Cefaclav Suspension

Indications

Cefaclav is prescribed for the effective treatment of infections caused by bacteria that are sensitive to its active ingredients.

• Pharyngitis/Tonsillitis: Effective against infections caused by Streptococcus pyogenes.
• Acute Bacterial Otitis Media: Treats infections due to Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis (including beta-lactamase producing strains), and Streptococcus pyogenes.
• Acute Bacterial Maxillary Sinusitis: Targets infections from Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae (non-beta-lactamase producing strains).
• Lower Respiratory Tract Infections: Including pneumonia caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae (both beta-lactamase producing strains), Klebsiella spp., Staphylococcus aureus (both penicillinase- and non-penicillinase-producing strains), Streptococcus pyogenes, and E. coli.
• Acute Bacterial Exacerbation of Chronic Bronchitis: Addresses infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae (beta-lactamase negative strains), and Haemophilus parainfluenzae (beta-lactamase negative strains).
• Uncomplicated Skin and Skin Structure Infections: Treats infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus (including beta-lactamase producing strains) and Streptococcus pyogenes.
• Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections: Effective against infections caused by E. coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae.
• Bone and Joint Infections: Treats infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus (both penicillinase- and non-penicillinase-producing strains).
• Uncomplicated Gonorrhea: Addresses infections from both penicillinase-producing and non-penicillinase producing strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
• Early Lyme Disease: Effective in treating erythema migrans caused by Borrelia burgdorferi.
• Septicemia: Targets serious infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, E. coli, Haemophilus influenzae (including ampicillin-resistant strains), and Klebsiella spp..
• Meningitis: Treats infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae (including ampicillin-resistant strains), Neisseria meningitidis, and Staphylococcus aureus (both penicillinase and non-penicillinase producing strains).
• Switch Therapy: Facilitates transition from injectable to oral administration.

Always consult a registered healthcare professional before using this medication.

Pharmacology

Cefuroxime is a potent second-generation cephalosporin antibiotic known for its bactericidal properties. It effectively combats a wide variety of susceptible Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including numerous beta-lactamase producing strains. Cefuroxime works by disrupting bacterial cell wall synthesis through the inhibition of the transpeptidation process.

Clavulanic acid, derived from Streptomyces clavuligerus, acts as a beta-lactamase inhibitor. Its structural similarity to beta-lactam antibiotics allows it to bind irreversibly to beta-lactamase enzymes, effectively neutralizing them. This protective action preserves the efficacy of Cefuroxime against bacteria that are resistant to beta-lactam antibiotics.

Dosage & Administration

For Adolescents and Adults (13 years and older):

• Pharyngitis/Tonsillitis: 250 mg, twice daily for 5-10 days.
• Acute Bacterial Maxillary Sinusitis: 250 mg, twice daily for 10 days.
• Acute Bacterial Exacerbation of Chronic Bronchitis: 250-500 mg, twice daily for 10 days.
• Secondary Bacterial Infections of Acute Bronchitis: 250-500 mg, twice daily for 5-10 days.
• Uncomplicated Skin and Skin Structure Infections: 250-500 mg, twice daily for 10 days.
• Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections: 250 mg, twice daily for 7-10 days.
• Uncomplicated Gonorrhea: 1000 mg, twice as a single dose.
• Community-Acquired Pneumonia: 250-500 mg, twice daily for 5-10 days.
• MDR Typhoid Fever: 500 mg, twice daily for 10-14 days.
• Early Lyme Disease: 500 mg, twice daily for 20 days.

For Pediatric Patients (3 months to 12 years):

• Pharyngitis/Tonsillitis: 20 mg/kg/day, twice daily for 5-10 days.
• Acute Otitis Media: 30 mg/kg/day, twice daily for 10 days.
• Acute Bacterial Maxillary Sinusitis: 30 mg/kg/day, twice daily for 10 days.
• Impetigo: 30 mg/kg/day, twice daily for 10 days.

Cefuroxime-Clavulanic Acid tablets can be taken without regard to meals.

Always consult a registered healthcare professional before using this medication.

Interaction

The co-administration of probenecid with Cefuroxime-Clavulanic Acid may increase the serum concentration significantly (by 50%). Additionally, medications that reduce gastric acidity may decrease the bioavailability of Cefuroxime, potentially negating the effects of postprandial absorption.

Contraindications

Cefuroxime-Clavulanic Acid is contraindicated for patients with a known allergy to cephalosporins and those with a history of pseudomembranous colitis.

Side Effects

Cefuroxime-Clavulanic Acid is generally well tolerated; however, some patients may experience mild side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort. Prolonged use of this broad-spectrum antibiotic can lead to the overgrowth of non-susceptible microorganisms. Rare side effects (<0.2%) include renal dysfunction, anaphylaxis, angioedema, pruritus, rash, and serum sickness-like urticaria.

Pregnancy & Lactation

While antibiotics are typically avoided during the first trimester, Cefuroxime-Clavulanic Acid is considered safe for use in later stages of pregnancy for treating urinary and other infections. This medication is excreted in small amounts into breast milk, so caution is advised regarding the potential sensitization of the infant.

Precautions & Warnings

Cefuroxime should be administered with caution in patients undergoing treatment with potent diuretics and those with a history of colitis.

Therapeutic Class

Second Generation Cephalosporins

Storage Conditions

Store in a cool, dry location (below 30°C), away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.