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Drugs for subcutaneous and mycoses, Topical Antifungal preparations

Clotrimazole acts primarily by damaging the permeability barrier in the cell membrane of fungi. Clotrimazole causes inhibition of ergosterol biosynthesis, an essential constituent of fungal cell membranes. If ergosterol synthesis is either completely or partially inhibited, the cell is no longer able to construct an intact and functional cell membrane. Because ergosterol directly promotes the growth of fungal cells in a hormone‐like fashion, rapid onset of the above events leads to dose-dependent inhibition of fungal growth.

Though decreased ergosterol, due to the inhibition of lanosterol 14-demethylase (also known as CYP51) is accepted to be primarily responsible for the antimycotic properties of clotrimazole, this drug also shows other pharmacological effects. These include the inhibition of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca²⁺ ATPase, depletion of intracellular calcium, and blocking of calcium‐dependent potassium channels and voltage‐dependent calcium channels. The action of clotrimazole on these targets accounts for other effects of this drug that are separate from its antimycotic activities.

Clotrimazole Cream: This should be thinly applied 2-3 times daily to the infected sites and rubbed in. On account of the excellent efficacy, a small amount of cream is usually sufficient for an area about the size of the palm. For the treatment to become a complete success, reliable and sufficiently long-time application of Clotrimazole Cream is important. The duration of treatment varies; it depends among other factors on the extent and localization of the disease.

Recommended duration of treatment-

• Dermatomycoses: 3-4 weeks
• Candida vulvitis and Candida balanitis: 1-2 weeks
• Erythrasma and Pityriasis Versicolor: 3 weeks (approximately)

In fungal infection of the feet, to prevent relapse, treatment should be continued for about 2 weeks beyond the disappearance of all signs of disease. After washing, the feet should be thoroughly dried (particularly spaces between the toes). Clotrimazole Cream is odorless, can be washed off and does not stain clothing.

Clotrimazole topical solution: Apply this sparingly to the affected areas and rub in gently, two or three times daily.

When applied topically, Clotrimazole is well tolerated.With external application, systemic effects are not observed. Local irritation or burning sensation may occur in a very few cases but these symptoms are not considered harmful.

Hypersensitivity to Clotrimazole.

No information is available.

It is recommended that Clotrimazole should be used in pregnancy only when considered necessary by the physician.

Keep below 25°C temperature, away from light & moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.

Tramadol is used for the treatment of moderate to severe painful conditions. These include:

• Postoperative pain
• Colic and spastic pain
• Cancer pain
• Joint pain
• Neck and back pain
• Pain associated with osteoporosis.

Opioid analgesics

Tramadol is a centrally acting synthetic analgesic compound. It inhibits the re uptake of neurotransmitters- serotonin and noradrenaline. Thus it modifies the transmission of pain impulses by activating both descending serotonergic pathways and noradrenergic pathways involved in analgesia. The analgesic effects of Tramadol are mediated via stimulation of mu-opioid receptors and indirect modulation of central monoaminergic inhibitory pathways.

Capsule or Tablet: Usual doses are 50 to 100 mg every four to six hours. For acute pain an initial dose of 100 mg is required. For chronic painful conditions an initial dose of 50 mg is recommended. Subsequent doses should be 50 to 100 mg administered 4-6 hourly. The dose level and frequency of dosing will depend on the severity of the pain.The total daily dosage by mouth should not exceed 400 mg.

Sustained Release Capsule or Tablet: One SR capsule or tablet every 12 hours, for example first one in the morning and then at the same time in the evening. The number of capsules taken at a time will depend upon severity of pain, but it should not be taken more frequently than every 12 hours.The total daily dosage by mouth should not exceed 400 mg.

Injection: A dose of 50-100 mg may be given every 4 to 6 hours by intramuscular or by intravenous infusion. For the treatment of postoperative pain,the initial dose is 100 mg followed by 50 mg every 10 to 20 minutes if necessary to a maximum of 250 mg in the first hour. Thereafter, doses are 50 to 100 mg every 4 to 6 hours up to a total daily dose of 600 mg.

Suppository: Tramadol suppository should be administered rectally. For adults usual dose is 100 mg Tramadol Hydrochloride 6 hourly. In general, 400 mg Tramadol Hydrochloride (4 Tramadol suppository) per day sufficient. However, for the treatment of Cancer pain and severe pain after operations much higher daily doses can be used.

Commonly occurring side-effects are dizziness/vertigo, nausea, constipation, headache, somnolence, vomiting, pruritus, CNS stimulation, asthenia, sweating, dyspepsia, dry mouth, diarrhoea. Less commonly occurring side-effects include malaise, allergic reaction, weight loss, vasodilatation, palpitations, abdominal pain, anorexia, flatulence, GI bleeding, hepatitis, stomatitis etc.

Tramadol is contraindicated in persons having hypersensitivity to this drug. It is also contraindicated in acute intoxication with alcohol, hypnotics, centrally acting analgesics, opioids or psychotropic drugs.

Respiratory depression: When large doses of tramadol are administered with anaesthetic with anaesthetic medications or alcohol, respiratory depression may result. Therefore, tramadol should be administered cautiously in patients at risk for respiratory depression.

Opioid dependence: Tramadol is not recommended for patients who are dependent on opioids.

