| AFIX
Cefixime
Description:
Afix (Cefixime)
is a broad spectrum cephalosporin antibiotic of third generation
for oral administration. It is a bactericidal antibiotic and
is stable to hydrolysis by many beta-lactamases. Afix
kills bacteria by interfering the synthesis of the bacterial
cell wall. Afix is highly active against Neisseria
gonorrhoeae, Haemophilus influenzae, Morexella catarrhalis
including beta-lactamase producers, most of the Enterobacteriaceae,
beta-haemolytic Streptococci (Group A & B) and Streptococcus
pneumoniae. Afix is more active than other oral cephalosporins
against Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp, Proteus
mirabilis and Serratia marcescens. Afix is
also active against Streptococcus pyogenes. 40-50% of
an oral dose is absorbed from gastro-intestinal tract, whether
taken with meals or not. The plasma half-life is usually about
3 to 4 hours and may be prolonged when there is renal impairment.
About 65% is bound to plasma protein. Afix is mainly
excreted unchanged in bile and urine.
Composition:
Afix Capsule:
Each capsule contains Cefixime trihydrate BP equivalent to Cefixime
anhydrous 200 mg.
Afix Powder
for Suspension: After preparation, each 5 ml reconstituted
suspension contains Cefixime trihydrate BP equivalent to Cefixime
anhydrous 100 mg.
Indications:
It is indicated
for the treatment of the following acute infections, when caused
by susceptible microorganisms:
Urinary tract infections:
Cystitis, cystourethritis, pyelonephritis, gonococcal urethritis.
Upper respiratory
tract infections: Otitis media, and other URTI where the causative
organism is known or suspected to be resistant to other commonly
used antibiotics.
Lower respiratory
tract infection: Bronchitis etc.
Typhoid fever.
Dosage &
Administration:
Afix Capsule:
Adult: 1 or 2 capsules
(200-400 mg) as once or in 2 divided doses daily for 7-14 days,
according to the severity of the infection.
Afix Powder
for Suspension:
Children above
6 months: 8 mg per kg body weight as a single dose or in
two divided doses for 7-14 days according to the severity of
the infection or as following:
6
months-1year: 3.75 ml or 75 mg
1-4 years: 5 ml or
100 mg
5-10 years: 10 ml
or 200 mg
11-12 years: 15 ml
or 300 mg
Above 12 years: Adult
dose may be administered
Children under
6 months: Not recommended.
Contraindications:
Patients with known
hypersensitivity to cephalosporin antibiotics, children under
6 months.
Side-effects:
Afix is
generally well tolerated. The majority of adverse reactions
observed in clinical trials was mild and self-limiting in nature.
Gastro-intestinal
disturbances: Diarrhoea (if severe diarrhoea occurs, Afix
should be discontinued), changes in the color of stool, nausea,
abdominal pain, dyspepsia, vomiting, flatulence have been reported.
Central nervous
system disturbances: Headache, dizziness, etc.
Others:
Hypersensitivity reactions which usually subsided upon discontinuation
of therapy; infrequent and reversible haematological changes;
elevation of serum amylase, etc.
Use in pregnancy
and lactation:
No data is available,
so it is probably the best to avoid using the drug during pregnancy
and by the nursing mothers.
Cautions:
Afix should
be prescribed with caution in individuals with a history of
gastrointestinal disease, particularly colitis. Dosage adjustment
is only necessary in severe renal failure (creatinine clearance
< 20 ml/min).
Packing:
Afix Capsule:
Box containing 1 x 4's/ 2 x 4's capsules in alu-alu blister
pack.
Afix Powder
for Suspension: Bottle containing dry powder for preparation
of 50 ml suspension. |
