Cef-3 fort susp. (Susp) 50ml bot/suspension

Overview

Cef-3 Forte 200 mg/5 ml Suspension contains Cefixime Trihydrate, a third generation semisynthetic cephalosporin antibiotic for oral administration, manufactured by Square Pharmaceuticals PLC. It is a higher-strength oral suspension suitable for children and patients who cannot swallow tablets or capsules.

Indications

Cef-3 Forte is an orally active cephalosporin antibiotic with marked in-vitro bactericidal activity against a wide variety of Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms. It is indicated for acute infections caused by susceptible microorganisms, including Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (e.g. otitis media) and other URTI where the causative organism is known or suspected to be resistant to other commonly used antibiotics, Lower Respiratory Tract Infections (e.g. bronchitis), and Urinary Tract Infections (e.g. cystitis, cystourethritis, pyelonephritis). Clinical efficacy has been demonstrated against Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes, Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Klebsiella species, Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis and Enterobacter species. Cef-3 Forte is highly stable in the presence of beta-lactamase enzymes.

Pharmacology

Cefixime is bactericidal against a broad spectrum of gram positive and gram negative bacteria at easily achievable plasma concentrations. It kills bacteria by interfering with the synthesis of the bacterial cell wall and is highly stable in the presence of beta-lactamase enzyme, making many resistant organisms susceptible. Absorption is about 40% to 50%, whether administered with or without food.

Dosage and Administration

Adults and children over 10 years: 200-400 mg daily according to severity, as a single dose or in two divided doses.
Children: 8 mg/kg/day as a single dose or in two divided doses. As a general guide for prescribing in children, the following daily doses in terms of volume of suspension are suggested: 6 months up to 1 year - 3.75 ml daily; children 1-4 years - 5 ml daily; children 5-10 years - 10 ml daily.
In typhoid: 5 mg/kg twice daily for 10-14 days in children.
Children aged less than 6 months: Safety and efficacy have not been established.
Renal impairment: Normal dose for creatinine clearance ≥20 ml/min; 200 mg once daily should not be exceeded below this. The usual course of treatment is 7 days, extendable to 14 days if required.

Interaction

As with other cephalosporins, increases in prothrombin times have been noted in a few patients. Care should be taken in patients receiving anticoagulant therapy.

Contraindications

Known hypersensitivity to cephalosporin antibiotics.

Side Effects

Generally well tolerated. The most frequent side effects are diarrhoea and stool changes, more common with higher doses. Less frequent: nausea, abdominal pain, dyspepsia, vomiting and flatulence; pseudomembranous colitis has been reported. CNS: headache and dizziness. Hypersensitivity: rash, pruritus, urticaria, drug fever and arthralgia. Haematological: thrombocytopenia, leukopenia and eosinophilia (infrequent, reversible). Mild transient changes in liver and renal function tests have been observed.

Pregnancy and Lactation

There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women; this drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. It is not known whether Cefixime is excreted in human milk, so caution should be exercised in nursing mothers.

Precautions and Warnings

Give with caution to patients with hypersensitivity to other drugs. Cephalosporins should be given cautiously to penicillin-sensitive patients due to partial cross-allergenicity; severe reactions including anaphylaxis have occurred with both classes. Discontinue if an allergic reaction occurs. Use with caution in markedly impaired renal function. Broad spectrum antibiotic use may permit Clostridium difficile overgrowth, a primary cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea.

Storage Conditions

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cef-3 Forte 200 mg/5 ml Suspension used for?
It is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections such as urinary tract infections, tonsillitis, pharyngitis and bronchitis. It does not work against viral infections like flu.

Is it safe to give Cef-3 Forte to infants?
The safety and efficacy of Cefixime has not been established in children aged less than 6 months. Use in children should be guided by a registered physician based on age and weight.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Please consult a registered physician before taking any medication.