Concomitant CNS depressants: Tramadol should be used with caution and in reduced dosages when administering to patients receiving CNS depressants such as alcohol, opioids, anesthetic agents, phenothiazines, tranquilizers or sedative hypnotics.

Concomitant MAO inhibitors: Tramadol should be used with great caution in patients taking MAO inhibitors, since tramadol inhibits the uptake of norepinephrine and serotonin.

Tramadol should be used with caution in patients with increased intracranial pressure or head injury and patients with acute abdominal conditions.

In general, physician need not be concerned about drugs interacting with Tramadol. The monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors represent the only drug class not recommended for combination with Tramadol. Concomitant administration of carbamazepine with Tramadol causes a significant increase in Tramadol metabolism and it requires to increase the dose of Tramadol.

Safe use of Tramadol in pregnancy has not been established. Tramadol has been shown to cross the placenta. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Therefore, Tramadol should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the risk to the foetus. Tramadol Hydrochloride should not be administered during breast feeding as Tramadol and its metabolites have been detected in breast milk.

In children from the age of 1 year Tramadol Hydrochloride can be given in a dose of 1-2 mg/kg body weight. However,suppository (100 mg Tramadol Hydrochloride) should not be administered in children and adolescents below the age of 14 years. Tramadol Hydrochloride 100 mg SR Capsules have not been studied in children. Therefore, safety and efficacy have not been established and the product should not be used in children.

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

Tramadol is used for the treatment of moderate to severe painful conditions. These include:

• Postoperative pain
• Colic and spastic pain
• Cancer pain
• Joint pain
• Neck and back pain
• Pain associated with osteoporosis.

Opioid analgesics

Tramadol is a centrally acting synthetic analgesic compound. It inhibits the re uptake of neurotransmitters- serotonin and noradrenaline. Thus it modifies the transmission of pain impulses by activating both descending serotonergic pathways and noradrenergic pathways involved in analgesia. The analgesic effects of Tramadol are mediated via stimulation of mu-opioid receptors and indirect modulation of central monoaminergic inhibitory pathways.

Capsule or Tablet: Usual doses are 50 to 100 mg every four to six hours. For acute pain an initial dose of 100 mg is required. For chronic painful conditions an initial dose of 50 mg is recommended. Subsequent doses should be 50 to 100 mg administered 4-6 hourly. The dose level and frequency of dosing will depend on the severity of the pain.The total daily dosage by mouth should not exceed 400 mg.

Sustained Release Capsule or Tablet: One SR capsule or tablet every 12 hours, for example first one in the morning and then at the same time in the evening. The number of capsules taken at a time will depend upon severity of pain, but it should not be taken more frequently than every 12 hours.The total daily dosage by mouth should not exceed 400 mg.

Injection: A dose of 50-100 mg may be given every 4 to 6 hours by intramuscular or by intravenous infusion. For the treatment of postoperative pain,the initial dose is 100 mg followed by 50 mg every 10 to 20 minutes if necessary to a maximum of 250 mg in the first hour. Thereafter, doses are 50 to 100 mg every 4 to 6 hours up to a total daily dose of 600 mg.

Suppository: Tramadol suppository should be administered rectally. For adults usual dose is 100 mg Tramadol Hydrochloride 6 hourly. In general, 400 mg Tramadol Hydrochloride (4 Tramadol suppository) per day sufficient. However, for the treatment of Cancer pain and severe pain after operations much higher daily doses can be used.

Commonly occurring side-effects are dizziness/vertigo, nausea, constipation, headache, somnolence, vomiting, pruritus, CNS stimulation, asthenia, sweating, dyspepsia, dry mouth, diarrhoea. Less commonly occurring side-effects include malaise, allergic reaction, weight loss, vasodilatation, palpitations, abdominal pain, anorexia, flatulence, GI bleeding, hepatitis, stomatitis etc.

Tramadol is contraindicated in persons having hypersensitivity to this drug. It is also contraindicated in acute intoxication with alcohol, hypnotics, centrally acting analgesics, opioids or psychotropic drugs.

Respiratory depression: When large doses of tramadol are administered with anaesthetic with anaesthetic medications or alcohol, respiratory depression may result. Therefore, tramadol should be administered cautiously in patients at risk for respiratory depression.

Opioid dependence: Tramadol is not recommended for patients who are dependent on opioids.

Concomitant CNS depressants: Tramadol should be used with caution and in reduced dosages when administering to patients receiving CNS depressants such as alcohol, opioids, anesthetic agents, phenothiazines, tranquilizers or sedative hypnotics.

Concomitant MAO inhibitors: Tramadol should be used with great caution in patients taking MAO inhibitors, since tramadol inhibits the uptake of norepinephrine and serotonin.

Tramadol should be used with caution in patients with increased intracranial pressure or head injury and patients with acute abdominal conditions.

In general, physician need not be concerned about drugs interacting with Tramadol. The monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors represent the only drug class not recommended for combination with Tramadol. Concomitant administration of carbamazepine with Tramadol causes a significant increase in Tramadol metabolism and it requires to increase the dose of Tramadol.

Safe use of Tramadol in pregnancy has not been established. Tramadol has been shown to cross the placenta. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Therefore, Tramadol should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the risk to the foetus. Tramadol Hydrochloride should not be administered during breast feeding as Tramadol and its metabolites have been detected in breast milk.

