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Drugs for Osteoarthritis, Drugs used for Rheumatoid Arthritis, Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

Dilofenac Sodium is a potent non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) with pronounced anti-rheumatic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic properties. It has also some uricosuric effect. Diclofenac exerts its effect by inhibiting prostaglandin biosynthesis which plays a major role in causing inflammation, pain and fever. Diclofenac is rapidly and completely absorbed from the gastro-intestinal tract when taken with or after meal. Peak plasma concentrations are reached within an average of 2 hours after ingestion of it. At therapeutic concentrations, it is 99.7% bound to plasma proteins. Diclofenac is metabolized in the liver and undergoes first pass metabolism.

Diclofenac FC Tablet: Adults: 75-150 mg daily in 2 to 3 divided doses, preferably after food. Dose should be reduced in long term use.

Diclofenac SR Tablet:

• Adult: 1 tablet daily, taken whole with liquid, preferably at meal times. If necessary, the daily dose can be increased to 150 mg by supplementation with conventional tablets.
• Children: 1-3 mg of diclofenac/kg body wt. daily in divided doses.
• Elderly patients: In elderly or debilitated patients, the lowest effective dosage is recommended, although the pharmacokinetics of diclofenac sodium is not impaired to any clinically relevant extent in elderly patients.

Diclofenac Dispersible Tablet:

• Adults: The recommended daily dosage is 2-3 tablets and the maximum daily dose is 150 mg. In milder cases, 2 tablets of Diclofenac DT per day are sufficient. Diclofenac DT should preferably be taken before meals.
• Children: Diclofenac is not recommended in children for other indications except juvenile rheumatoid arthritis where the recommended dose is 1-3 mg/kg body weight. Diclofenac DT is to be dropped into a half-glass of water and the liquid is to be stirred to aid dispersion before swallowing. There is no information on the use of Diclofenac DT for more than 03 months.

Diclofenac TR Capsule: One capsule daily. Diclofenac TR should be taken preferably after mealtimes.

Diclofenac Suppository: For adults: 50 mg suppository 2-3 times daily. Maximum daily dose is 150 mg.

Diclofenac injection: For adults the usual dose is 1 ampoule daily. In serious cases this dose may be increased up to 2 ampoules daily.

Diclofenac Gel: For external use only. Depending on the size of area to be treated, 2-4 g of Diclofenac gel should be applied to the skin 3-4 times daily. To the affected area gel should be rubbed in lightly. This gel may also be given in addition to further treatment with other dosage forms of Diclofenac.

Diclofenac Sodium is generally well tolerated. Adverse effects are mild, rare and transient. At the starting of the treatment, however, patients may be sometimes complaining of epigastric pain, eructation, nausea and diarrhea or dizziness or headache. These effects are usually mild in nature. Peripheral edema and skin reactions, such as rash and eczema have also been encountered. Diclofenac Sodium Gel may cause local irritation and reddening of the skin and skin rash.

Contraindicated to the patients hypersensitive to any ingredient of the products. Peptic ulcer, hypersensitivity to Diclofenac like other non-steroid anti-inflammatory agents, Diclofenac is also contra-indicated in asthmatic patient in whom attack with asthma, urticaria or acute rhinitis are precipitated by acetylsalicylic acid or by other drugs with prostaglandin synthetase inhibitor. This Gel should not be used under occlusive airtight dressings.

In rare instances where peptic ulceration or gastrointestinal bleeding occurs in patients under treatment with Diclofenac. In patients with advanced age should be kept under close observation. Diclofenac Sodium Gel should not be allowed to come in contact with the eyes or mucus membranes, after application the hands should be washed properly and not to be taken by mouth.

During pregnancy, Diclofenac should be employed only for compelling reasons. The lowest effective dose should be used. These types of drugs are not recommended during the first trimester of pregnancy. In view of insufficient clinical data, Diclofenac Sodium Gel is not recommended during pregnancy. A very insignificant quantity of Diclofenac may be detected in breast milk but no undesirable effects on the infant to be expected.

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

Third generation Cephalosporins

Cefixime is a third generation semisynthetic cephalosporin antibiotic for oral administration. It is bactericidal against a broad spectrum of gram positive and gram negative bacteria at easily achievable plasma concentrations. It kills bacteria by interfering in the synthesis of bacterial cell wall. It is highly stable in the presence of Beta-lactamase enzyme. As a result, many organisms resistant to penicillins and some cephalsporins due to the presence of beta-lactamases, may be susceptible to Cefixime. Absorption of it is about 40% to 50% whether administered with or without food.

The usual course of treatment is 7 days. This may be continued for up to 14 days depending on the severity of the infection.

Adult and children over 12 years: The recommended adult dose is 200-400 mg (1 to 2 capsules) daily, given either as a single dose or in two divided doses. For the treatment of uncomplicated cervical/urethral gonococcal infections, a single oral dose of Cefixime 400 mg is recommended.

Children (6 month or older): Usually 8 mg/kg/day given as a single dose or in two divided doses or may be given as following

• ½-1 year: 75 mg daily.
• 1-4 years: 100 mg daily.
• 5-10 years: 200 mg daily.
• 11-12 years: 300 mg daily
• In typhoid fever, dosage should be 10 mg/kg/day for 14 days.

Children (under 6 month): The safety and efficacy of Cefixime has not been established in children aged less than 6 months.

The drug is generally well tolerated. The most frequent side effects are diarrhoea and stool changes; that have been more commonly associated with higher doses. Other side effects are nausea, abdominal pain, dyspepsia, vomiting, flatulence, headache and dizziness. Allergies in the form of rash, pruritus, urticaria, drug fever and arthralgia have been reported. These reactions usually subsided upon dicontinuation of therapy.

It is contraindicated in hypersensitivity to Cefixime or other cephalosporins.

The drug should be prescribed with caution in individuals with a history of gastrointestinal disease, particularly colitis. The drug should be given with caution in patients with marked impaired renal function as well as those undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis. Dosage adjustment is only necessary in severe renal failure (creatinine clearance < 20 ml/min), in that case a dose of 200 mg once daily should not be exceeded.

Carbamazepine: Concomitant use elevates the carbamazepine level. Warfarin and other anticoagulants: Concomitant use increases prothrombin time.

There are, however, no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. It is not known that Cefixime is excreted in human milk. So, caution should be exercised when Cefixime is administered to a nursing woman.

Gastric Lavage may be indicated; otherwise, no specific antidote exists. Cefixime is not removed in significant quantities from the circulation by hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis. Adverse reactions in small numbers of healthy adult volunteers receiving single doses up to 2 g of Cefixime did not differ from the profile seen in patients treated at the recommended doses.

Keep below 30ºC temperature, protected from light & moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.

Third generation Cephalosporins

Cefixime is a third generation semisynthetic cephalosporin antibiotic for oral administration. It is bactericidal against a broad spectrum of gram positive and gram negative bacteria at easily achievable plasma concentrations. It kills bacteria by interfering in the synthesis of bacterial cell wall. It is highly stable in the presence of Beta-lactamase enzyme. As a result, many organisms resistant to penicillins and some cephalsporins due to the presence of beta-lactamases, may be susceptible to Cefixime. Absorption of it is about 40% to 50% whether administered with or without food.

The usual course of treatment is 7 days. This may be continued for up to 14 days depending on the severity of the infection.

Adult and children over 12 years: The recommended adult dose is 200-400 mg (1 to 2 capsules) daily, given either as a single dose or in two divided doses. For the treatment of uncomplicated cervical/urethral gonococcal infections, a single oral dose of Cefixime 400 mg is recommended.

Children (6 month or older): Usually 8 mg/kg/day given as a single dose or in two divided doses or may be given as following

• ½-1 year: 75 mg daily.
• 1-4 years: 100 mg daily.
• 5-10 years: 200 mg daily.
• 11-12 years: 300 mg daily
• In typhoid fever, dosage should be 10 mg/kg/day for 14 days.

Children (under 6 month): The safety and efficacy of Cefixime has not been established in children aged less than 6 months.

The drug is generally well tolerated. The most frequent side effects are diarrhoea and stool changes; that have been more commonly associated with higher doses. Other side effects are nausea, abdominal pain, dyspepsia, vomiting, flatulence, headache and dizziness. Allergies in the form of rash, pruritus, urticaria, drug fever and arthralgia have been reported. These reactions usually subsided upon dicontinuation of therapy.

It is contraindicated in hypersensitivity to Cefixime or other cephalosporins.

The drug should be prescribed with caution in individuals with a history of gastrointestinal disease, particularly colitis. The drug should be given with caution in patients with marked impaired renal function as well as those undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis. Dosage adjustment is only necessary in severe renal failure (creatinine clearance < 20 ml/min), in that case a dose of 200 mg once daily should not be exceeded.

Carbamazepine: Concomitant use elevates the carbamazepine level. Warfarin and other anticoagulants: Concomitant use increases prothrombin time.

There are, however, no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. It is not known that Cefixime is excreted in human milk. So, caution should be exercised when Cefixime is administered to a nursing woman.

Gastric Lavage may be indicated; otherwise, no specific antidote exists. Cefixime is not removed in significant quantities from the circulation by hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis. Adverse reactions in small numbers of healthy adult volunteers receiving single doses up to 2 g of Cefixime did not differ from the profile seen in patients treated at the recommended doses.

