Althrocin Liquid

ALTHROCIN LIQUID by ALEMBIC PHARMACEUTICALS LTD

Althrocin Liquid is an antibiotic medication manufactured by Alembic Pharmaceuticals Ltd. It is commonly referred to by its brand name, Althrocin Liquid.

Composition

Althrocin Liquid contains Erythromycin (125 mg/5ml) as its active ingredient. Erythromycin is a macrolide antibiotic that works by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis, thereby preventing bacterial growth and ultimately killing the bacteria responsible for infections.

Uses

Althrocin Liquid is prescribed for the treatment of a wide range of bacterial infections. These include:

• Respiratory infections: Such as diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), legionnaires' disease, pneumonia, bronchitis, Strep throat, and tonsillitis.
• Intra-abdominal infections: Including intestinal amebiasis.
• Skin and skin structure infections.
• Female pelvic infections: Such as gonorrhoea and urethritis.
• Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs): Including syphilis, chlamydia, and chancroid.
• Other bacterial infections: Affecting the ear (otitis media), nose, throat, lungs, teeth, eye, and urinary tract. It is also used as an alternative therapy for patients with penicillin allergies and for the prevention of rheumatic fever. It is not effective against viral infections like the common cold.

Dosage and Administration

Althrocin Liquid should be taken orally as directed by a healthcare professional.

• It is generally advised to take Althrocin Liquid on an empty stomach, either one hour before or two hours after a meal, as food can reduce its absorption. If stomach upset occurs, it may be taken with a small amount of food.
• The medicine is typically given four times a day, but the exact dosage and duration depend on the type and severity of the infection, as well as the patient's age and body weight.
• Shake the bottle well before each use and use the provided measuring cup or dropper for accurate dosing.
• It is crucial to complete the full prescribed course of the medication, even if symptoms improve, to prevent the infection from worsening or recurring and to reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance.
• If a dose is missed, administer it as soon as remembered. If vomiting occurs within 30 minutes of administration, the same dose should be given again after the child calms down.

Side Effects

Common side effects of Althrocin Liquid include:

• Nausea.
• Vomiting.
• Abdominal pain.
• Diarrhea.
• Anorexia (loss of appetite).

Serious side effects are rare but may include severe gastrointestinal infections, severe allergic reactions, liver dysfunction, blood infections, and heart conduction abnormalities such as QT prolongation. An overdose can cause temporary hearing loss, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. If any serious or persistent side effects occur, medical attention should be sought promptly.

Precautions

• Allergy: Do not use if there is a known allergy to erythromycin or other macrolide antibiotics.
• Pregnancy: Use during pregnancy only if clearly needed, and only under medical advice, as erythromycin can cause liver damage.
• Breastfeeding: Administer cautiously to breastfeeding women, as the medicine passes into breast milk. Monitor the infant for irritability, diarrhea, or diaper rash.
• Alcohol: Alcohol consumption is not recommended as it can worsen side effects and delay drug absorption.
• Liver Impairment: Patients with liver problems should use this medicine cautiously, as it can worsen liver function. Liver function monitoring may be required.
• Kidney Impairment: Use with caution in patients with kidney problems due to the risk of hearing loss, especially in severe kidney disease.
• Heart Conditions: Caution is advised for individuals with pre-existing heart problems, as Althrocin Liquid can affect heart function and potentially cause QT prolongation. Avoid if there are low levels of magnesium or potassium in the blood.
• Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor about all other medications, including supplements and herbal products, as Althrocin Liquid can interact with various drugs, including certain antihistamines, gastrointestinal prokinetic agents, antipsychotics, cholesterol-lowering medications, and other antibiotics.
• Children and Older Patients: Althrocin Liquid can be given to children as prescribed by a doctor. Older patients with kidney and liver dysfunction should use it cautiously.

Storage

Store Althrocin Liquid in a cool, dry place at a temperature below 30°C or 25°C, away from direct heat, light, and moisture. Keep the medicine out of reach and sight of children and pets. Do not use the medicine after its expiry date.

Althrocin Liquid, manufactured by Alembic Pharmaceuticals Ltd, is an antibiotic medication containing Erythromycin. It is primarily used to treat various bacterial infections in children and adults.

Here are some frequently asked questions about Althrocin Liquid:

What is Althrocin Liquid used for?

Althrocin Liquid is an antibiotic used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections. These include infections of the eye, ear, nose, throat, lungs (such as pneumonia and bronchitis), teeth, skin, and urinary tract. It is also prescribed for specific infections like pertussis (whooping cough), diphtheria, chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and as an alternative for individuals allergic to penicillin.

How does Althrocin Liquid work?

Althrocin Liquid contains Erythromycin, which is a macrolide antibiotic. It works by interfering with the synthesis of essential proteins that bacteria need to grow and perform vital functions. This action stops the infection-causing bacteria from multiplying and spreading, thereby clearing the infection.

What is the usual dosage?

The dosage of Althrocin Liquid depends on the type and severity of the infection, as well as the patient's age and body weight. It is typically given four times a day. For enhanced absorption, it is often recommended to take it on an empty stomach, either one hour before or two hours after food. However, if stomach upset occurs, it can be taken with a small amount of food. The usual duration of treatment is generally 5 to 10 days, but always adhere to your doctor's prescribed dose, timing, and full course of treatment.

What are the possible side effects?

Common side effects of Althrocin Liquid may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and allergic reactions such as a rash. More serious but rare side effects can include severe gastrointestinal infections, severe allergic reactions, liver dysfunction, blood infections, and heart conduction abnormalities like QT prolongation. If you experience serious side effects or if common side effects persist or worsen, consult your doctor.

Is Althrocin Liquid safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

During Pregnancy: Erythromycin is generally considered acceptable for use during pregnancy, especially if membranes rupture early to reduce infection risk. However, during the first trimester, other antibiotics might be more suitable, depending on the specific infection. It should only be used if the potential benefits outweigh the possible risks, as some sources suggest it could cause liver damage in pregnancy. Always consult your doctor.

During Breastfeeding: Erythromycin passes into breast milk in very small amounts and is generally considered safe if the baby is healthy. However, some babies might experience drowsiness or mild stomach upsets. Monitor your baby for any unusual symptoms like not feeding well, a rash, unusual sleepiness, an upset stomach, or oral thrush, and consult your doctor or health visitor if you have any concerns.

Can Althrocin Liquid be taken with other medications?

Althrocin Liquid can interact with several other medications. It is crucial to inform your doctor about all other medicines you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements. Significant interactions can occur with medications like amiodarone, astemizole, cisapride, dofetilide, pimozide, simvastatin, digoxin, and colchicine, potentially leading to serious side effects like heart problems or increased drug toxicity.

What precautions should be taken?

• Do not use Althrocin Liquid for viral infections, as it is only effective against bacteria.
• Complete the entire prescribed course of medicine, even if symptoms improve, to prevent the infection from returning or developing antibiotic resistance.
• Inform your doctor if you have liver disease, heart problems (especially those involving heart rhythm abnormalities like QT prolongation), or low levels of magnesium or potassium in the blood.
• Avoid alcohol consumption, as it can delay the absorption of Althrocin Liquid.
• If severe diarrhea occurs, ensure adequate fluid intake. Probiotics might also be recommended by your doctor.

What happens if a dose is missed?

If you miss a dose, administer it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one.

How should Althrocin Liquid be stored?

Althrocin Liquid should be stored in a cool and dry place, typically below 25°C or at room temperature (10°C to 30°C). Keep it away from direct heat, light, and moisture. Always ensure the medicine is kept out of the reach and sight of children and pets.