In children from the age of 1 year Tramadol Hydrochloride can be given in a dose of 1-2 mg/kg body weight. However,suppository (100 mg Tramadol Hydrochloride) should not be administered in children and adolescents below the age of 14 years. Tramadol Hydrochloride 100 mg SR Capsules have not been studied in children. Therefore, safety and efficacy have not been established and the product should not be used in children.

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

This medicine is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with Parkinson's disease and end-of-dose motor fluctuations not stabilized on levodopa/dopa decarboxylase (DDC) inhibitor treatment.

Antiparkinson drugs

Levodopa is the metabolic precursor of dopamine. It crosses the blood-brain barrier and is converted to dopamine in the brain. Carbidopa increases the amount of levodopa that is transported into the CNS by inhibiting the decarboxylation of peripheral levodopa. Entacapone is a selective inhibitor of COMT which alters the pharmacokinetics of levodopa, resulting to increased and more sustained levodopa serum levels.

Adults: The optimum daily dose must be determined by careful titration of levodopa in each patient. Patients should be instructed to take only 1 (one) tablet per dose administration. The maximum recommended daily dose of entacapone is 2,000 mg. Usually this combination is to be used in patients who are currently treated with corresponding doses of standard release Levodopa or Dopa Decarboxylase (DDC) inhibitor and entacapone.

May be taken with or without food. Keep a consistent diet. A change in diet to foods high in protein may delay levodopa absorption & reduce amount taken up in circulation. Excessive acidity also delays stomach emptying & thus delays levodopa absorption. Iron salts may also reduce amount of levodopa available to the body. Swallow whole.

Common side effects include dyskinesia, nausea, hyperkinesia, change in urine color, diarrhea and stomach pain. Other side effects may include diarrhea, sometimes severe; colitis; hallucinations; other mental disturbances; orthostatic hypotension; rhabdomyolysis; and symptoms resembling neuroleptic malignant syndrome (a condition characterized by high fever, muscle stiffness, and confusion); fibrosis; skin cancer, etc.

Narrow-angle glaucoma, phaeochromocytoma, history of neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) and/ or non-traumatic rhabdomyolysis. Severe hepatic impairment. Concurrent use of or within 14 days of discontinuing non-selective MAOIs.

Levodopa, carbidopa and entacapone together may cause dizziness and symptomatic orthostatism. Therefore, caution should be exercised when driving or using machines. As with levodopa, periodic evaluations of hepatic, hematopoietic, cardiovascular and renal function are recommended during extended therapy.

Symptomatic postural hypotension may occur when levodopa is added to the treatment of patients already receiving antihypertensive. Dose adjustment of the antihypertensive agent may be required. Dopamine receptor antagonists (e.g. some antipsychotics and antiemetics), phenytoin and papaverine may reduce the therapeutic effect of levodopa. Patients taking these medicinal products with levodopa/ carbidopa/ entacapone combination should be carefully observed for loss of therapeutic response. Since levodopa competes with certain amino acids, the absorption of Levodopa, Carbidopa & Entacapone may be impaired in some patients on high protein diet.

Pregnancy category C. The combination of levodopa/ carbidopa/ entacapone should not be used during pregnancy unless the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. The safety of this combination in the infant is not known. Women should not breast-feed during treatment with this combination.

Children: Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.

Elderly: No dose adjustment is required for elderly patients.

Hepatic impaired patients: Should be administered cautiously to patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairment. Dose reduction may be needed.

Renally impaired patients: Should be administered cautiously to patients in severe renal impairment including those receiving dialysis therapy

The acute symptoms and signs of overdose include agitation, confusional state, coma, bradycardia, ventricular tachycardia, Cheyne Stokes respiration, discolorations of skin, tongue and conjunctiva, and chromaturia. Management of acute overdose with levodopa/ carbidopa/ entacapone combination is similar to acute overdose with levodopa. Pyridoxine, however, is not effective in reversing the actions of levodopa/ carbidopa/ entacapone combination. Hospitalization is advised and general supportive measures should be employed with immediate gastric lavage and repeated doses of charcoal over time.

Store in a cool and dry place. Protect from light.

This medicine is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with Parkinson's disease and end-of-dose motor fluctuations not stabilized on levodopa/dopa decarboxylase (DDC) inhibitor treatment.

Antiparkinson drugs

Levodopa is the metabolic precursor of dopamine. It crosses the blood-brain barrier and is converted to dopamine in the brain. Carbidopa increases the amount of levodopa that is transported into the CNS by inhibiting the decarboxylation of peripheral levodopa. Entacapone is a selective inhibitor of COMT which alters the pharmacokinetics of levodopa, resulting to increased and more sustained levodopa serum levels.

Adults: The optimum daily dose must be determined by careful titration of levodopa in each patient. Patients should be instructed to take only 1 (one) tablet per dose administration. The maximum recommended daily dose of entacapone is 2,000 mg. Usually this combination is to be used in patients who are currently treated with corresponding doses of standard release Levodopa or Dopa Decarboxylase (DDC) inhibitor and entacapone.

May be taken with or without food. Keep a consistent diet. A change in diet to foods high in protein may delay levodopa absorption & reduce amount taken up in circulation. Excessive acidity also delays stomach emptying & thus delays levodopa absorption. Iron salts may also reduce amount of levodopa available to the body. Swallow whole.

