Altacef 250mg Tab

ALTACEF 250MG Tablet

ALTACEF 250MG Tablet, manufactured by Glenmark Pharmaceuticals, is an antibiotic medication used to treat various bacterial infections.

• Name:

  • Brand Name: ALTACEF 250MG Tablet
  • Common Name: Cefuroxime (as Cefuroxime axetil)

• Composition: Each tablet contains 250 mg of Cefuroxime (as Cefuroxime axetil). Cefuroxime is a second-generation cephalosporin antibiotic.

• Uses: ALTACEF 250MG Tablet is prescribed for a wide range of bacterial infections. These include:

  • Respiratory tract infections (e.g., bronchitis, pneumonia, sinusitis)
  • Ear, nose, and throat infections
  • Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
  • Skin and soft tissue infections
  • Bone and joint infections
  • Gonorrhoea
  • Lyme disease It works by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis, leading to the death of the bacteria.

• Dosage and Administration: Take ALTACEF 250MG Tablet orally, swallowed whole with a glass of water. It is recommended to take it with food to enhance absorption and minimize stomach discomfort. Follow your doctor's prescribed dosage and complete the full course of treatment, even if symptoms improve, to prevent the infection from returning. Typical adult dosage is 250 mg or 500 mg twice daily, but this can vary based on the infection.

• Side Effects: Common side effects may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal discomfort, headache, dizziness, and rash. Serious side effects are rare but can include allergic reactions (swelling of face, lips, tongue, difficulty breathing) or Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhoea (CDAD).

• Precautions:

  • Inform your doctor if you have allergies to cefuroxime, other cephalosporins, or penicillins.
  • Use with caution in patients with liver or kidney problems; dosage adjustments may be necessary.
  • Consult your doctor if pregnant or breastfeeding.
  • Be cautious when driving or operating machinery if you experience dizziness.
  • May interact with probenecid, oral contraceptives, anticoagulants, antacids, and proton pump inhibitors.

• Storage: Store ALTACEF 250MG Tablet at room temperature, ideally between 15-30°C. Keep it in a cool, dry place, protected from direct sunlight, moisture, and heat. Ensure it is kept out of reach of children and pets.

ALTACEF 250MG TABLET contains Cefuroxime Axetil, a type of antibiotic used to treat a variety of bacterial infections. It is a second-generation cephalosporin antibiotic that works by killing bacteria or preventing their growth.

Here are some frequently asked questions about ALTACEF 250MG TABLET:

What is ALTACEF 250MG TABLET used for?

ALTACEF 250MG TABLET is used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections in various parts of the body. These include infections of the respiratory tract (such as bronchitis, pneumonia, and sinusitis), ear infections (otitis media), throat infections (pharyngitis, tonsillitis), urinary tract infections, skin and soft tissue infections, gonorrhea, and early Lyme disease. It is important to note that this medicine is not effective against viral infections like the common cold or flu.

How does ALTACEF 250MG TABLET work?

This medicine works by interfering with the synthesis of the bacterial cell wall. Its active ingredient, cefuroxime, binds to specific proteins inside the bacterial cell wall, which are essential for its formation. This action inhibits the bacteria from building and maintaining their protective wall, leading to cell lysis (breakdown of the cell) and ultimately killing the bacteria.

What is the usual dosage for ALTACEF 250MG TABLET?

For adults and teenagers, the typical dosage is 250 milligrams (mg) to 500 mg, taken two times a day (every 12 hours), for a duration of 5 to 10 days. The exact dose and treatment duration will depend on the type and severity of the infection, as well as your doctor's instructions. For children (who can swallow tablets, typically 3 months to 12 years old), a common dosage is 250 mg twice daily for 10 days for certain infections. Tablets should be swallowed whole and not broken, crushed, or chewed. While they can generally be taken with or without food, taking them after food can improve absorption.

What are the possible side effects of ALTACEF 250MG TABLET?

Common side effects may include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain or cramps. More serious side effects, though rare, can occur. You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience signs of an allergic reaction (such as rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, or difficulty breathing), severe or bloody diarrhea, signs of liver problems (like yellowing skin or eyes, dark urine), kidney problems (changes in urine amount), new infections (fever, persistent sore throat), easy bruising or bleeding, mental/mood changes, or jerky movements.

Is ALTACEF 250MG TABLET safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

During Pregnancy: Cefuroxime is generally considered compatible with pregnancy, with studies suggesting it is not teratogenic (does not cause birth defects) at usual therapeutic doses. It is classified as Pregnancy Category B, meaning animal studies have shown no harm to the fetus, though adequate human studies are limited. However, it should only be used if clearly needed and under the guidance of a healthcare provider.

During Breastfeeding: Cefuroxime passes into breast milk in low concentrations and is not expected to cause severe adverse effects in breastfed infants. However, it could potentially cause gastrointestinal issues in the infant, such as diarrhea or thrush. It is generally considered acceptable for nursing mothers, but you should consult your doctor before breastfeeding while taking this medication.

Can ALTACEF 250MG TABLET be taken with other medications?

Yes, ALTACEF 250MG TABLET can interact with certain medications. For example, antacids containing magnesium or aluminum, as well as acid-reducing medications like H2 blockers (e.g., cimetidine, famotidine) and proton pump inhibitors (e.g., omeprazole), can reduce the absorption of cefuroxime. If you need to take antacids, do so at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after taking ALTACEF. It can also increase the blood levels of probenecid (used for gout). Cefuroxime may reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives, so an alternative birth control method might be necessary. If you are taking anticoagulants like warfarin, ALTACEF may enhance their effect, increasing the risk of bleeding. Always inform your doctor or pharmacist about all prescription, non-prescription, and herbal medications you are taking.

What precautions should be taken while taking ALTACEF 250MG TABLET?

It is crucial to inform your doctor about any allergies, especially to penicillins or other cephalosporin antibiotics, before taking ALTACEF. Also, disclose your medical history, particularly if you have kidney disease, liver disease, or intestinal conditions like colitis or a history of severe diarrhea. It is vital to complete the full course of treatment as prescribed by your doctor, even if your symptoms improve, to ensure the infection is fully treated and to prevent antibiotic resistance. Do not use anti-diarrhea medications without consulting your doctor if you experience diarrhea while on this antibiotic, as it could worsen a potentially serious condition.

What happens if a dose of ALTACEF 250MG TABLET is missed?

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

How should ALTACEF 250MG TABLET be stored?

ALTACEF tablets should be stored in a closed container at room temperature. Keep them away from excessive heat, moisture, and direct light. It is also important to prevent them from freezing. Always keep all medications out of the reach of children and pets.