Vecef-DS
Generic Name
Cefixime 250 mg Suspension
Manufacturer
Incepta Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Country
Bangladesh
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
---|---|---|
vecef ds 250 mg suspension | ৳ 120.00 | N/A |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Cefixime is a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections. Vecef-DS 250 mg Suspension is formulated for pediatric use or for patients who have difficulty swallowing tablets.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
Adults and children over 12 years or weighing more than 50 kg: 200 mg to 400 mg daily as a single dose or in two divided doses. For suspension, it is often preferred for those unable to swallow capsules/tablets.
Elderly
No specific dosage adjustment is required for elderly patients with normal renal function. For those with renal impairment, dosage should be adjusted as per renal impairment guidelines.
Renal_impairment
For creatinine clearance 21-60 mL/min, the dose should be reduced to 300 mg daily. For creatinine clearance <20 mL/min, the dose should be reduced to 200 mg daily or 100 mg twice daily. Patients on chronic ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) or hemodialysis should receive 400 mg every 48 hours.
How to Take
Vecef-DS 250 mg Suspension should be reconstituted with boiled and cooled water before use. Shake the bottle well before each use. It can be taken with or without food. Complete the full course of treatment as prescribed by the physician.
Mechanism of Action
Cefixime acts by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis. It binds to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) located inside the bacterial cell wall, thereby inhibiting the third and final stage of bacterial cell wall synthesis. Cell lysis is then mediated by bacterial cell wall autolytic enzymes such as autolysins.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Peak plasma concentrations are achieved in 2-6 hours after oral administration.
Excretion
Primarily renal excretion (via urine) and some biliary excretion.
Half life
Approximately 3-4 hours.
Absorption
Approximately 40-50% orally absorbed. Absorption may be delayed but not significantly decreased by food.
Metabolism
Not extensively metabolized in the body. Approximately 50% of the absorbed dose is excreted unchanged in the urine.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to Cefixime, other cephalosporins, or any component of the formulation.
- History of hypersensitivity to penicillin (due to potential cross-reactivity).
Drug Interactions
Nifedipine
May increase Cefixime bioavailability.
Carbamazepine
Cefixime may increase carbamazepine levels; therapeutic monitoring is advised.
Aminoglycosides
Concurrent use may increase the risk of nephrotoxicity.
Oral contraceptives
May reduce the efficacy of oral contraceptives (though this is less common with cephalosporins than with other antibiotics).
Warfarin and other anticoagulants
May increase prothrombin time (PT) and INR, leading to increased bleeding risk. Close monitoring of coagulation parameters is recommended.
Storage
Store powder below 30°C, protected from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children. Reconstituted suspension should be stored in a refrigerator (2-8°C) and not frozen.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose may include gastric distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea). In case of overdose, gastric lavage may be indicated. Cefixime is not removed in significant quantities by hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis. Treatment is generally supportive.
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 breast milk in small amounts; use with caution in nursing mothers.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to Cefixime, other cephalosporins, or any component of the formulation.
- History of hypersensitivity to penicillin (due to potential cross-reactivity).
Drug Interactions
Nifedipine
May increase Cefixime bioavailability.
Carbamazepine
Cefixime may increase carbamazepine levels; therapeutic monitoring is advised.
Aminoglycosides
Concurrent use may increase the risk of nephrotoxicity.
Oral contraceptives
May reduce the efficacy of oral contraceptives (though this is less common with cephalosporins than with other antibiotics).
Warfarin and other anticoagulants
May increase prothrombin time (PT) and INR, leading to increased bleeding risk. Close monitoring of coagulation parameters is recommended.
Storage
Store powder below 30°C, protected from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children. Reconstituted suspension should be stored in a refrigerator (2-8°C) and not frozen.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose may include gastric distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea). In case of overdose, gastric lavage may be indicated. Cefixime is not removed in significant quantities by hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis. Treatment is generally supportive.
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 breast milk in small amounts; use with caution in nursing mothers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
Unreconstituted powder: 24 to 36 months (check specific packaging). Reconstituted suspension: 7-14 days when refrigerated (2-8°C).
Availability
Available in pharmacies nationwide
Approval Status
Approved by DGDA (Bangladesh)
Patent Status
Expired
WHO Essential Medicine
YesClinical Trials
Cefixime has undergone extensive clinical trials demonstrating its efficacy and safety in various bacterial infections. Ongoing surveillance studies monitor antimicrobial resistance patterns.
Lab Monitoring
- Liver function tests (LFTs) and Renal function tests (RFTs) should be monitored in patients receiving prolonged therapy or those with pre-existing hepatic/renal impairment.
- Complete Blood Count (CBC) should be monitored periodically.
Doctor Notes
- Emphasize the importance of completing the full course of therapy to prevent resistance.
- Advise patients on proper reconstitution and storage of the suspension.
- Monitor patients for signs of C. difficile-associated diarrhea.
Patient Guidelines
- Take the medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, even if your symptoms improve.
- Do not stop taking the medicine early, as this can lead to antibiotic resistance and recurrence of infection.
- Shake the reconstituted suspension well before each use.
- Discard any unused portion of the reconstituted suspension after the specified period (usually 7-14 days, check label).
- 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
Cefixime may cause dizziness in some patients. Patients should be advised to exercise caution when driving or operating machinery until they know how the medication affects them.
Lifestyle Advice
- Maintain good hygiene to prevent spread of infection.
- Ensure adequate fluid intake unless otherwise advised by your doctor.
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