Keep below 30ºC temperature, protected from light & moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.

Vitamin B1, B6 & B12 is indicated for the treatment of vitamin B1, B6 & B12 deficiency syndrome. It is also indicated for the supportive treatment of neuritis & non-inflammatory diseases of the nerves, e.g.- Diabetic neuropathy, Peripheral neuralgin, Lumbago, Myalgia, Optic neuritis, Sciatica, Facial neuralgia, Intercostal neuralgia, Spinal pain.

Specific combined vitamin preparations

Vitamin B1 converts carbohydrates, fatty acids and amino acids into energy, promotes healthy nerves, improves mood, strengthens the heart. Vitamin B6 forms RBCs, helps cells to make proteins, manufactures neurotransmitters e.g. serotonin and releases stored forms of energy, helps to prevent CVS diseases and stroke, helps to lift depression and eases insomnia. Vitamin B12 is essential for cell replication and important for RBC production, prevents anemia, helps to prevent depression, reduces nerve pain, numbness, tingling and lowers the risk of heart diseases.

The vitamin ingredients are absorbed well in per oral reception. It is widely distributed to most tissues and appears in breast milk. Within the cell, thiamine is mostly present as diphosphate. Thiamine is not stored to any appreciable extent in the body and amounts in excess of the body’s requirements are excreted in the urine as unchanged thiamine or as metabolites. Pyridoxine, pyridoxal and pyridoxamine are readily absorbed from the GIT following oral administration and are converted to the active forms of pyridoxal phosphate an pyridoxamine phosphate. They are stored mainly in liver where there is oxidation to 4-pyridoxic acid and other inactive metabolites, which are excreted in urine. As the dose increases, proportionally greater amounts are excreted unchanged in the urine.

Tablet: 1-3 Tablets per day or as advised by the physician.

Injection:

• In severe (acute) cases: 1 injection daily until the acute symptoms subside or taken as advised by the physician.
• In mild cases: 1 injection 2-3 times per week. Ampoules are preferably injected intramuscularly.

Use in children: There is no information on the use of this drug in children.

Generally well tolerated but allergic reactions may be observed in few cases.

Vitamin B1, Vitamin B6 and Vitamin B12 is contraindicated in patients on levodopa therapy, and in patients with hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients of the preparation.

Cyanocobalamin should not be given in patients with subacute degeneration of the spinal cord. Cyanocobalamin is not suitable form of vitamin B12 for the treatment of optic neuropathies associated with raised plasma concentrations of cyanocobalamin.

No drug interaction has been reported yet.

Oral tablet form is recommended but due to the presence of benzyl alcohol, injection is not recommended during pregnancy & lactation.

No overdosage symptoms are to be expected in the recommended dosage. If there is known overdose then treatment is symptomatic & supportive.

Keep out of reach of children. Store in a cool (below 25°C temperature) and dry place, protected from light.

First generation Cephalosporins

Cephradine is a semisynthetic broad spectrum bactericidal antibiotic, it is active against infections caused by both gram-positive and gram-negative microorganisms. Both penicillinase producing and nonproducing staphylococci are sensitive to Cephradine. The main site of action of Cephradine is the cell wall of bacteria. Cell wall of sensitive organism contains peptidoglycan. Cephradine inhibits cross-linking process and as a result cell wall with many pores are formed, thus lysis of bacteria occur due to external osmotic pressure.

For oral administration-
Adults:

• Urinary tract infections: 500mg four times daily or 1g twice daily. Infections which are severe or chronic may necessitate the administration of higher doses. Where complications arise including prostatitis and epididymitis continued intensive treatment is required.
• Respiratory tract infections: 250 to 500mg four times daily or 500mg to 1g twice daily, dependent on the site and severity of the infection.
• Skin and soft tissue infections: 250 to 500mg four times daily or 500mg to 1g twice daily, again dependent on the site and severity of the infection.

Children:

• Total daily dose of 25 to 50mg/kg given in two or four equally divided doses.
• Otitis media: Total daily dose of 75 to 100mg/kg given in divided doses 6 to 12 hourly.
• Maximum daily dosage: 4 gm

Elderly: The normal adult dose is appropriate. Patients with impaired renal or hepatic function should be monitored during treatment.

For injectable administration-

• Adult: The usual dose is 2-4 gm daily in four equally divided doses up to 8 gm daily. For prophylaxis a single preoperative dose of 1-2 gm intramuscularly or intravenously is given.
• Children: The dose is 50-100 mg/kg daily in four equally divided doses, up to 300 mg/kg daily in severe infection.

Limited essentially to gastro-intestinal disturbances and on occasions to hypersensitivity phenomena. The latter are more likely to occur in individuals, who have previously demonstrated hypersensitivity and thos with a history of allergy, asthma, hay fever or urticaria. Skin reactions have occasionally been reported. Rare- Glossitis, heartburn, dizziness, tightness in the chest, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, vaginitis, candida overgrowth. Skin and hypersensitivity reactions include urticaria, skin rashes, joint pains, oedema.

• Blood and lymphatic system disorders- Unknown: blood disorders (including thrombocytopenia, leucopenia, agranulocytosis, aplastic anaemia and haemolytic anaemia)
• Immune system disorders- Unknown: Fever, serum sickness like reactions, anaphylaxis
• Psychiatric disorders- Unknown: Confusion, sleep disturbances
• Nervous system disorders- Unknown: hyperactivity, hypertonia, dizziness, nervousness; Rarely: Headache
• Hepatobiliary disorders- Frequency unknown: Liver, enzyme disturbances, transient hepatitis, cholestatic jaundice
• Renal and urinary disorders- Unknown: Reversible interstitial nephritis
• Investigations- Unknown: Elevation of blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, total bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase.

Cephradine should not be used in patients with known or suspected hypersensitivity to cephalosporins.

The concomitant use of nephrotoxic drugs such as aminoglycosides with Cefradine may increase the risk of kidney damage. Diuretics (e.g. frusemide, ethacrynic acid) and probenecid enhanced the possibility of renal toxicity.

Although animal studies have not demonstrated any teratogenicity, safety in pregnancy has not been established. Cephradine is excreted in breast milk and should be used with caution in lactating mothers. Since the medicine may cause dizziness, patients should be cautioned about operating hazardous machinery, including automobiles.

Renal Impairment: The following doses are recommended (based on 500 mg every 6 hours) for patients not on haemodialysis:

• CrCl: >20 ml/min: 500 mg every 6 hours
• CrCl: 5-20 ml/min: 250 mg every 6 hours
• CrCl: <5 ml/min: 250 mg every 50-70 hours.

Recommendations for patients on chronic, intermittent haemodialysis:

• 250 mg at the start of haemodialysis
• 250 mg 6 to 12 hours after the start
• 250 mg 36 to 48 hours after the start
• 250 mg at the start of the next haemodialysis session if more than 30 hours have elapsed since the last dose.

Additional Information for all patients Regardless of patient age or weight, higher doses of up to 1 gm four times daily may be required for infections which are chronic or severe. Treatment should continue for at least 2 to 3 days after symptoms have resolved or bacteria have been eradicated. To reduce the possibility of rheumatic fever or glomerulonephritis resulting from infections with haemolytic streptococci, treatment should be continued for at least 10 days. Throughout treatment of chronic urinary tract infections and for several months thereafter, regular bacteriological and clinical monitoring is required.

Doses below those recommended above should not be prescribed. Paediatric dosages should not exceed those specified for adults, regardless of severity of infection. It may be necessary to continue Cephradine therapy for several weeks in persistent infections. Patients may be transferred from intramuscular/intravenous Cephradine therapy to oral treatment at the same dosage level.

The symptoms of Sefrad overdose are non-specific and are generally nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and gastric upsets. Treatment is mainly supportive although gastric lavage will be necessary if a large amount has been ingested.

Cephradine Suspension should be freshly prepared. Reconstituted Suspension should be used within 7 days if kept at room temperature or within 14 days, if kept in a refrigerator. Cephradine Injection solutions should be used within 2 hours when kept at room temperature. When stored at 5°C, solutions retain potency for 12 hours. Reconstituted solutions may vary in colour from light to straw yellow; however, this does not affect the potency. Do not use later than the date of expiry. Keep all medicines out of the reach of children. To be dispensed only on the prescription of a registered physician

First generation Cephalosporins

Cephradine is a semisynthetic broad spectrum bactericidal antibiotic, it is active against infections caused by both gram-positive and gram-negative microorganisms. Both penicillinase producing and nonproducing staphylococci are sensitive to Cephradine. The main site of action of Cephradine is the cell wall of bacteria. Cell wall of sensitive organism contains peptidoglycan. Cephradine inhibits cross-linking process and as a result cell wall with many pores are formed, thus lysis of bacteria occur due to external osmotic pressure.

For oral administration-
Adults:

• Urinary tract infections: 500mg four times daily or 1g twice daily. Infections which are severe or chronic may necessitate the administration of higher doses. Where complications arise including prostatitis and epididymitis continued intensive treatment is required.
• Respiratory tract infections: 250 to 500mg four times daily or 500mg to 1g twice daily, dependent on the site and severity of the infection.
• Skin and soft tissue infections: 250 to 500mg four times daily or 500mg to 1g twice daily, again dependent on the site and severity of the infection.

