others, even if they have similar symptoms.
Inform your doctor about any allergies, especially to penicillins or other antibiotics.
Drink plenty of fluids while on this medication.

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 take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose.

Driving Precautions

Cefalexin may cause dizziness in some individuals. Patients should be advised to exercise caution before driving or operating machinery until they know how the medication affects them.