Common side effects include dyskinesia, nausea, hyperkinesia, change in urine color, diarrhea and stomach pain. Other side effects may include diarrhea, sometimes severe; colitis; hallucinations; other mental disturbances; orthostatic hypotension; rhabdomyolysis; and symptoms resembling neuroleptic malignant syndrome (a condition characterized by high fever, muscle stiffness, and confusion); fibrosis; skin cancer, etc.

Narrow-angle glaucoma, phaeochromocytoma, history of neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) and/ or non-traumatic rhabdomyolysis. Severe hepatic impairment. Concurrent use of or within 14 days of discontinuing non-selective MAOIs.

Levodopa, carbidopa and entacapone together may cause dizziness and symptomatic orthostatism. Therefore, caution should be exercised when driving or using machines. As with levodopa, periodic evaluations of hepatic, hematopoietic, cardiovascular and renal function are recommended during extended therapy.

Symptomatic postural hypotension may occur when levodopa is added to the treatment of patients already receiving antihypertensive. Dose adjustment of the antihypertensive agent may be required. Dopamine receptor antagonists (e.g. some antipsychotics and antiemetics), phenytoin and papaverine may reduce the therapeutic effect of levodopa. Patients taking these medicinal products with levodopa/ carbidopa/ entacapone combination should be carefully observed for loss of therapeutic response. Since levodopa competes with certain amino acids, the absorption of Levodopa, Carbidopa & Entacapone may be impaired in some patients on high protein diet.

Pregnancy category C. The combination of levodopa/ carbidopa/ entacapone should not be used during pregnancy unless the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. The safety of this combination in the infant is not known. Women should not breast-feed during treatment with this combination.

Children: Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.

Elderly: No dose adjustment is required for elderly patients.

Hepatic impaired patients: Should be administered cautiously to patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairment. Dose reduction may be needed.

Renally impaired patients: Should be administered cautiously to patients in severe renal impairment including those receiving dialysis therapy

The acute symptoms and signs of overdose include agitation, confusional state, coma, bradycardia, ventricular tachycardia, Cheyne Stokes respiration, discolorations of skin, tongue and conjunctiva, and chromaturia. Management of acute overdose with levodopa/ carbidopa/ entacapone combination is similar to acute overdose with levodopa. Pyridoxine, however, is not effective in reversing the actions of levodopa/ carbidopa/ entacapone combination. Hospitalization is advised and general supportive measures should be employed with immediate gastric lavage and repeated doses of charcoal over time.

Store in a cool and dry place. Protect from light.

This medicine is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with Parkinson's disease and end-of-dose motor fluctuations not stabilized on levodopa/dopa decarboxylase (DDC) inhibitor treatment.

Antiparkinson drugs

Levodopa is the metabolic precursor of dopamine. It crosses the blood-brain barrier and is converted to dopamine in the brain. Carbidopa increases the amount of levodopa that is transported into the CNS by inhibiting the decarboxylation of peripheral levodopa. Entacapone is a selective inhibitor of COMT which alters the pharmacokinetics of levodopa, resulting to increased and more sustained levodopa serum levels.

Adults: The optimum daily dose must be determined by careful titration of levodopa in each patient. Patients should be instructed to take only 1 (one) tablet per dose administration. The maximum recommended daily dose of entacapone is 2,000 mg. Usually this combination is to be used in patients who are currently treated with corresponding doses of standard release Levodopa or Dopa Decarboxylase (DDC) inhibitor and entacapone.

May be taken with or without food. Keep a consistent diet. A change in diet to foods high in protein may delay levodopa absorption & reduce amount taken up in circulation. Excessive acidity also delays stomach emptying & thus delays levodopa absorption. Iron salts may also reduce amount of levodopa available to the body. Swallow whole.

Common side effects include dyskinesia, nausea, hyperkinesia, change in urine color, diarrhea and stomach pain. Other side effects may include diarrhea, sometimes severe; colitis; hallucinations; other mental disturbances; orthostatic hypotension; rhabdomyolysis; and symptoms resembling neuroleptic malignant syndrome (a condition characterized by high fever, muscle stiffness, and confusion); fibrosis; skin cancer, etc.

Narrow-angle glaucoma, phaeochromocytoma, history of neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) and/ or non-traumatic rhabdomyolysis. Severe hepatic impairment. Concurrent use of or within 14 days of discontinuing non-selective MAOIs.

Levodopa, carbidopa and entacapone together may cause dizziness and symptomatic orthostatism. Therefore, caution should be exercised when driving or using machines. As with levodopa, periodic evaluations of hepatic, hematopoietic, cardiovascular and renal function are recommended during extended therapy.

Symptomatic postural hypotension may occur when levodopa is added to the treatment of patients already receiving antihypertensive. Dose adjustment of the antihypertensive agent may be required. Dopamine receptor antagonists (e.g. some antipsychotics and antiemetics), phenytoin and papaverine may reduce the therapeutic effect of levodopa. Patients taking these medicinal products with levodopa/ carbidopa/ entacapone combination should be carefully observed for loss of therapeutic response. Since levodopa competes with certain amino acids, the absorption of Levodopa, Carbidopa & Entacapone may be impaired in some patients on high protein diet.