Children:

• Total daily dose of 25 to 50mg/kg given in two or four equally divided doses.
• Otitis media: Total daily dose of 75 to 100mg/kg given in divided doses 6 to 12 hourly.
• Maximum daily dosage: 4 gm

Elderly: The normal adult dose is appropriate. Patients with impaired renal or hepatic function should be monitored during treatment.

For injectable administration-

• Adult: The usual dose is 2-4 gm daily in four equally divided doses up to 8 gm daily. For prophylaxis a single preoperative dose of 1-2 gm intramuscularly or intravenously is given.
• Children: The dose is 50-100 mg/kg daily in four equally divided doses, up to 300 mg/kg daily in severe infection.

Limited essentially to gastro-intestinal disturbances and on occasions to hypersensitivity phenomena. The latter are more likely to occur in individuals, who have previously demonstrated hypersensitivity and thos with a history of allergy, asthma, hay fever or urticaria. Skin reactions have occasionally been reported. Rare- Glossitis, heartburn, dizziness, tightness in the chest, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, vaginitis, candida overgrowth. Skin and hypersensitivity reactions include urticaria, skin rashes, joint pains, oedema.

• Blood and lymphatic system disorders- Unknown: blood disorders (including thrombocytopenia, leucopenia, agranulocytosis, aplastic anaemia and haemolytic anaemia)
• Immune system disorders- Unknown: Fever, serum sickness like reactions, anaphylaxis
• Psychiatric disorders- Unknown: Confusion, sleep disturbances
• Nervous system disorders- Unknown: hyperactivity, hypertonia, dizziness, nervousness; Rarely: Headache
• Hepatobiliary disorders- Frequency unknown: Liver, enzyme disturbances, transient hepatitis, cholestatic jaundice
• Renal and urinary disorders- Unknown: Reversible interstitial nephritis
• Investigations- Unknown: Elevation of blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, total bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase.

Cephradine should not be used in patients with known or suspected hypersensitivity to cephalosporins.

The concomitant use of nephrotoxic drugs such as aminoglycosides with Cefradine may increase the risk of kidney damage. Diuretics (e.g. frusemide, ethacrynic acid) and probenecid enhanced the possibility of renal toxicity.

Although animal studies have not demonstrated any teratogenicity, safety in pregnancy has not been established. Cephradine is excreted in breast milk and should be used with caution in lactating mothers. Since the medicine may cause dizziness, patients should be cautioned about operating hazardous machinery, including automobiles.

Renal Impairment: The following doses are recommended (based on 500 mg every 6 hours) for patients not on haemodialysis:

• CrCl: >20 ml/min: 500 mg every 6 hours
• CrCl: 5-20 ml/min: 250 mg every 6 hours
• CrCl: <5 ml/min: 250 mg every 50-70 hours.

Recommendations for patients on chronic, intermittent haemodialysis:

• 250 mg at the start of haemodialysis
• 250 mg 6 to 12 hours after the start
• 250 mg 36 to 48 hours after the start
• 250 mg at the start of the next haemodialysis session if more than 30 hours have elapsed since the last dose.

Additional Information for all patients Regardless of patient age or weight, higher doses of up to 1 gm four times daily may be required for infections which are chronic or severe. Treatment should continue for at least 2 to 3 days after symptoms have resolved or bacteria have been eradicated. To reduce the possibility of rheumatic fever or glomerulonephritis resulting from infections with haemolytic streptococci, treatment should be continued for at least 10 days. Throughout treatment of chronic urinary tract infections and for several months thereafter, regular bacteriological and clinical monitoring is required.

Doses below those recommended above should not be prescribed. Paediatric dosages should not exceed those specified for adults, regardless of severity of infection. It may be necessary to continue Cephradine therapy for several weeks in persistent infections. Patients may be transferred from intramuscular/intravenous Cephradine therapy to oral treatment at the same dosage level.

The symptoms of Sefrad overdose are non-specific and are generally nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and gastric upsets. Treatment is mainly supportive although gastric lavage will be necessary if a large amount has been ingested.

Cephradine Suspension should be freshly prepared. Reconstituted Suspension should be used within 7 days if kept at room temperature or within 14 days, if kept in a refrigerator. Cephradine Injection solutions should be used within 2 hours when kept at room temperature. When stored at 5°C, solutions retain potency for 12 hours. Reconstituted solutions may vary in colour from light to straw yellow; however, this does not affect the potency. Do not use later than the date of expiry. Keep all medicines out of the reach of children. To be dispensed only on the prescription of a registered physician

First generation Cephalosporins

Cephradine is a semisynthetic broad spectrum bactericidal antibiotic, it is active against infections caused by both gram-positive and gram-negative microorganisms. Both penicillinase producing and nonproducing staphylococci are sensitive to Cephradine. The main site of action of Cephradine is the cell wall of bacteria. Cell wall of sensitive organism contains peptidoglycan. Cephradine inhibits cross-linking process and as a result cell wall with many pores are formed, thus lysis of bacteria occur due to external osmotic pressure.

For oral administration-
Adults:

• Urinary tract infections: 500mg four times daily or 1g twice daily. Infections which are severe or chronic may necessitate the administration of higher doses. Where complications arise including prostatitis and epididymitis continued intensive treatment is required.
• Respiratory tract infections: 250 to 500mg four times daily or 500mg to 1g twice daily, dependent on the site and severity of the infection.
• Skin and soft tissue infections: 250 to 500mg four times daily or 500mg to 1g twice daily, again dependent on the site and severity of the infection.

Children:

• Total daily dose of 25 to 50mg/kg given in two or four equally divided doses.
• Otitis media: Total daily dose of 75 to 100mg/kg given in divided doses 6 to 12 hourly.
• Maximum daily dosage: 4 gm

Elderly: The normal adult dose is appropriate. Patients with impaired renal or hepatic function should be monitored during treatment.

For injectable administration-

• Adult: The usual dose is 2-4 gm daily in four equally divided doses up to 8 gm daily. For prophylaxis a single preoperative dose of 1-2 gm intramuscularly or intravenously is given.
• Children: The dose is 50-100 mg/kg daily in four equally divided doses, up to 300 mg/kg daily in severe infection.

Limited essentially to gastro-intestinal disturbances and on occasions to hypersensitivity phenomena. The latter are more likely to occur in individuals, who have previously demonstrated hypersensitivity and thos with a history of allergy, asthma, hay fever or urticaria. Skin reactions have occasionally been reported. Rare- Glossitis, heartburn, dizziness, tightness in the chest, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, vaginitis, candida overgrowth. Skin and hypersensitivity reactions include urticaria, skin rashes, joint pains, oedema.

• Blood and lymphatic system disorders- Unknown: blood disorders (including thrombocytopenia, leucopenia, agranulocytosis, aplastic anaemia and haemolytic anaemia)
• Immune system disorders- Unknown: Fever, serum sickness like reactions, anaphylaxis
• Psychiatric disorders- Unknown: Confusion, sleep disturbances
• Nervous system disorders- Unknown: hyperactivity, hypertonia, dizziness, nervousness; Rarely: Headache
• Hepatobiliary disorders- Frequency unknown: Liver, enzyme disturbances, transient hepatitis, cholestatic jaundice
• Renal and urinary disorders- Unknown: Reversible interstitial nephritis
• Investigations- Unknown: Elevation of blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, total bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase.

Cephradine should not be used in patients with known or suspected hypersensitivity to cephalosporins.

The concomitant use of nephrotoxic drugs such as aminoglycosides with Cefradine may increase the risk of kidney damage. Diuretics (e.g. frusemide, ethacrynic acid) and probenecid enhanced the possibility of renal toxicity.

Although animal studies have not demonstrated any teratogenicity, safety in pregnancy has not been established. Cephradine is excreted in breast milk and should be used with caution in lactating mothers. Since the medicine may cause dizziness, patients should be cautioned about operating hazardous machinery, including automobiles.

Renal Impairment: The following doses are recommended (based on 500 mg every 6 hours) for patients not on haemodialysis:

• CrCl: >20 ml/min: 500 mg every 6 hours
• CrCl: 5-20 ml/min: 250 mg every 6 hours
• CrCl: <5 ml/min: 250 mg every 50-70 hours.

Recommendations for patients on chronic, intermittent haemodialysis:

• 250 mg at the start of haemodialysis
• 250 mg 6 to 12 hours after the start
• 250 mg 36 to 48 hours after the start
• 250 mg at the start of the next haemodialysis session if more than 30 hours have elapsed since the last dose.

Additional Information for all patients Regardless of patient age or weight, higher doses of up to 1 gm four times daily may be required for infections which are chronic or severe. Treatment should continue for at least 2 to 3 days after symptoms have resolved or bacteria have been eradicated. To reduce the possibility of rheumatic fever or glomerulonephritis resulting from infections with haemolytic streptococci, treatment should be continued for at least 10 days. Throughout treatment of chronic urinary tract infections and for several months thereafter, regular bacteriological and clinical monitoring is required.

Doses below those recommended above should not be prescribed. Paediatric dosages should not exceed those specified for adults, regardless of severity of infection. It may be necessary to continue Cephradine therapy for several weeks in persistent infections. Patients may be transferred from intramuscular/intravenous Cephradine therapy to oral treatment at the same dosage level.

The symptoms of Sefrad overdose are non-specific and are generally nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and gastric upsets. Treatment is mainly supportive although gastric lavage will be necessary if a large amount has been ingested.

