Oratax

Description

Oratax Drop (Cefixime)

Oratax Drop is an antibiotic containing Cefixime, manufactured by Alkem Laboratories Ltd. It’s available in Nepal, though the specific retail price for the drop form isn’t provided. Other Cefixime forms like 100mg and 200mg tablets, and 250mg D-SY, are also available under different brands.

Uses (Indications)

Oratax Drop is prescribed for various bacterial infections, including:

• Respiratory Tract Infections: Pneumonia, pharyngitis, sinusitis, otitis media (ear infection), tonsillitis, acute bronchitis, and acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis.
• Other Infections: Typhoid fever, soft tissue infections, and gonococcal urethritis.

Dosage Information

• Adults:
  • For most infections (e.g., bronchitis, ear infections, sore throat, uncomplicated UTIs): 200 mg or 400 mg daily, taken as a single dose or divided into two doses.
  • For Gonorrhea: A single dose of 400 mg.
  • For Typhoid fever: 20 mg/kg body weight daily, divided into two doses. The usual treatment course is 7 days, but it may be extended up to 14 days depending on the infection’s severity.
• Children (Oral):
  • General Dosing (for children weighing <50 kg): 8 mg/kg/day, given every 12–24 hours.
  • For serious infections (convalescent therapy): Up to 20 mg/kg/day.
  • Specific Dosing for Powder for Suspension & DS Powder for Suspension (if applicable to drop formulation):
    • 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/kg/day orally, divided every 12 hours for 7-14 days. Do not exceed 400 mg/day.
  • Not recommended for infants under 6 months as safety and efficacy have not been established.
• Renal Impairment: Dose reduction is necessary. If creatinine clearance (CrCl) is less than 20 ml/min, the maximum daily dose is 200 mg.

Administration

Oratax Drop can be taken with or without food. Taking it with food or milk may help reduce any gastrointestinal discomfort.

Important Warnings & Precautions

• Contraindications: Do not use if you have a known hypersensitivity to cephalosporin antibiotics.
• Precautions: Use with caution if you have a history of allergy to penicillins, are pregnant or breastfeeding (it’s unknown if the drug is excreted in milk), have renal failure, or a gastrointestinal disease.
• Drug Interactions:
  • Probenecid can increase Cefixime concentrations in the blood.
  • Anticoagulants (blood thinners) may have their effects increased by Cefixime, potentially leading to a dangerous prolongation of prothrombin time.
• Side Effects:
  • Common (>10%): Diarrhea (16%).
  • Less Common (Frequency Not Defined): Abdominal pain, dizziness, dyspepsia, nausea, vomiting, rash, headache, fever, and various blood abnormalities (e.g., elevated liver enzymes, increased BUN/creatinine).
  • Potentially Fatal: Pseudomembranous colitis.

How it Works (Mechanism of Action)

Cefixime works by binding to specific proteins (penicillin-binding proteins or PBPs) located in the bacterial cell wall. This action prevents the bacteria from completing their cell wall synthesis, which is vital for their survival, ultimately leading to bacterial cell death.

Disclaimer: This information about Oratax Drop is for general reference only and is not intended as medical advice or a substitute for professional judgment. Always consult a healthcare professional for any health concerns, diagnosis, or treatment decisions.