Acrocef

Description

Acrocef Tablet (Cefixime)

Indications (What Acrocef is Used For):

Acrocef Tablet is an antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections, including:

• Pneumonia
• Pharyngitis (sore throat)
• Typhoid fever
• Sinusitis (sinus infection)
• Otitis media (ear infection)
• Tonsillitis (tonsil infection)
• Soft tissue infections (infections of muscles, fat, and other soft tissues)
• Respiratory tract infections (infections of the airways)
• Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Bronchitis (sudden worsening of chronic bronchitis)
• Gonococcal urethritis (a sexually transmitted infection affecting the urethra)
• Acute bronchitis

Dosage and Administration:

Adults (by mouth – PO):

• For Acute Bronchitis & Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Bronchitis, Otitis Media, Pharyngitis/Tonsillitis, Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections: 200 or 400 mg once daily as a single dose, or divided into two doses.
• For Gonorrhea: 400 mg as a single dose.
• For Typhoid Fever: 20 mg per kg of body weight daily, divided into two doses. The usual treatment duration is 7 days, which may be extended up to 14 days depending on the severity of the infection.

Children (by mouth – PO):

• For children weighing less than 50 kg: 8 mg per kg of body weight per day, divided into doses given every 12–24 hours.
• For convalescent oral therapy of serious infections: Up to 20 mg per kg of body weight per day.
• Specific Doses for Powder for Suspension & DS Powder for Suspension:
  • Children above 6 months: 8 mg/kg daily in 1-2 divided doses.
  • 6 months-1 year: 75 mg daily.
  • 1-4 years: 100 mg daily.
  • 5-10 years: 200 mg daily.
• For Typhoid Fever: 15-20 mg per kg of body weight per day by mouth, divided into doses given every 12 hours for 7-14 days. Do not exceed 400 mg per day.
• Children under 6 months: Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Dosage for Kidney Impairment (Renal Dose):

• Dose reduction is necessary.
• Creatinine Clearance (CrCl) <20 ml/min: Maximum of 200 mg daily.

How to Take Acrocef:

Acrocef may be taken with or without food. Taking it with food or milk may help reduce stomach upset.

Contraindications (When You Should NOT Take Acrocef):

• If you have a known hypersensitivity (severe allergic reaction) to cephalosporin antibiotics (a class of antibiotics that includes cefixime).

Precautions (Things to Be Aware Of):

• Use with caution if you have a history of allergy to penicillins, as there can be cross-reactivity.
• Use with caution during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It is unknown whether the drug is excreted in breast milk.
• Use with caution if you have kidney failure (renal disease) or gastrointestinal (GI) disease.

Interactions with Other Medications:

• Increased concentrations of cefixime when taken with probenecid (a medication that affects how kidneys excrete drugs).
• Potentially Fatal: May increase prothrombin time (PT) (a measure of how long it takes for blood to clot) when taken with anticoagulants (blood thinners), potentially increasing bleeding risk.

Adverse Effects (Possible Side Effects):

• Very Common (>10%): Diarrhea (16%)
• Frequency Not Defined (may occur): Abdominal pain, Candidiasis (yeast infection), Dizziness, Dyspepsia (indigestion), Elevated transaminases (liver enzyme increases), Eosinophilia (increased eosinophils in blood), Erythema multiforme (a skin reaction), Fever, Flatulence (gas), Headache, Increased blood urea nitrogen (BUN), Increased creatinine (kidney function markers), Leukopenia (low white blood cells), Nausea, Prolonged prothrombin time (PT), Pruritus (itching), Pseudomembranous colitis, Rash, Serum sickness-like reaction, Stevens-Johnson syndrome (severe skin reactions), Thrombocytopenia (low platelets), Urticaria (hives), Vaginitis (vaginal inflammation), Vomiting.
• Potentially Fatal (Serious and life-threatening): Pseudomembranous colitis (a severe inflammation of the colon).

Mechanism of Action (How Acrocef Works):

Cefixime works by interfering with the building process of bacterial cell walls. It binds to specific proteins within the bacteria (called penicillin-binding proteins or PBPs), which are essential for making the peptidoglycan layer of the cell wall. By stopping this process, cefixime inhibits the biosynthesis of the cell wall and arrests its assembly, ultimately leading to the death of the bacterial cell.

Note:

Acrocef 50mg Tablet is manufactured by Genetica Laboratory Pvt. Ltd. Its generic name is Cefixime. Acrocef is available in Nepal.

Important Disclaimer: The information provided here about Acrocef Tablet is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.