Cephradine Suspension should be freshly prepared. Reconstituted Suspension should be used within 7 days if kept at room temperature or within 14 days, if kept in a refrigerator. Cephradine Injection solutions should be used within 2 hours when kept at room temperature. When stored at 5°C, solutions retain potency for 12 hours. Reconstituted solutions may vary in colour from light to straw yellow; however, this does not affect the potency. Do not use later than the date of expiry. Keep all medicines out of the reach of children. To be dispensed only on the prescription of a registered physician

Drugs for Osteoarthritis, Drugs used for Rheumatoid Arthritis, Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

Dilofenac Sodium is a potent non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) with pronounced anti-rheumatic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic properties. It has also some uricosuric effect. Diclofenac exerts its effect by inhibiting prostaglandin biosynthesis which plays a major role in causing inflammation, pain and fever. Diclofenac is rapidly and completely absorbed from the gastro-intestinal tract when taken with or after meal. Peak plasma concentrations are reached within an average of 2 hours after ingestion of it. At therapeutic concentrations, it is 99.7% bound to plasma proteins. Diclofenac is metabolized in the liver and undergoes first pass metabolism.

Diclofenac FC Tablet: Adults: 75-150 mg daily in 2 to 3 divided doses, preferably after food. Dose should be reduced in long term use.

Diclofenac SR Tablet:

• Adult: 1 tablet daily, taken whole with liquid, preferably at meal times. If necessary, the daily dose can be increased to 150 mg by supplementation with conventional tablets.
• Children: 1-3 mg of diclofenac/kg body wt. daily in divided doses.
• Elderly patients: In elderly or debilitated patients, the lowest effective dosage is recommended, although the pharmacokinetics of diclofenac sodium is not impaired to any clinically relevant extent in elderly patients.

Diclofenac Dispersible Tablet:

• Adults: The recommended daily dosage is 2-3 tablets and the maximum daily dose is 150 mg. In milder cases, 2 tablets of Diclofenac DT per day are sufficient. Diclofenac DT should preferably be taken before meals.
• Children: Diclofenac is not recommended in children for other indications except juvenile rheumatoid arthritis where the recommended dose is 1-3 mg/kg body weight. Diclofenac DT is to be dropped into a half-glass of water and the liquid is to be stirred to aid dispersion before swallowing. There is no information on the use of Diclofenac DT for more than 03 months.

Diclofenac TR Capsule: One capsule daily. Diclofenac TR should be taken preferably after mealtimes.

Diclofenac Suppository: For adults: 50 mg suppository 2-3 times daily. Maximum daily dose is 150 mg.

Diclofenac injection: For adults the usual dose is 1 ampoule daily. In serious cases this dose may be increased up to 2 ampoules daily.

Diclofenac Gel: For external use only. Depending on the size of area to be treated, 2-4 g of Diclofenac gel should be applied to the skin 3-4 times daily. To the affected area gel should be rubbed in lightly. This gel may also be given in addition to further treatment with other dosage forms of Diclofenac.

Diclofenac Sodium is generally well tolerated. Adverse effects are mild, rare and transient. At the starting of the treatment, however, patients may be sometimes complaining of epigastric pain, eructation, nausea and diarrhea or dizziness or headache. These effects are usually mild in nature. Peripheral edema and skin reactions, such as rash and eczema have also been encountered. Diclofenac Sodium Gel may cause local irritation and reddening of the skin and skin rash.

Contraindicated to the patients hypersensitive to any ingredient of the products. Peptic ulcer, hypersensitivity to Diclofenac like other non-steroid anti-inflammatory agents, Diclofenac is also contra-indicated in asthmatic patient in whom attack with asthma, urticaria or acute rhinitis are precipitated by acetylsalicylic acid or by other drugs with prostaglandin synthetase inhibitor. This Gel should not be used under occlusive airtight dressings.

In rare instances where peptic ulceration or gastrointestinal bleeding occurs in patients under treatment with Diclofenac. In patients with advanced age should be kept under close observation. Diclofenac Sodium Gel should not be allowed to come in contact with the eyes or mucus membranes, after application the hands should be washed properly and not to be taken by mouth.

During pregnancy, Diclofenac should be employed only for compelling reasons. The lowest effective dose should be used. These types of drugs are not recommended during the first trimester of pregnancy. In view of insufficient clinical data, Diclofenac Sodium Gel is not recommended during pregnancy. A very insignificant quantity of Diclofenac may be detected in breast milk but no undesirable effects on the infant to be expected.

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

Penicillinase-resistant penicillins

Flucloxacillin is active against Gram-positive organisms including penicillinase producing strains. It has little activity against Gram-negative bacilli. Flucloxacillin acts by inhibiting the formation of cell wall of bacteria. Flucloxacillin is isoxazolyl penicillin which combined the properties of resistance to hydrolysis by penicillinase, gastric acid stability and activity against gram-positive bacteria. Flucloxacillin is a bactericidal antibiotic that is particularly useful against penicillinase-producing staphylococci. Flucloxacillin kills bacterial cellwall, thus interfering with peptidoglycan synthesis. Peptidoglycan is a heteropolymeric structure that provides the cell wall with its mechanical stability. The final stage of peptidoglycan synthesis involves the completion of the cross-linking with the terminal glycine residue of the pentaglycin bridge linking to the fourth residue of the pentapeptide (D-alanine). The transpeptidase enzyme that performs this step is inhibited by Flucloxacillin. As a result the bacterial cellwall is weakened, the cell swells and then ruptures. Flucloxacillin resists the action of bacterial penicillinase probably because of the steric hindrance induced by the acyl side chain which prevents the opening of the β- lactam ring.

Oral administration:

• Adult: 250 mg four times daily. Dosage may be doubled in severe infections. In osteomyelitis and endocarditis, up to 8 gm daily is used in 6-8 hourly divided doses.
• Children (2-10 years): 1/2 of adult dose.
• Children (Under 2 years): 1/4 of adult dose.

Parenteral administration:
Adult or Elderly:

• Intramuscular Injection: 250 mg four times daily.
• Intravenous Injection: 250 mg-1 g four times daily by slow injection over 3 to 4 minutes or by intravenous infusion.
• All systemic doses may be doubled in severe infections: doses up to 8 g daily have been suggested for endocarditis or osteomyelitis.

Children:

• 2-10 years: half of the adult dose.
• Under 2 years: a quarter of the adult dose.

Oral doses should be administered 1 hour before meal.

There have been some common side effects of gastrointestinal tract such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, dyspepsia and other minor gastrointestinal disturbances. Besides these rashes, urticaria, purpura, fever, interstitial nephritis, hepatitis and cholestatic jaundice have been reported.

Flucloxacillin is contraindicated in penicillin hypersensitive patients.

Flucloxacillin should be used with caution in patients with evidence of hepatic dysfunction. Caution should also be exercised in the treatment of patients with an allergic diathesis.

Concurrent use of Flucloxacillin and may result in increased level of Flucloxacillin in blood for prolonged period.

US FDA Pregnancy Category of Flucloxacillin is B. There are, no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Flucloxacillin have been shown to be excreted in human milk. So, caution should be exercised when Flucloxacillin is administered to a lactating mother.

In severe renal failure (creatinine clearance <10 ml/min), a reduction in dose or an extension of dose interval should be considered.

Flucloxacillin has been used in other routes in conjunction with systemic therapy. It has been administered in a dose of 250 mg to 500 mg daily by intraarticular injection, dissolved if necessary in a 0.5% solution of lignocaine hydrochloride, and by intrapleural injection in a dose of 250 mg daily. Using powder for injection, 125 mg-250 mg has been dissolved in 3 ml of sterile water and inhaled by nebuliser four times daily.

Keep in a dry place away from light and heat. Keep out of the reach of children.

Penicillinase-resistant penicillins

Flucloxacillin is active against Gram-positive organisms including penicillinase producing strains. It has little activity against Gram-negative bacilli. Flucloxacillin acts by inhibiting the formation of cell wall of bacteria. Flucloxacillin is isoxazolyl penicillin which combined the properties of resistance to hydrolysis by penicillinase, gastric acid stability and activity against gram-positive bacteria. Flucloxacillin is a bactericidal antibiotic that is particularly useful against penicillinase-producing staphylococci. Flucloxacillin kills bacterial cellwall, thus interfering with peptidoglycan synthesis. Peptidoglycan is a heteropolymeric structure that provides the cell wall with its mechanical stability. The final stage of peptidoglycan synthesis involves the completion of the cross-linking with the terminal glycine residue of the pentaglycin bridge linking to the fourth residue of the pentapeptide (D-alanine). The transpeptidase enzyme that performs this step is inhibited by Flucloxacillin. As a result the bacterial cellwall is weakened, the cell swells and then ruptures. Flucloxacillin resists the action of bacterial penicillinase probably because of the steric hindrance induced by the acyl side chain which prevents the opening of the β- lactam ring.

Oral administration:

• Adult: 250 mg four times daily. Dosage may be doubled in severe infections. In osteomyelitis and endocarditis, up to 8 gm daily is used in 6-8 hourly divided doses.
• Children (2-10 years): 1/2 of adult dose.
• Children (Under 2 years): 1/4 of adult dose.