Pregnancy category C. The combination of levodopa/ carbidopa/ entacapone should not be used during pregnancy unless the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. The safety of this combination in the infant is not known. Women should not breast-feed during treatment with this combination.

Children: Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.

Elderly: No dose adjustment is required for elderly patients.

Hepatic impaired patients: Should be administered cautiously to patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairment. Dose reduction may be needed.

Renally impaired patients: Should be administered cautiously to patients in severe renal impairment including those receiving dialysis therapy

The acute symptoms and signs of overdose include agitation, confusional state, coma, bradycardia, ventricular tachycardia, Cheyne Stokes respiration, discolorations of skin, tongue and conjunctiva, and chromaturia. Management of acute overdose with levodopa/ carbidopa/ entacapone combination is similar to acute overdose with levodopa. Pyridoxine, however, is not effective in reversing the actions of levodopa/ carbidopa/ entacapone combination. Hospitalization is advised and general supportive measures should be employed with immediate gastric lavage and repeated doses of charcoal over time.

Store in a cool and dry place. Protect from light.

This medicine is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with Parkinson's disease and end-of-dose motor fluctuations not stabilized on levodopa/dopa decarboxylase (DDC) inhibitor treatment.

Antiparkinson drugs

Levodopa is the metabolic precursor of dopamine. It crosses the blood-brain barrier and is converted to dopamine in the brain. Carbidopa increases the amount of levodopa that is transported into the CNS by inhibiting the decarboxylation of peripheral levodopa. Entacapone is a selective inhibitor of COMT which alters the pharmacokinetics of levodopa, resulting to increased and more sustained levodopa serum levels.

Adults: The optimum daily dose must be determined by careful titration of levodopa in each patient. Patients should be instructed to take only 1 (one) tablet per dose administration. The maximum recommended daily dose of entacapone is 2,000 mg. Usually this combination is to be used in patients who are currently treated with corresponding doses of standard release Levodopa or Dopa Decarboxylase (DDC) inhibitor and entacapone.

May be taken with or without food. Keep a consistent diet. A change in diet to foods high in protein may delay levodopa absorption & reduce amount taken up in circulation. Excessive acidity also delays stomach emptying & thus delays levodopa absorption. Iron salts may also reduce amount of levodopa available to the body. Swallow whole.

Common side effects include dyskinesia, nausea, hyperkinesia, change in urine color, diarrhea and stomach pain. Other side effects may include diarrhea, sometimes severe; colitis; hallucinations; other mental disturbances; orthostatic hypotension; rhabdomyolysis; and symptoms resembling neuroleptic malignant syndrome (a condition characterized by high fever, muscle stiffness, and confusion); fibrosis; skin cancer, etc.

Narrow-angle glaucoma, phaeochromocytoma, history of neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) and/ or non-traumatic rhabdomyolysis. Severe hepatic impairment. Concurrent use of or within 14 days of discontinuing non-selective MAOIs.

Levodopa, carbidopa and entacapone together may cause dizziness and symptomatic orthostatism. Therefore, caution should be exercised when driving or using machines. As with levodopa, periodic evaluations of hepatic, hematopoietic, cardiovascular and renal function are recommended during extended therapy.

Symptomatic postural hypotension may occur when levodopa is added to the treatment of patients already receiving antihypertensive. Dose adjustment of the antihypertensive agent may be required. Dopamine receptor antagonists (e.g. some antipsychotics and antiemetics), phenytoin and papaverine may reduce the therapeutic effect of levodopa. Patients taking these medicinal products with levodopa/ carbidopa/ entacapone combination should be carefully observed for loss of therapeutic response. Since levodopa competes with certain amino acids, the absorption of Levodopa, Carbidopa & Entacapone may be impaired in some patients on high protein diet.

Pregnancy category C. The combination of levodopa/ carbidopa/ entacapone should not be used during pregnancy unless the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. The safety of this combination in the infant is not known. Women should not breast-feed during treatment with this combination.

Children: Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.

Elderly: No dose adjustment is required for elderly patients.

Hepatic impaired patients: Should be administered cautiously to patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairment. Dose reduction may be needed.

Renally impaired patients: Should be administered cautiously to patients in severe renal impairment including those receiving dialysis therapy

The acute symptoms and signs of overdose include agitation, confusional state, coma, bradycardia, ventricular tachycardia, Cheyne Stokes respiration, discolorations of skin, tongue and conjunctiva, and chromaturia. Management of acute overdose with levodopa/ carbidopa/ entacapone combination is similar to acute overdose with levodopa. Pyridoxine, however, is not effective in reversing the actions of levodopa/ carbidopa/ entacapone combination. Hospitalization is advised and general supportive measures should be employed with immediate gastric lavage and repeated doses of charcoal over time.

Store in a cool and dry place. Protect from light.

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.

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.

Trihexyphenidyl Hydrochloride is indicated as an adjunct treatment of all forms of parkinsonism (postencephalitic, arteriosclerotic & idiopathic). Additionally, it is indicated for the control of extrapyramidal disorders caused by central nervous system drugs such as dibenzoxazepines, phenothiazines, thioxanthenes & butyrophenones.

