Cefim-3 DS 400

Indications

Cefim-3 DS is a potent, orally administered third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic, effective against a wide range of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. It is commonly prescribed for the treatment of:

• Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (URTI): Includes conditions like otitis media and other URTIs caused by organisms resistant to common antibiotics or where treatment failure presents high risks.
• Lower Respiratory Tract Infections: Such as bronchitis.
• Urinary Tract Infections: Including cystitis, cystourethritis, and pyelonephritis.
• Skin Infections: Due to pathogens like Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Escherichia coli.
• Beta-lactamase Resistance: Cefim-3 is highly stable against beta-lactamase-producing strains, ensuring effectiveness in resistant bacterial infections.

Always follow the advice of a registered healthcare professional when taking this medication.

Pharmacology

Cefim-3 DS contains Cefixime, a third-generation cephalosporin that works by disrupting the bacterial cell wall, ultimately leading to bacterial death. It offers bactericidal activity against a broad spectrum of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including strains resistant to beta-lactam antibiotics.

• High stability against beta-lactamase: Allows activity against resistant organisms.
• Absorption: Approximately 40%-50% of the drug is absorbed, whether taken with or without food.
• Effective in treating a wide range of infections: Including those caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, and Klebsiella species.

Dosage & Administration

• Adults & Children (10 years and older): The usual dosage is 200-400 mg daily either as a single dose or divided into two doses based on infection severity.
• Children:
  • 6 months to 1 year: 3.75 ml daily.
  • 1-4 years: 5 ml daily.
  • 5-10 years: 10 ml daily.
  • For Typhoid: 5 mg/kg twice daily for 10-14 days.
• Renal Impairment: Adjust dosage based on renal function. In patients with creatinine clearance below 20 ml/min, limit the dose to 200 mg once daily.

Interactions

• Anticoagulants: May increase prothrombin time; monitor closely when taken with blood thinners like Warfarin.

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity: Contraindicated in patients with known allergies to cephalosporins.

Side Effects

Most patients tolerate Cefim-3 well, but side effects may include:

• Gastrointestinal issues: Diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, and vomiting.
• Hypersensitivity reactions: Rash, itching, and fever.
• Hematological changes: Rare reports of thrombocytopenia and leukopenia.
• Central Nervous System: Headache and dizziness.

Pregnancy & Lactation

• Pregnancy: Limited data in humans; use only when absolutely necessary.
• Lactation: Excreted in breast milk; exercise caution when administering to nursing mothers.

Precautions & Warnings

• Hypersensitivity Reactions: Caution in patients with penicillin or cephalosporin allergies due to the risk of cross-reactivity.
• Renal Impairment: Use with caution in patients with renal dysfunction.

Overdose Effects

No specific antidote exists for Cefim-3 overdose. Gastric lavage may be considered, and the drug is not significantly cleared by hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis.

Storage Conditions

• Store below 30°C, away from light and moisture.
• Keep out of reach of children.