Parenteral administration:
Adult or Elderly:

• Intramuscular Injection: 250 mg four times daily.
• Intravenous Injection: 250 mg-1 g four times daily by slow injection over 3 to 4 minutes or by intravenous infusion.
• All systemic doses may be doubled in severe infections: doses up to 8 g daily have been suggested for endocarditis or osteomyelitis.

Children:

• 2-10 years: half of the adult dose.
• Under 2 years: a quarter of the adult dose.

Oral doses should be administered 1 hour before meal.

There have been some common side effects of gastrointestinal tract such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, dyspepsia and other minor gastrointestinal disturbances. Besides these rashes, urticaria, purpura, fever, interstitial nephritis, hepatitis and cholestatic jaundice have been reported.

Flucloxacillin is contraindicated in penicillin hypersensitive patients.

Flucloxacillin should be used with caution in patients with evidence of hepatic dysfunction. Caution should also be exercised in the treatment of patients with an allergic diathesis.

Concurrent use of Flucloxacillin and may result in increased level of Flucloxacillin in blood for prolonged period.

US FDA Pregnancy Category of Flucloxacillin is B. There are, no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Flucloxacillin have been shown to be excreted in human milk. So, caution should be exercised when Flucloxacillin is administered to a lactating mother.

In severe renal failure (creatinine clearance <10 ml/min), a reduction in dose or an extension of dose interval should be considered.

Flucloxacillin has been used in other routes in conjunction with systemic therapy. It has been administered in a dose of 250 mg to 500 mg daily by intraarticular injection, dissolved if necessary in a 0.5% solution of lignocaine hydrochloride, and by intrapleural injection in a dose of 250 mg daily. Using powder for injection, 125 mg-250 mg has been dissolved in 3 ml of sterile water and inhaled by nebuliser four times daily.

Keep in a dry place away from light and heat. Keep out of the reach of children.

4-Quinolone preparations

Levofloxacin is a synthetic, broad-spectrum, third generation fluoroquinolone antibiotic. Chemically, Levofloxacin is a chiral fluorinated carboxyquinolone. Levofloxacin exerts antibacterial action by inhibiting bacterial topoisomerase IV and DNA gyrase, the enzymes required for DNA replication, transcription repair and recombination. It has in vitro activity against a wide range of gm-ve and gm+ve microorganisms.

The usual dose of Levofloxacin Tablets is 250 mg or 500 mg or 750 mg administered orally every 24 hours. Levofloxacin tablets can be administered without regard to food. Levofloxacin oral solution should be taken 1 hour before, or  2 hours after eating.

Levofloxacin injection should only be administered by intravenous infusion. It is not for intramuscular, intrathecal, intraperitoneal, or subcutaneous administration. The usual dose of Levofloxacin injection is 250 mg or 500 mg administered by slow infusion over 60 minutes every 24 hours or 750 mg administered by slow infusion over 90 minutes every 24 hours. Since the Levofloxacin injections are for single-use only, any unused portion should be discarded. Additives or other medications should not be added to Levofloxacin Injection or infused simultaneously through the same intravenous line.

Adults:

• Acute sinusitis: 500 mg once daily for 10-14 days, or 750 mg once daily for 5 days
• Exacerbation of chronic bronchitis: 500 mg once daily for 7 days, or 750 mg once daily for 3 days (Uncomplicated), 750 mg once daily for 5 days (Complicated)
• Community-acquired pneumonia: 500 mg once daily for 7-14 days, or 750 mg once daily for 5 days
• Uncomplicated urinary-tract infections: 250 mg once daily for 3 days
• Complicated urinary-tract infections and acute pyelonephritis: 250 mg once daily for 7-10 days
• Uncomplicated skin and soft-tissue infections: 500 mg once daily for 7-10 days.
• Complicated skin and soft-tissue infections: 750 mg once daily for 7-14 days.
• Enteric fever: 500 mg once daily for 7-14 days.
• Diarrhea, cholera, shigellosis & enteritis: Mild to moderate case: 500 mg (single dose). Moderate to sever case: 500 mg once daily for 3 days

Children:

• Children 6 months to <5 years: 10 mg/kg every 12 hours.
• Children >5 years: 10 mg/kg every 24 hours

In each case, sequential therapy (intravenous to oral) may be instituted at the discretion of the physician.

Instructions for the Use of Levofloxacin Infusion-

• Check the container for minute leaks by squeezing the inner bag firmly. If leaks are found, or if the seal is not intact, discard the solution.
• Do not use if the solution is cloudy or a precipitate is present.
• Do not use flexible containers in series connections.
• Close flow control clamp of administration set.
• Remove cover from port at bottom of container.
• Insert piercing pin of administration set into port with a twisting motion until the pin is firmly seated.
• Suspend container from hanger.
• Squeeze and release drip chamber to establish proper fluid level in chamber during infusion of Levoxin Injection.
• Open flow control clamp to expel air from set. Close clamp.
• Regulate rate of administration with flow control clamp.

Levofloxacin is generally well tolerated. However, a few side-effects can usually be seen. There is a risk of retinal detachment. Other side-effects include: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, flatulence and rare occurrence of phototoxicity (0.1%). Side-effects that may be seen very rarely include tremors, depression, anxiety, confusion etc.

Levofloxacin is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to levofloxacin, quinolone antimicrobial agents, or any other components of this product.

The following measures should be taken during administration of Levofloxacin:

• Levofloxacin Injection should only be administered by slow intravenous infusion over a period of 60 or 90 minutes depending on the dosage.
• While administrating Levofloxacin, adequate amount of water should be taken to avoid concentrated form of urine.
• Dose adjustment should be exercised during Levofloxacin administration in presence of renal insufficiency.

No quinolone should be co-administered with any solution containing multivalent cations, e.g., magnesium, through the same intravenous line. Antacids, Iron and Adsorbents reduce absorption of Levofloxacin. NSAID may increase the risk of CNS stimulation. Warfarin may increase the risk of bleeding.

Levofloxacin is not recommended for use during pregnancy or nursing, as the effects on the unborn child or nursing infant are unknown.

Levofloxacin exhibits a low potential for acute toxicity. However, in the events of an acute overdosage, the stomach should be emptied. The patients should be kept under observation and appropriate hydration should be maintained.

Keep below 30°C temperature, away from light & moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.

Broad spectrum penicillins

Amoxicillin is a broad spectrum penicillin. It is effective against a wide range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. It acts through the inhibition of biosynthesis of cell wall. Amoxicillin is stable in the presence of gastric acid and is rapidly absorbed after oral administration. After an oral dose, peak plasma concentration of Amoxicillin is reached within 1 to 2 hours. Amoxicillin is widely distributed at varying concentration in body tissues and fluids.

Adult: 250 mg three times daily, increasing up to 500 mg three times daily for severe infections.

Children (up to 10 years of age) : 125 mg three times daily, increasing up to 250 mg three times daily for severe infections.

• Severe or recurrent purulent respiratory infection: 3 gm every 12 hours.
• Otitis media: Recommended dose is 1 g three times daily for adult and 40 mg/kg body weight daily in 3 divided doses for children (max. 3 g daily).
• Pneumonia: Recommended dose is 500-1000 mg three times daily.
• Dental abscess: Recommended dose is 3 gm, repeated after 10-12 hours.
• Urinary tract infections: Recommended dose is 3 gm, repeated after 10-12 hours.
• Gonorrhoea: Single dose of 2-3 gm with Probenecid 1 gm is recommended (Probenecid is contraindicated in children under 2 years).
• In renal impairment: it may be necessary to reduce the total daily dosage.

Reconstituted suspension can be administered by adding the required amount of suspension to milk, fruit juice, water. These preparations should then be taken immediately.

Side effects are mild and transient in nature. This may include diarrhoea, indigestion or occasionally rash. Pseudo-membranous colitis has been reported rarely.

Amoxicillin is contraindicated in penicillin hypersensitive patients.

The possibility of superinfections with mycotic or bacterial pathogens should be kept in mind during therapy. If superinfections occur, Amoxicillin should be discontinued and appropriate therapy should be instituted.

Concurrent use of Amoxicillin and Probenecid may result in increased and prolonged blood levels of Amoxicillin. Amoxicillin may affect the gut flora, leading to lower estrogen reabsorption and reduced efficacy of combined oral estrogen/progesterone contraceptives.

US FDA pregnancy category of Amoxicillin is B. There are, however, no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Amoxicillin has been shown to be excreted in human milk. So, caution should be exercised when Amoxicillin is administered to a lactating mother.

Amoxycillin 500 mg Injection:

• Intramuscular: Add 2.5 ml water for injection to Amoxycillin 500 mg injection vial.
• Intravenous: Dissolve Amoxycillin 500 mg injection in 10 ml water for injection.

Keep in a dry place away from light and heat. Keep out of the reach of children.

Broad spectrum penicillins

Amoxicillin is a broad spectrum penicillin. It is effective against a wide range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. It acts through the inhibition of biosynthesis of cell wall. Amoxicillin is stable in the presence of gastric acid and is rapidly absorbed after oral administration. After an oral dose, peak plasma concentration of Amoxicillin is reached within 1 to 2 hours. Amoxicillin is widely distributed at varying concentration in body tissues and fluids.

Adult: 250 mg three times daily, increasing up to 500 mg three times daily for severe infections.

Children (up to 10 years of age) : 125 mg three times daily, increasing up to 250 mg three times daily for severe infections.

