Vercef
Generic Name
Cefixime 40 mg/5 ml Suspension
Manufacturer
Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Country
Bangladesh
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| vercef 40 mg suspension | ৳ 98.00 | N/A |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Vercef 40 mg suspension contains Cefixime, a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections, including respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, and ear infections.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
The usual adult dose is 400 mg once daily or 200 mg every 12 hours. For suspension, this would typically involve 10 mL (for 400 mg) or 5 mL (for 200 mg) if 40 mg/mL equivalent, check specific product leaflet.
Children
Children (6 months to 12 years): 8 mg/kg/day as a single dose or in two divided doses (4 mg/kg every 12 hours). The maximum dose should not exceed the adult dose. For Vercef 40 mg/5 mL suspension, calculate mL based on weight.
Renal_impairment
Dosage adjustment is necessary for patients with creatinine clearance less than 60 mL/min. For CrCl 21-60 mL/min, 75% of the standard dose; for CrCl < 20 mL/min, 50% of the standard dose.
How to Take
Oral administration. May be taken with or without food. Shake the suspension well before each use. Use a measuring spoon or cup to ensure accurate dosing.
Mechanism of Action
Cefixime acts by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis. It binds to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) located inside the bacterial cell wall, which are responsible for the final transpeptidation step of peptidoglycan synthesis. This inhibition leads to the disruption of bacterial cell wall integrity and ultimately causes bacterial cell lysis and death.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Within a few hours of administration.
Excretion
Primarily renal excretion (approximately 50% unchanged in urine), with some biliary excretion.
Half life
Approximately 3-4 hours.
Absorption
Approximately 40-50% orally absorbed. Peak plasma concentrations are reached 2-6 hours after administration.
Metabolism
Not extensively metabolized; about 10% is metabolized in the liver.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to cefixime or any other cephalosporin antibiotics.
- History of severe hypersensitivity reactions to penicillin (cross-allergenicity).
Drug Interactions
Probenecid
May increase cefixime plasma concentrations and prolong its half-life by decreasing renal excretion.
Carbamazepine
Concomitant use may increase carbamazepine plasma levels.
Warfarin and other anticoagulants
May increase prothrombin time (PT) with or without bleeding, potentially increasing the risk of hemorrhage. Monitor INR/PT closely.
Storage
Store dry powder below 30°C, protected from light and moisture. Keep reconstituted suspension in a refrigerator (2-8°C) and discard after the recommended period.
Overdose
In case of overdose, gastric lavage may be indicated. Cefixime is not removed in significant quantities by hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis. Treatment should be supportive and symptomatic.
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 during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Cefixime is excreted in small amounts into breast milk; caution should be exercised when administered to a nursing mother.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to cefixime or any other cephalosporin antibiotics.
- History of severe hypersensitivity reactions to penicillin (cross-allergenicity).
Drug Interactions
Probenecid
May increase cefixime plasma concentrations and prolong its half-life by decreasing renal excretion.
Carbamazepine
Concomitant use may increase carbamazepine plasma levels.
Warfarin and other anticoagulants
May increase prothrombin time (PT) with or without bleeding, potentially increasing the risk of hemorrhage. Monitor INR/PT closely.
Storage
Store dry powder below 30°C, protected from light and moisture. Keep reconstituted suspension in a refrigerator (2-8°C) and discard after the recommended period.
Overdose
In case of overdose, gastric lavage may be indicated. Cefixime is not removed in significant quantities by hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis. Treatment should be supportive and symptomatic.
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 during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Cefixime is excreted in small amounts into breast milk; caution should be exercised when administered to a nursing mother.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
Typically 2-3 years for dry powder. Reconstituted suspension has a shelf life of 7-14 days when refrigerated.
Availability
Available in pharmacies and hospitals
Approval Status
Approved by regulatory authorities
Patent Status
Generic available (off-patent)
WHO Essential Medicine
YesClinical Trials
Numerous clinical trials have established the efficacy and safety of cefixime in treating various bacterial infections in both pediatric and adult populations.
Lab Monitoring
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- Renal function tests (for prolonged therapy or renal impairment)
- Liver function tests (rarely)
Doctor Notes
- Advise parents on proper measurement and administration techniques for pediatric patients.
- Emphasize completing the full course of antibiotics to prevent resistance.
- Monitor for signs of C. difficile-associated diarrhea, especially with prolonged use.
Patient Guidelines
- Complete the entire prescribed course of medication, even if symptoms improve.
- Shake the suspension well before each use.
- Measure the dose accurately using the provided measuring device.
- Discard any unused reconstituted suspension after the recommended storage period (e.g., 7-14 days).
Missed Dose Advice
If a dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume the regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Driving Precautions
Cefixime generally does not impair the ability to drive or operate machinery. However, if side effects like dizziness or headache occur, avoid such activities.
Lifestyle Advice
- Maintain good hygiene to prevent reinfection.
- Drink plenty of fluids.
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