Antiparkinson drugs

Trihexyphenidyl is a non-selective muscarinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist but binds with higher affinity to the M1 subtype. In vivo studies have shown that trihexyphenidyl demonstrates higher affinity for central muscarinic receptors located in the cerebral cortex and lower affinity for those located peripherally. Other studies suggest that trihexyphenidyl may modify nicotinic acetylcholine receptor neurotransmission, leading indirectly to enhanced dopamine release in the striatum. Although the anticholinergic has proven to be useful in the treatment of symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease or other movement disorders, its mechanism of action has yet to be fully elucidated.

Dosage should be individualized. The initial dose should be low and then increased gradually, especially in patients over 60 years of age. Whether Trihexyphenidyl may best be given before or after meals should be determined by the way the patient reacts.

Idiopathic Parkinsonism: 1 mg of Trihexyphenidyl may be administered the first day. The dose may then be increased by 2mg increments at intervals of three to five days.

Drug-Induced Parkinsonism: Commence therapy with a single 1 mg dose increase the total daily dosage to 5-15 mg range if the extrapyramidal manifestations are not controlled.

Concomitant Use with Levodopa: When Trihexyphenidyl is used concomitantly with levodopa, the usual dose is 3-6 mg daily.

Minor side effects such as dryness of the mouth, blurring of vision, dizziness, mild nausea or nervousness. Patients with arteriosclerosis or with a history of idiosyncrasy to other drugs may exhibit reactions of mental confusion, agitation, disturbed behavior, or nausea and vomiting. Potential side effects are constipation, drowsiness, urinary hesitancy or retention, pupil dilation, increased intraocular tension, vomiting and headache.

Contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to Trihexyphenidyl HCI or to any of the tablet or elixir ingredients. Trihexyphenidyl is also contraindicated in patients with narrow angle glaucoma. Blindness after long-term use due to narrow angle glaucoma has been reported.

Patients with cardiac, liver, or kidney disorders, or with hypertensioon, should closely be monitored. Since Trihexyphenidyl HCI has parasympatholytic activity, it should be used with caution in patients with glaucoma, obstructive disease of the gastrointestinal or genitourinary tracts, and in elderly males with possible prostatic hypertrophy. Trihexyphenidyl is not recommended for use in patients with tardive dyskinesia unless they have concomitant Parkinson’s disease. Abrupt withdrawal of treatment for parkinsonism may result in acute exacerbation of parkinsonism symptoms; therefore, abrupt withdrawal should be avoided.

Cannabinoids, barbiturates, opiates, and alcohol may have additive effects with Trihexyphenidyl, and thus, an abuse potential exists. Concurrent use of alcohol or other CNS depressants with Trihexyphenidyl may cause increased sedative effects. It may be contraindicated in patients taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors & tricycllic antidepressants.

Pregnancy Category C. It is not known whether the drug is excreted in human milk and therefore Trihexyphenidyl should only be used if the expected benefit to the mother outweighs the potential risk to the infant.

Overdosage with Trihexyphenidyl produces typical central symptoms of atropine intoxication (the central anticholinergic syndrome). Signs & symptoms are: dilated and sluggish pupils, warm, dry skin, facial flushing, decreased secretions of mouth, pharynx, nose and bronchi, foul smelling breath, tachycardia etc. Neuropsychiatric signs such as delirium, disorientation, anxiety, hallucinations etc. The condition can progress to stupor, coma, paralysis, cardiac, respiratory arrest and death.

Do not store above 30°C. Keep away from light and out of the reach of children.

Trihexyphenidyl Hydrochloride is indicated as an adjunct treatment of all forms of parkinsonism (postencephalitic, arteriosclerotic & idiopathic). Additionally, it is indicated for the control of extrapyramidal disorders caused by central nervous system drugs such as dibenzoxazepines, phenothiazines, thioxanthenes & butyrophenones.

Antiparkinson drugs

Trihexyphenidyl is a non-selective muscarinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist but binds with higher affinity to the M1 subtype. In vivo studies have shown that trihexyphenidyl demonstrates higher affinity for central muscarinic receptors located in the cerebral cortex and lower affinity for those located peripherally. Other studies suggest that trihexyphenidyl may modify nicotinic acetylcholine receptor neurotransmission, leading indirectly to enhanced dopamine release in the striatum. Although the anticholinergic has proven to be useful in the treatment of symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease or other movement disorders, its mechanism of action has yet to be fully elucidated.

Dosage should be individualized. The initial dose should be low and then increased gradually, especially in patients over 60 years of age. Whether Trihexyphenidyl may best be given before or after meals should be determined by the way the patient reacts.

Idiopathic Parkinsonism: 1 mg of Trihexyphenidyl may be administered the first day. The dose may then be increased by 2mg increments at intervals of three to five days.

Drug-Induced Parkinsonism: Commence therapy with a single 1 mg dose increase the total daily dosage to 5-15 mg range if the extrapyramidal manifestations are not controlled.

Concomitant Use with Levodopa: When Trihexyphenidyl is used concomitantly with levodopa, the usual dose is 3-6 mg daily.

Minor side effects such as dryness of the mouth, blurring of vision, dizziness, mild nausea or nervousness. Patients with arteriosclerosis or with a history of idiosyncrasy to other drugs may exhibit reactions of mental confusion, agitation, disturbed behavior, or nausea and vomiting. Potential side effects are constipation, drowsiness, urinary hesitancy or retention, pupil dilation, increased intraocular tension, vomiting and headache.

Contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to Trihexyphenidyl HCI or to any of the tablet or elixir ingredients. Trihexyphenidyl is also contraindicated in patients with narrow angle glaucoma. Blindness after long-term use due to narrow angle glaucoma has been reported.

Patients with cardiac, liver, or kidney disorders, or with hypertensioon, should closely be monitored. Since Trihexyphenidyl HCI has parasympatholytic activity, it should be used with caution in patients with glaucoma, obstructive disease of the gastrointestinal or genitourinary tracts, and in elderly males with possible prostatic hypertrophy. Trihexyphenidyl is not recommended for use in patients with tardive dyskinesia unless they have concomitant Parkinson’s disease. Abrupt withdrawal of treatment for parkinsonism may result in acute exacerbation of parkinsonism symptoms; therefore, abrupt withdrawal should be avoided.

Cannabinoids, barbiturates, opiates, and alcohol may have additive effects with Trihexyphenidyl, and thus, an abuse potential exists. Concurrent use of alcohol or other CNS depressants with Trihexyphenidyl may cause increased sedative effects. It may be contraindicated in patients taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors & tricycllic antidepressants.

Pregnancy Category C. It is not known whether the drug is excreted in human milk and therefore Trihexyphenidyl should only be used if the expected benefit to the mother outweighs the potential risk to the infant.

Overdosage with Trihexyphenidyl produces typical central symptoms of atropine intoxication (the central anticholinergic syndrome). Signs & symptoms are: dilated and sluggish pupils, warm, dry skin, facial flushing, decreased secretions of mouth, pharynx, nose and bronchi, foul smelling breath, tachycardia etc. Neuropsychiatric signs such as delirium, disorientation, anxiety, hallucinations etc. The condition can progress to stupor, coma, paralysis, cardiac, respiratory arrest and death.

Do not store above 30°C. Keep away from light and out of the reach of children.

Trihexyphenidyl Hydrochloride is indicated as an adjunct treatment of all forms of parkinsonism (postencephalitic, arteriosclerotic & idiopathic). Additionally, it is indicated for the control of extrapyramidal disorders caused by central nervous system drugs such as dibenzoxazepines, phenothiazines, thioxanthenes & butyrophenones.

Antiparkinson drugs

Trihexyphenidyl is a non-selective muscarinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist but binds with higher affinity to the M1 subtype. In vivo studies have shown that trihexyphenidyl demonstrates higher affinity for central muscarinic receptors located in the cerebral cortex and lower affinity for those located peripherally. Other studies suggest that trihexyphenidyl may modify nicotinic acetylcholine receptor neurotransmission, leading indirectly to enhanced dopamine release in the striatum. Although the anticholinergic has proven to be useful in the treatment of symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease or other movement disorders, its mechanism of action has yet to be fully elucidated.

Dosage should be individualized. The initial dose should be low and then increased gradually, especially in patients over 60 years of age. Whether Trihexyphenidyl may best be given before or after meals should be determined by the way the patient reacts.

Idiopathic Parkinsonism: 1 mg of Trihexyphenidyl may be administered the first day. The dose may then be increased by 2mg increments at intervals of three to five days.

Drug-Induced Parkinsonism: Commence therapy with a single 1 mg dose increase the total daily dosage to 5-15 mg range if the extrapyramidal manifestations are not controlled.

Concomitant Use with Levodopa: When Trihexyphenidyl is used concomitantly with levodopa, the usual dose is 3-6 mg daily.

Minor side effects such as dryness of the mouth, blurring of vision, dizziness, mild nausea or nervousness. Patients with arteriosclerosis or with a history of idiosyncrasy to other drugs may exhibit reactions of mental confusion, agitation, disturbed behavior, or nausea and vomiting. Potential side effects are constipation, drowsiness, urinary hesitancy or retention, pupil dilation, increased intraocular tension, vomiting and headache.

Contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to Trihexyphenidyl HCI or to any of the tablet or elixir ingredients. Trihexyphenidyl is also contraindicated in patients with narrow angle glaucoma. Blindness after long-term use due to narrow angle glaucoma has been reported.

Patients with cardiac, liver, or kidney disorders, or with hypertensioon, should closely be monitored. Since Trihexyphenidyl HCI has parasympatholytic activity, it should be used with caution in patients with glaucoma, obstructive disease of the gastrointestinal or genitourinary tracts, and in elderly males with possible prostatic hypertrophy. Trihexyphenidyl is not recommended for use in patients with tardive dyskinesia unless they have concomitant Parkinson’s disease. Abrupt withdrawal of treatment for parkinsonism may result in acute exacerbation of parkinsonism symptoms; therefore, abrupt withdrawal should be avoided.

Cannabinoids, barbiturates, opiates, and alcohol may have additive effects with Trihexyphenidyl, and thus, an abuse potential exists. Concurrent use of alcohol or other CNS depressants with Trihexyphenidyl may cause increased sedative effects. It may be contraindicated in patients taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors & tricycllic antidepressants.

Pregnancy Category C. It is not known whether the drug is excreted in human milk and therefore Trihexyphenidyl should only be used if the expected benefit to the mother outweighs the potential risk to the infant.