• Severe or recurrent purulent respiratory infection: 3 gm every 12 hours.
• Otitis media: Recommended dose is 1 g three times daily for adult and 40 mg/kg body weight daily in 3 divided doses for children (max. 3 g daily).
• Pneumonia: Recommended dose is 500-1000 mg three times daily.
• Dental abscess: Recommended dose is 3 gm, repeated after 10-12 hours.
• Urinary tract infections: Recommended dose is 3 gm, repeated after 10-12 hours.
• Gonorrhoea: Single dose of 2-3 gm with Probenecid 1 gm is recommended (Probenecid is contraindicated in children under 2 years).
• In renal impairment: it may be necessary to reduce the total daily dosage.

Reconstituted suspension can be administered by adding the required amount of suspension to milk, fruit juice, water. These preparations should then be taken immediately.

Side effects are mild and transient in nature. This may include diarrhoea, indigestion or occasionally rash. Pseudo-membranous colitis has been reported rarely.

Amoxicillin is contraindicated in penicillin hypersensitive patients.

The possibility of superinfections with mycotic or bacterial pathogens should be kept in mind during therapy. If superinfections occur, Amoxicillin should be discontinued and appropriate therapy should be instituted.

Concurrent use of Amoxicillin and Probenecid may result in increased and prolonged blood levels of Amoxicillin. Amoxicillin may affect the gut flora, leading to lower estrogen reabsorption and reduced efficacy of combined oral estrogen/progesterone contraceptives.

US FDA pregnancy category of Amoxicillin is B. There are, however, no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Amoxicillin has been shown to be excreted in human milk. So, caution should be exercised when Amoxicillin is administered to a lactating mother.

Amoxycillin 500 mg Injection:

• Intramuscular: Add 2.5 ml water for injection to Amoxycillin 500 mg injection vial.
• Intravenous: Dissolve Amoxycillin 500 mg injection in 10 ml water for injection.

Keep in a dry place away from light and heat. Keep out of the reach of children.

Female Sex hormones, Oral Contraceptive preparations

Lynestrenol is an oral preparation of the synthetic progestagen lynestrenol, which shares various activities with the natural hormone progesterone. Lynestrenol has a strong progestational influence on the endometrium. In addition, it suppresses ovulation and menstruation for as long as the preparation is taken daily without interruption. Lynestrenol can be used in conditions requiring a pronounced progestagenic effect. After oral administration lynestrenol is readily absorbed and subsequently converted into the pharmacologically active norethisterone, through which it exerts its major biological effects. Within 2-4 hours after ingestion of lynestrenol peak plasma levels of norethisterone are reached. Lynestrenol and its metabolites are predominantly excreted in the urine, and to a less extent in the faeces.

Polymenorrhoea: 1 tablet daily on days 14-25 of the cycle.

Premenstrual syndrome: 1 tablet daily on days, 4-25 of the cycle.

Endometriosis: 1-2 tablets daily for at least 6 months.

Selected cases of endometrial carcinoma: 6-10 tablets daily for prolonged periods.

Benign breast disease: 1 tablet daily on days 14-25 of the cycle for at least 3-4 months.

Menorrhagia and metrorrhagia: 1 tablet daily on days 14-25 of the cycle cease within a few days after the start of the treatment. Treatment is repeated during the next 3 menstrual cycles with 1 tablet daily on days 14-25 of each cycle. Further diagnostic procedures are necessary if the complaints do not disappear during or after this treatment.

Selected cases of primary and secondary amenorrhoea and oligomenorrhoea: Treatment should start with the administration of an estrogen, e.g. 0.02-0.05 mg ethinylestradiol per day for 25 days. In conjunction with this, 1 tablet daily of Lynestrenol is administered on days 14-25. After cessation of treatment, a withdrawal bleeding usually occurs within 3 days. Treatment is resumed (second cycle) starting on day 5 of this withdrawal bleeding with the estrogen given on days 5-25 of the cycle and again with 1 tablet daily of Lynestrenol on days 14-25. This treatment should be repeated for at least another cycle.

Suppression of menstruation ovulation and ovulation pain dysmenorrhoea: Treatment with 1 tablet daily should start preferably on day 1, but no later than day 5 of the cycle The treatment can be continued for many months (without tablet-free days). If in spite of treatment, a breakthrough bleeding occurs, the dosage should be increased to 2 or 3 tablets daily for 3-5 days.

Postponement of menstruation: Treatment with 1 tablet daily should start preferably 2 weeks before the expected onset of menstruation. If treatment is started less than 1 week before the expected onset of menstruation the dosage should be 2-3 tablets per day. However, in that case a delay of more than 1 week is undesirable. The risk of breakthrough bleeding increases if treatment is started later. Therefore, treatment should not be started later than 3 days before the expected onset of menstruation.

As an adjunct to estrogen therapy in pre-and postmenopause in order to avoid endometrial hyperplasia: 1/2-1 tablet daily for 12-15 days per month, e.g. for the first 2 weeks of every calendar month; the estrogen may be administered daily without tablet-free intervals at the lowest effective dose.

Lynestrenol tablets should be taken orally with some fluid.

During continuous treatment regimens with Lynestrenol, breakthrough bleeding or spotting will occur frequently (over 10 per cent) during the first two months. Later on the frequency gradually decreases. During cyclic treatment regimens breakthrough bleeding and spotting will be seen occasionally (1-10 per cent). Temporarily increasing the dose will control the bleeding in most cases. Other adverse events which occur frequently (over 10 per cent) are : change in libido (both increase and decrease), nausea or other gastrointestinal disturbances, and weight increase. Adverse events which may be observed occasionally (1-10 per cent) or rare (less than 1 per cent) are : headache or migraine, dizziness, nervousness, depression, increased sweating, acne, hirsutism, chloasma, rash, pruritus, jaundice, change in lipoprotein profile, alterations in liver function tests, amenorrhoea, menstrual irregularity, reduced glucose tolerance, breast pain, oedema. Most of these adverse events are transient and of minor importance in many cases.

There are some indications, mainly obtained with other progestagen-containing preparations, that activated charcoal, barbiturates (primidone included), hydantoins and rifampicin may possibly decrease the effectiveness of Lynestrenol. Conversely, Lynestrenol may possibly increase the effectiveness of certain beta-adrenergic blockers and cyclosporin and possibly decrease the effectiveness of insulins.

This medicine is contraindicated during pregnancy. There are insufficient data on the use of this medicine during breast feeding to assess potential harm.

Store in a cool & dry place, away from light. Keep the medicine out of the reach of children.

Third generation Cephalosporins

Cefixime is a third generation semisynthetic cephalosporin antibiotic for oral administration. It is bactericidal against a broad spectrum of gram positive and gram negative bacteria at easily achievable plasma concentrations. It kills bacteria by interfering in the synthesis of bacterial cell wall. It is highly stable in the presence of Beta-lactamase enzyme. As a result, many organisms resistant to penicillins and some cephalsporins due to the presence of beta-lactamases, may be susceptible to Cefixime. Absorption of it is about 40% to 50% whether administered with or without food.

The usual course of treatment is 7 days. This may be continued for up to 14 days depending on the severity of the infection.

Adult and children over 12 years: The recommended adult dose is 200-400 mg (1 to 2 capsules) daily, given either as a single dose or in two divided doses. For the treatment of uncomplicated cervical/urethral gonococcal infections, a single oral dose of Cefixime 400 mg is recommended.

Children (6 month or older): Usually 8 mg/kg/day given as a single dose or in two divided doses or may be given as following

• ½-1 year: 75 mg daily.
• 1-4 years: 100 mg daily.
• 5-10 years: 200 mg daily.
• 11-12 years: 300 mg daily
• In typhoid fever, dosage should be 10 mg/kg/day for 14 days.

Children (under 6 month): The safety and efficacy of Cefixime has not been established in children aged less than 6 months.

The drug is generally well tolerated. The most frequent side effects are diarrhoea and stool changes; that have been more commonly associated with higher doses. Other side effects are nausea, abdominal pain, dyspepsia, vomiting, flatulence, headache and dizziness. Allergies in the form of rash, pruritus, urticaria, drug fever and arthralgia have been reported. These reactions usually subsided upon dicontinuation of therapy.

It is contraindicated in hypersensitivity to Cefixime or other cephalosporins.

The drug should be prescribed with caution in individuals with a history of gastrointestinal disease, particularly colitis. The drug should be given with caution in patients with marked impaired renal function as well as those undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis. Dosage adjustment is only necessary in severe renal failure (creatinine clearance < 20 ml/min), in that case a dose of 200 mg once daily should not be exceeded.

Carbamazepine: Concomitant use elevates the carbamazepine level. Warfarin and other anticoagulants: Concomitant use increases prothrombin time.

There are, however, no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. It is not known that Cefixime is excreted in human milk. So, caution should be exercised when Cefixime is administered to a nursing woman.

Gastric Lavage may be indicated; otherwise, no specific antidote exists. Cefixime is not removed in significant quantities from the circulation by hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis. Adverse reactions in small numbers of healthy adult volunteers receiving single doses up to 2 g of Cefixime did not differ from the profile seen in patients treated at the recommended doses.

Keep below 30ºC temperature, protected from light & moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.

