Afrixon

Description

Afrixon Injection (Ceftriaxone)

Afrixon Injection contains Ceftriaxone 2gm and is manufactured by M.J. BIOPHARM PL LTD. This medication is available in Nepal, though the retail price isn’t specified.

Uses (Indications)

Afrixon Injection is an antibiotic used to treat a wide range of serious bacterial infections, including:

• Respiratory Tract Infections: Pneumonia, acute bronchitis, acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis.
• Other Infections: Meningitis, acute otitis media (ear infection), Lyme disease, typhoid fever, pelvic inflammatory disease, septicemia (blood infection), skin and skin-structure infections, gonorrhea, urinary tract infections, bone and joint infections, and chlamydia infection.
• It’s also used for surgical prophylaxis (to prevent infections during surgery).

Dosage Information

• Adults:
  • Susceptible Infections: 1-2 g per day, given intravenously (IV) or intramuscularly (IM). For severe infections, the dose can go up to 4 g per day.
  • Complicated Intra-abdominal Infections (mild-to-moderate, community-acquired): 1-2 g IV daily (single dose or divided every 12 hours) for 4-7 days, in combination with metronidazole.
  • Meningitis: 2 g IV every 12 hours for 7-14 days.
  • Acute Uncomplicated Pyelonephritis: 1-2 g IV once daily.
  • Typhoid Fever: 2 g IV once daily for 14 days.
  • Surgical Prophylaxis: 1 g IV given 0.5-2 hours before the surgical procedure.
  • Uncomplicated Gonococcal Infections (of pharynx, cervix, urethra, or rectum): A single 250 mg IM dose of ceftriaxone plus 1 g oral azithromycin (preferred), or alternatively, doxycycline 100 mg orally every 12 hours for 7 days.
  • Pelvic Inflammatory Disease: A single 250 mg IM dose, given with doxycycline, and optionally with metronidazole, for 14 days.
• Children:
  • General IV/IM Dosing: 50–75 mg/kg/day, with a maximum of 2 g/day, given once every 24 hours.
  • Acute Otitis Media (AOM): 50 mg/kg IM (maximum 1 g), for 1–3 doses, given once every 24 hours.
  • Meningitis: 100 mg/kg/day (maximum 4 g/day), given every 12 hours.
• Renal Impairment: Dose reduction is necessary. If creatinine clearance (CrCl) is less than 10 ml/min, the maximum daily dose is 2 g.

Administration

• Intravenous (IV) Administration: Infuse intermittently over 30 minutes.
• Intramuscular (IM) Administration: Inject deep into a large muscle mass.

Important Warnings & Precautions

• Contraindications: Do not use if you have a known hypersensitivity to cephalosporins. It is also contraindicated in hyperbilirubinemic neonates.
• Crucial Warning: Do NOT use calcium or calcium-containing solutions or products (including IV fluids) with or within 48 hours of ceftriaxone administration. This can lead to the formation of calcium-ceftriaxone precipitates in the lungs and kidneys, which can be fatal.
• Precautions: Use with caution if you have a history of penicillin allergy, severe renal impairment, are pregnant or lactating (the drug enters breast milk in low concentrations, so use with caution), or experience superinfection.
• Drug Interactions:
  • May increase the nephrotoxicity (kidney toxicity) of aminoglycosides.
  • May diminish the therapeutic effect of BCG vaccine and typhoid vaccine.
  • May increase the anticoagulant effect of vitamin K antagonists (e.g., warfarin).
  • Probenecid may increase serum levels of ceftriaxone.
  • Potentially Fatal Interaction: Simultaneous administration with calcium-containing IV solutions.
• Side Effects:
  • Common (>10%): Induration (hardening) after IM injection (5-17%).
  • Less Common (1-10%): Eosinophilia (high eosinophil count), thrombocytosis (high platelet count), diarrhea, elevated liver enzymes (hepatic transaminases), leukopenia (low white blood cell count), rash, increased BUN, induration at IV site, and pain.
  • Rare (<1%): Agranulocytosis, anaphylaxis, anemia, gallstones, jaundice, renal stones, and pseudomembranous colitis (potentially fatal).

How it Works (Mechanism of Action)

Ceftriaxone works by binding to one or more penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) in the bacterial cell wall. This action inhibits the final step of peptidoglycan synthesis, which is essential for building and maintaining the bacterial cell wall. By disrupting this process, Ceftriaxone inhibits biosynthesis and stops cell wall assembly, ultimately leading to bacterial cell death.

Disclaimer: This information about Afrixon Injection is for general reference only and is not intended for diagnosis, medical advice, or treatment. It should not be used as a substitute for professional medical judgment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or medication.