Overdosage with Trihexyphenidyl produces typical central symptoms of atropine intoxication (the central anticholinergic syndrome). Signs & symptoms are: dilated and sluggish pupils, warm, dry skin, facial flushing, decreased secretions of mouth, pharynx, nose and bronchi, foul smelling breath, tachycardia etc. Neuropsychiatric signs such as delirium, disorientation, anxiety, hallucinations etc. The condition can progress to stupor, coma, paralysis, cardiac, respiratory arrest and death.

Do not store above 30°C. Keep away from light and out of the reach of children.

This is indicated for the symptomatic relief of upper respiratory tract disorders accompanied by productive cough which benefits from the administration of a nasal decongestant, a histamine H1 receptor antagonist and an expectorant combination.

Combined cough expectorants

Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant as well as a bronchodilator for the upper respiratory tract, which gives symptomatic relief of nasal congestion. Pseudoephedrine is both an α-and β-adrenergic receptor agonist. It causes vasoconstriction via direct stimulation of α-adrenergic receptors of the respiratory mucosa. It also directly stimulates β-adrenergic receptors causing bronchial relaxation, increased heart rate and contractility.

Like ephedrine, pseudoephedrine releasing norepinephrine from its storage sites, an indirect effect. This is its main and direct mechanism of action. The displaced noradrenaline is released into the neuronal synapse where it is free to activate the postsynaptic adrenergic receptors.

Guaifenesin reduces the viscosity of tenacious sputum and is used as an expectorant. It increases the hydration of respiratory tract, thereby increasing the volume and reducing the viscosity of bronchial secretions.

Triprolidine is an antihistamine; it is used for the symptomatic relief of hypersensitivity reactions including rhinitis, conjunctivitis and urticaria.

Adult and Children over 12 years: 10 ml (2 teaspoonful) three times a day.
Children 6-12 years: 5 ml (1 teaspoonful) three times a day.
Children 2-5 years: 2.5 ml (1/2 teaspoonful) three times a day.

A physician’s advice is preferred before administering this preparation to children aged less than 2 years.

CNS depression or excitation, drowsiness (reported most frequently), sleep disturbances, hallucinations (rarely reported), skin rashes with or without irritation, tachycardia, dryness of mouth, nose and throat have occasionally been reported.

This is contraindicated in the cases of known hypersensitivity to any of its constituents, cardiovascular disease including hypertension, lower respiratory symptoms including asthma, monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) therapy.

As with any other antihistamine therapy, Pseudoephedrine, guaiphenasine & triprolidine may cause drowsiness. If affected, patients should be advised not to drive or operate machinery. Concomitant administration of alcohol or other centrally acting sedatives should be avoided. Although Pseudoephedrine has no pressor effects in normotensive patients but Pseudoephedrine, guaiphenasine & triprolidine should be used with caution to patients suffering from mild to moderate hypertension. Moreover, caution should also be exercised in the following disease conditions - hypertension and heart disease, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, elevated intra-ocular pressure, prostatic enlargement, severe renal and hepatic impairment. This preparation should not be used for persistent or chronic cough, which occurs with smoking, asthma or emphysema or where excessive secretions accompany cough, unless directed by a physician.

Concomitant use of Pseudoephedrine, guaiphenasine & triprolidine with sympathomimetic agents such as decongestants, tricyclic antidepressants, appetite suppressants and amphetamine-like psychostimulants or with monoamine oxidase inhibitors which interfere with the catabolism of sympathomimetic amines may occasionally cause a rise in blood pressure. Because of its pseudoephedrine content, Pseudoephedrine, guaiphenasine & triprolidine partially reverse the hypotensive action of drugs which interfere with sympathetic activity including guanethidine, methyldopa, alpha-adrenergic blocking agents.

Although pseudoephedrine, triprolidine and guaiphenesin have been in widespread use of many years without apparent ill consequence, there are no specific data on their use during pregnancy. Caution should therefore be exercised by balancing the potential benefits of treatment of the mother against any possible hazards to the developing fetus.

The effects of acute toxicity from Pseudoephedrine, guaiphenasine & triprolidine may include drowsiness, irritability, restlessness, lethargy, dizziness, gastrointestinal discomfort, respiratory depression, convulsion, tremor, tachycardia and hypertension. Incase of overdose, necessary measures should be taken to maintain and support respiration and control convulsion. Gastric lavage may be undertaken if indicated. Catheterization of bladder may be necessary.

Store below 25° C. Protect from light. Do not refrigerate.

This is indicated in-

• Constipation
• Anorexia
• Indigestion
• Diabetes
• Skin diseases
• Hypertension
• Blood impurities
• Hypercholesterolaemia

Herbal and Nutraceuticals

This is the combination of Emblic Myrobalan (Phyllanthus emblica), ChebulicMyrobalan (Terminalia chebula) & Belleric Myrobalan (Terminalia bellerica ). It is highly effective in indigestion, diabetes, constipation and anorexia. It is a tonic for all vital organs of the body.

1 sachet 2-3 times daily with 1 cup of hot water or as prescribed by the physician.

No significant side effect has been observed in proper dosage.

There is no known contraindication.

Keep out of reach of the children.

Protect from light. Keep in cool & dry place. Shake well before use.

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.

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.