Third generation Cephalosporins

Cefixime is a third generation semisynthetic cephalosporin antibiotic for oral administration. It is bactericidal against a broad spectrum of gram positive and gram negative bacteria at easily achievable plasma concentrations. It kills bacteria by interfering in the synthesis of bacterial cell wall. It is highly stable in the presence of Beta-lactamase enzyme. As a result, many organisms resistant to penicillins and some cephalsporins due to the presence of beta-lactamases, may be susceptible to Cefixime. Absorption of it is about 40% to 50% whether administered with or without food.

The usual course of treatment is 7 days. This may be continued for up to 14 days depending on the severity of the infection.

Adult and children over 12 years: The recommended adult dose is 200-400 mg (1 to 2 capsules) daily, given either as a single dose or in two divided doses. For the treatment of uncomplicated cervical/urethral gonococcal infections, a single oral dose of Cefixime 400 mg is recommended.

Children (6 month or older): Usually 8 mg/kg/day given as a single dose or in two divided doses or may be given as following

• ½-1 year: 75 mg daily.
• 1-4 years: 100 mg daily.
• 5-10 years: 200 mg daily.
• 11-12 years: 300 mg daily
• In typhoid fever, dosage should be 10 mg/kg/day for 14 days.

Children (under 6 month): The safety and efficacy of Cefixime has not been established in children aged less than 6 months.

The drug is generally well tolerated. The most frequent side effects are diarrhoea and stool changes; that have been more commonly associated with higher doses. Other side effects are nausea, abdominal pain, dyspepsia, vomiting, flatulence, headache and dizziness. Allergies in the form of rash, pruritus, urticaria, drug fever and arthralgia have been reported. These reactions usually subsided upon dicontinuation of therapy.

It is contraindicated in hypersensitivity to Cefixime or other cephalosporins.

The drug should be prescribed with caution in individuals with a history of gastrointestinal disease, particularly colitis. The drug should be given with caution in patients with marked impaired renal function as well as those undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis. Dosage adjustment is only necessary in severe renal failure (creatinine clearance < 20 ml/min), in that case a dose of 200 mg once daily should not be exceeded.

Carbamazepine: Concomitant use elevates the carbamazepine level. Warfarin and other anticoagulants: Concomitant use increases prothrombin time.

There are, however, no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. It is not known that Cefixime is excreted in human milk. So, caution should be exercised when Cefixime is administered to a nursing woman.

Gastric Lavage may be indicated; otherwise, no specific antidote exists. Cefixime is not removed in significant quantities from the circulation by hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis. Adverse reactions in small numbers of healthy adult volunteers receiving single doses up to 2 g of Cefixime did not differ from the profile seen in patients treated at the recommended doses.

Keep below 30ºC temperature, protected from light & moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.

Third generation Cephalosporins

Cefixime is a third generation semisynthetic cephalosporin antibiotic for oral administration. It is bactericidal against a broad spectrum of gram positive and gram negative bacteria at easily achievable plasma concentrations. It kills bacteria by interfering in the synthesis of bacterial cell wall. It is highly stable in the presence of Beta-lactamase enzyme. As a result, many organisms resistant to penicillins and some cephalsporins due to the presence of beta-lactamases, may be susceptible to Cefixime. Absorption of it is about 40% to 50% whether administered with or without food.

The usual course of treatment is 7 days. This may be continued for up to 14 days depending on the severity of the infection.

Adult and children over 12 years: The recommended adult dose is 200-400 mg (1 to 2 capsules) daily, given either as a single dose or in two divided doses. For the treatment of uncomplicated cervical/urethral gonococcal infections, a single oral dose of Cefixime 400 mg is recommended.

Children (6 month or older): Usually 8 mg/kg/day given as a single dose or in two divided doses or may be given as following

• ½-1 year: 75 mg daily.
• 1-4 years: 100 mg daily.
• 5-10 years: 200 mg daily.
• 11-12 years: 300 mg daily
• In typhoid fever, dosage should be 10 mg/kg/day for 14 days.

Children (under 6 month): The safety and efficacy of Cefixime has not been established in children aged less than 6 months.

The drug is generally well tolerated. The most frequent side effects are diarrhoea and stool changes; that have been more commonly associated with higher doses. Other side effects are nausea, abdominal pain, dyspepsia, vomiting, flatulence, headache and dizziness. Allergies in the form of rash, pruritus, urticaria, drug fever and arthralgia have been reported. These reactions usually subsided upon dicontinuation of therapy.

It is contraindicated in hypersensitivity to Cefixime or other cephalosporins.

The drug should be prescribed with caution in individuals with a history of gastrointestinal disease, particularly colitis. The drug should be given with caution in patients with marked impaired renal function as well as those undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis. Dosage adjustment is only necessary in severe renal failure (creatinine clearance < 20 ml/min), in that case a dose of 200 mg once daily should not be exceeded.

Carbamazepine: Concomitant use elevates the carbamazepine level. Warfarin and other anticoagulants: Concomitant use increases prothrombin time.

There are, however, no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. It is not known that Cefixime is excreted in human milk. So, caution should be exercised when Cefixime is administered to a nursing woman.

Gastric Lavage may be indicated; otherwise, no specific antidote exists. Cefixime is not removed in significant quantities from the circulation by hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis. Adverse reactions in small numbers of healthy adult volunteers receiving single doses up to 2 g of Cefixime did not differ from the profile seen in patients treated at the recommended doses.

Keep below 30ºC temperature, protected from light & moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.

Specific mineral preparations

Zinc sulphate monohydrate is an essential trace element and is involved in a number of body enzyme systems. The body needs zinc for normal growth and health. Zinc is also vital for sexual maturation and reproduction, dark vision adaptation, olfactory and gustatory activity, insulin storage & release and for a variety of host immune defenses. Zinc deficiency may lead to impaired immune function, delayed wound healing, a decrease in sense of taste and smell, a reduced ability to fight infections, poor night vision, increased risk of abortion, alopecia, mental lethargy, skin changes and poor development of reproductive organs.

Child under 10 kg: 5 ml (1 teaspoonful) 2 times daily after food.
Child between 10-30 kg: 10 ml (2 teaspoonfuls) 1-3 times daily after food.
Adults and child over 30 kg: 20 ml (4 teaspoonfuls) 1-3 times daily after food.

This drug is most effective if they are taken at least 1 hour before or 2 hour after meals. However, if causes stomach upset, this may be taken with a meal.

For dispersible tablet-

• Place the tablet in a teaspoon
• Add adequate amount of water
• Let the tablet dissolve completely
• Give the entire spoonful solution

Zinc may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach upset, heartburn and gastritis.

It is contraindicated in those who are hypersensitive to any component of the ingredient of this preparation.

In acute renal failure, zinc accumulation may occur in body; so dose adjustment is needed.

Concomitant intake of a tetracycline and zinc may decrease the absorption of both the tetracycline and zinc. Similarly concomitant administration of zinc and quinolone drug may also decrease the absorption of both. Concomitant intake of penicillamine and zinc may decrese absorption of zinc.

The safety of this product in human pregnancy has not been established. Zinc crosses the placenta and is present in breast milk.

Keep in a dry place away from light and heat. Keep out of the reach of children.

Azithromycin is acid-stable and can therefore be taken orally with no need of protection from gastric acids. It is readily absorbed; its absorption is greater on an empty stomach. Time to peak concentration in adults is 2.1 to 3.2 hours for oral dosage forms. Due to the high concentration in phagocytes, azithromycin is actively transported to the site of infection. During active phagocytosis, large concentrations of azithromycin are released. The concentration of azithromycin in the tissues can be over 50 times higher than in plasma. This is due to ion trapping and the high lipid solubility.

Azithromycin's half-life allows a large single dose to be administered and yet maintain bacteriostatic levels in the infected tissue for several days. Following a single 500 mg dose, plasma concentrations of azithromycin declined in a polyphasic pattern with a mean apparent plasma clearance of 630 mL/min and a terminal elimination half life of 68 hours. The prolonged terminal half-life is thought to be due to extensive uptake and subsequent release of drug from tissues. Biliary excretion of azithromycin, predominantly unchanged, is a major route of elimination. Over the course of a week, approximately 6% of the administered dose appears as unchanged drug in urine.

Microbiology: Azithromycin acts by binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit of susceptible microorganisms and, thus, interfering with microbial protein synthesis. Nucleic acid synthesis is not affected. Azithromycin has been shown to be active against most isolates of the following microorganisms, both in vitro and in clinical infections:

• Aerobic and facultative gram-positive microorganisms: Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes
• Aerobic and facultative gram-negative microorganisms: Haemophilus ducreyi, Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae
• Other microorganisms: Chlamydia pneumoniae, Chlamydia trachomatis , Mycoplasma pneumoniae , Betalactamase production should have no effect on azithromycin activity.
• Aerobic and facultative gram-positive microorganisms: Streptococci (Groups C,F,G), Viridans group streptococci
• Aerobic and facultative gram-negative microorganisms: Bordetella pertussis, Legionella pneumophila
• Anaerobic microorganisms: Peptostreptococcus species, Prevotella bivia

Oral-
Adult: 500 mg once daily orally for 3 days or 500 mg once on day 1, then 250 mg once on days 2-5 for 4 days. For sexually transmitted diseases caused by Chlamydia trachomatis in adults, the dose is 1 gm given as a single dose or 500 mg once on day 1, followed by 250 mg once daily for next 2 days may also be given.

Children:

• 10 mg/kg body weight once daily for 3 days for child over 6 months
• 200 mg (1 teaspoonful) for 3 days if body weight is 15-25 kg
• 300 mg (1½ teaspoonfuls) for 3 days if body weight is 26-35 kg; 400 mg (2 teaspoonfuls) for 3 days if body weight is 36-45 kg.
• In typhoid fever, 500 mg (2½ teaspoonfuls) once daily for 7-10 days is given.

Azithromycin Injection (For IV Infusion only): The recommended dose of Azithromycin for injection for the treatment of adult patients with community-acquired pneumonia due to the indicated organisms is:

• 500 mg as a single daily dose by the intravenous route for at least two days. Intravenous therapy should be followed by Azithromycin by the oral route at a single, daily dose of 500 mg, administered as two 250-mg tablets to complete a 7 to 10-day course of therapy. The timing of the switch to oral therapy should be done at the discretion of the physician and in accordance with clinical response.
• The recommended dose of Azithromycin for the treatment of adult patients with pelvic inflammatory disease due to the indicated organisms is: 500 mg as a single daily dose by the intravenous route for one or two days. Intravenous therapy should be followed by Azithromycin by the oral route at a single, daily dose of 250 mg to complete a 7-day course of therapy. The timing of the switch to oral therapy should be done at the discretion of the physician and in accordance with clinical response. If anaerobic microorganisms are suspected of contributing to the infection, an antimicrobial agent with anaerobic activity should be administered in combination with Azithromycin.
• Safety and effectiveness of azithromycin for injection in children or adolescents under 16 years have not been established.

Reconstitution procedure of suspension-

• Step 01: Shake the bottle well to loosen the powder.
• Step 02: Add boiled and cooled water up to the water mark of the bottle label.
• Step 03: Shake until powder is completely mixed with water.

Azithromycin should be taken at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meal.

Azithromycin is well tolerated with a low incidence of side effects. The side effects include nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort (pain/cramps), flatulence, diarrhoea, headache, dizziness, and skin rashes and are reversible upon discontinuation of therapy.

Azithromycin is contraindicated in patients hypersensitive to Azithromycin or any other macrolide antibiotic. Co-administration of ergot derivatives and Azithromycin is contraindicated. Azithromycin is contraindicated in patients with hepatic diseases.

As with any antibiotic, observation for signs of superinfection with non-susceptible organisms, including fungi, is recommended. No dose adjustment is needed in patients with renal impairment.

Azithromycin absorption is reduced in presence of food and antacid. In patients receiving ergot alkaloids Azithromycin should be avoided because of the possibility of ergotism resulting from interaction of Azithromycin with the cytochrome P-450 system. As macrolides increase the plasma concentration of digoxin and cyclosporin, caution should be exercised while co-administration. There have been no drug interactions between Azithromycin and Warfarin, Theophylline, Carbamazepine, Methylprednisolone or Cimetidine.

Pregnancy Category of Azithromycin is B. Animal reproduction studies have demonstrated that Azithromycin has no evidence of harm to the fetus. There are no adequate and well controlled studies in pregnant women. Since animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, Azithromycin should be used during pregnancy only if adequate alternatives are not available. It is not known whether Azithromycin is secreted in breast milk. So, caution should be exercised when Azithromycin is administered to nursing women.

There is no data on overdosage with Azithromycin. Typical symptoms of overdosage with macrolide antibiotics include hearing loss, severe nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. Gastric lavage and general supportive measures are indicated.

Keep in a dry place away from light and heat. Keep out of the reach of children.

Azithromycin is acid-stable and can therefore be taken orally with no need of protection from gastric acids. It is readily absorbed; its absorption is greater on an empty stomach. Time to peak concentration in adults is 2.1 to 3.2 hours for oral dosage forms. Due to the high concentration in phagocytes, azithromycin is actively transported to the site of infection. During active phagocytosis, large concentrations of azithromycin are released. The concentration of azithromycin in the tissues can be over 50 times higher than in plasma. This is due to ion trapping and the high lipid solubility.

Azithromycin's half-life allows a large single dose to be administered and yet maintain bacteriostatic levels in the infected tissue for several days. Following a single 500 mg dose, plasma concentrations of azithromycin declined in a polyphasic pattern with a mean apparent plasma clearance of 630 mL/min and a terminal elimination half life of 68 hours. The prolonged terminal half-life is thought to be due to extensive uptake and subsequent release of drug from tissues. Biliary excretion of azithromycin, predominantly unchanged, is a major route of elimination. Over the course of a week, approximately 6% of the administered dose appears as unchanged drug in urine.

Microbiology: Azithromycin acts by binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit of susceptible microorganisms and, thus, interfering with microbial protein synthesis. Nucleic acid synthesis is not affected. Azithromycin has been shown to be active against most isolates of the following microorganisms, both in vitro and in clinical infections:

• Aerobic and facultative gram-positive microorganisms: Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes
• Aerobic and facultative gram-negative microorganisms: Haemophilus ducreyi, Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae
• Other microorganisms: Chlamydia pneumoniae, Chlamydia trachomatis , Mycoplasma pneumoniae , Betalactamase production should have no effect on azithromycin activity.
• Aerobic and facultative gram-positive microorganisms: Streptococci (Groups C,F,G), Viridans group streptococci
• Aerobic and facultative gram-negative microorganisms: Bordetella pertussis, Legionella pneumophila
• Anaerobic microorganisms: Peptostreptococcus species, Prevotella bivia

Oral-
Adult: 500 mg once daily orally for 3 days or 500 mg once on day 1, then 250 mg once on days 2-5 for 4 days. For sexually transmitted diseases caused by Chlamydia trachomatis in adults, the dose is 1 gm given as a single dose or 500 mg once on day 1, followed by 250 mg once daily for next 2 days may also be given.

Children:

• 10 mg/kg body weight once daily for 3 days for child over 6 months
• 200 mg (1 teaspoonful) for 3 days if body weight is 15-25 kg
• 300 mg (1½ teaspoonfuls) for 3 days if body weight is 26-35 kg; 400 mg (2 teaspoonfuls) for 3 days if body weight is 36-45 kg.
• In typhoid fever, 500 mg (2½ teaspoonfuls) once daily for 7-10 days is given.

Azithromycin Injection (For IV Infusion only): The recommended dose of Azithromycin for injection for the treatment of adult patients with community-acquired pneumonia due to the indicated organisms is:

• 500 mg as a single daily dose by the intravenous route for at least two days. Intravenous therapy should be followed by Azithromycin by the oral route at a single, daily dose of 500 mg, administered as two 250-mg tablets to complete a 7 to 10-day course of therapy. The timing of the switch to oral therapy should be done at the discretion of the physician and in accordance with clinical response.
• The recommended dose of Azithromycin for the treatment of adult patients with pelvic inflammatory disease due to the indicated organisms is: 500 mg as a single daily dose by the intravenous route for one or two days. Intravenous therapy should be followed by Azithromycin by the oral route at a single, daily dose of 250 mg to complete a 7-day course of therapy. The timing of the switch to oral therapy should be done at the discretion of the physician and in accordance with clinical response. If anaerobic microorganisms are suspected of contributing to the infection, an antimicrobial agent with anaerobic activity should be administered in combination with Azithromycin.
• Safety and effectiveness of azithromycin for injection in children or adolescents under 16 years have not been established.

Reconstitution procedure of suspension-

• Step 01: Shake the bottle well to loosen the powder.
• Step 02: Add boiled and cooled water up to the water mark of the bottle label.
• Step 03: Shake until powder is completely mixed with water.

Azithromycin should be taken at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meal.

Azithromycin is well tolerated with a low incidence of side effects. The side effects include nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort (pain/cramps), flatulence, diarrhoea, headache, dizziness, and skin rashes and are reversible upon discontinuation of therapy.

Azithromycin is contraindicated in patients hypersensitive to Azithromycin or any other macrolide antibiotic. Co-administration of ergot derivatives and Azithromycin is contraindicated. Azithromycin is contraindicated in patients with hepatic diseases.

As with any antibiotic, observation for signs of superinfection with non-susceptible organisms, including fungi, is recommended. No dose adjustment is needed in patients with renal impairment.

Azithromycin absorption is reduced in presence of food and antacid. In patients receiving ergot alkaloids Azithromycin should be avoided because of the possibility of ergotism resulting from interaction of Azithromycin with the cytochrome P-450 system. As macrolides increase the plasma concentration of digoxin and cyclosporin, caution should be exercised while co-administration. There have been no drug interactions between Azithromycin and Warfarin, Theophylline, Carbamazepine, Methylprednisolone or Cimetidine.

Pregnancy Category of Azithromycin is B. Animal reproduction studies have demonstrated that Azithromycin has no evidence of harm to the fetus. There are no adequate and well controlled studies in pregnant women. Since animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, Azithromycin should be used during pregnancy only if adequate alternatives are not available. It is not known whether Azithromycin is secreted in breast milk. So, caution should be exercised when Azithromycin is administered to nursing women.

There is no data on overdosage with Azithromycin. Typical symptoms of overdosage with macrolide antibiotics include hearing loss, severe nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. Gastric lavage and general supportive measures are indicated.

Keep in a dry place away from light and heat. Keep out of the reach of children.