Distaclor 125 Mg (strawberry Flavour) Oral Suspension

DISTACLOR 125 MG (STRAWBERRY FLAVOUR) ORAL SUSPENSION

Name:

• Brand Name: DISTACLOR 125 MG (STRAWBERRY FLAVOUR) ORAL SUSPENSION
• Common Name: Cefaclor Oral Suspension

Composition: Each 5ml of the reconstituted oral suspension contains Cefaclor monohydrate equivalent to 125 mg of cefaclor base. Cefaclor is an antibiotic belonging to the second-generation cephalosporins class. It works by interfering with the formation of the bacterial cell wall, which is essential for bacterial survival, thereby killing the bacteria and preventing the infection from spreading.

Uses: DISTACLOR 125 MG (STRAWBERRY FLAVOUR) ORAL SUSPENSION is prescribed for treating a wide range of bacterial infections in children and infants over one month of age. These include:

• Respiratory tract infections: Bronchitis, pneumonia, sinusitis.
• Ear, Nose, and Throat infections: Otitis media (middle ear infections), tonsillitis, pharyngitis (throat infections).
• Urinary tract infections: Pyelonephritis and cystitis (bladder and kidney infections).
• Skin and soft tissue infections.

This medicine is not effective against viral infections like the flu or common cold.

Dosage and Administration: The suspension should be shaken well before use. It can be taken with or without food, but administering it an hour before or two hours after meals ensures maximum absorption. If stomach upset occurs, it may be given with food.

• Children (over one month): The usual recommended daily dosage is 20 mg/kg of body weight, divided and administered every eight hours. For more serious infections, otitis media, sinusitis, and infections caused by less susceptible organisms, 40 mg/kg/day in divided doses is recommended, up to a daily maximum of 1g. For throat and middle ear infections, the total daily dose can be divided and given every twelve hours.
• Therapy should be continued for at least 10 days for beta-haemolytic streptococcal infections. Do not exceed the prescribed dose.

Side Effects: Common side effects may include:

• Diarrhea
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Mild skin rash or itching

Serious side effects, though rare, require immediate medical attention and include severe peeling or blistering of the skin, severe diarrhea (possibly with blood or mucus), and allergic reactions (sudden wheeziness, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, throat, or tongue).

Precautions:

• Allergies: Do not use if allergic to cefaclor, any cephalosporin, or penicillins.
• Renal Impairment: Use with caution in patients with severe kidney problems. Dosage adjustments may be needed.
• Gastrointestinal Disease: Administer with caution in individuals with a history of gastrointestinal disease, especially colitis.
• Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor about all other medicines being taken. Important interactions include warfarin (a blood thinner) and probenecid (for gout).
• Medical Tests: May interfere with blood and urine tests, such as glucose (sugar) in urine, potentially giving unusual results.
• Sucrose Content: Contains sucrose, which should be considered for diabetic patients or those with sugar intolerance.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Consult a doctor before use if pregnant or breastfeeding.

Storage:

• Store the granules for suspension below 30°C in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture, and out of reach of children.
• After reconstitution by the pharmacist with fresh clean drinking water, the suspension should be stored in a refrigerator (2-8°C) and used within 14 days. Do not freeze.

Frequently Asked Questions about DISTACLOR 125 MG (STRAWBERRY FLAVOUR) ORAL SUSPENSION

1. What is Distaclor 125 mg Oral Suspension used for?

Distaclor 125 mg Oral Suspension is an antibiotic medication primarily used to treat various bacterial infections in children and adults. These infections can include those affecting the respiratory tract (such as bronchitis, pneumonia, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, and sinusitis), middle ear (otitis media), urinary tract (including cystitis and pyelonephritis), and skin and soft tissues. It is important to note that this medication is not effective against viral infections like the common cold or flu.

2. How does Distaclor 125 mg Oral Suspension work?

This medicine contains cefaclor, an antibiotic that belongs to the cephalosporin class. It works by interfering with the formation of the bacterial cell wall, which is a protective covering essential for the bacteria's survival and multiplication. By disrupting this wall, Distaclor damages the bacterial cells, preventing their growth and ultimately killing them.

3. What is the usual dosage for Distaclor 125 mg Oral Suspension?

The dosage of Distaclor 125 mg Oral Suspension depends on the patient's age and the severity of the infection. For children over one month of age, the usual total daily dosage is 20mg/kg of body weight, typically divided into three doses given eight hours apart. For more severe infections, or for throat and middle ear infections, the dose may be adjusted, and the total daily dose can be divided into two doses given twelve hours apart, with a maximum daily dose of 1g for children. For adults and the elderly, the usual dose is 250mg three times daily, which may be doubled for more severe infections, up to a maximum of 4g per day. Always shake the bottle well before use and administer the exact amount as prescribed by your doctor. It can be taken with or without food, though taking it with food might help prevent stomach upset.

4. What are the possible side effects of Distaclor 125 mg Oral Suspension?

Common side effects may include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and a mild skin rash. These effects are usually temporary and often resolve on their own. Less common side effects can include hypersensitivity reactions, drug eruptions, increased white blood cell count (eosinophils), genital itching, increased liver enzymes, and vaginal inflammation. In rare cases, more serious side effects such as severe allergic reactions (difficulty breathing, swelling of face, lips, or limbs), serious skin blistering or peeling, or severe diarrhea with blood or mucus can occur, requiring immediate medical attention.

5. Is Distaclor 125 mg Oral Suspension safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or are planning to have a baby, you should consult your doctor before taking Distaclor 125 mg Oral Suspension. While animal studies have shown no evidence of harm to fertility or unborn babies, there are no adequate studies in pregnant women. Small amounts of cefaclor have been detected in breast milk, so caution is also advised during breastfeeding, and it is recommended to discuss this with your doctor.

6. Can Distaclor 125 mg Oral Suspension be taken with other medications?

It is important to inform your doctor or pharmacist about all other medicines your child is currently taking, including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Distaclor may interact with certain medications, such as warfarin (a blood thinner), potentially enhancing its blood-thinning effect. Probenecid (a treatment for gout) can increase the concentration of cefaclor in the blood. Additionally, this medication may interfere with certain blood or urine tests, so inform your doctor if any such tests are planned.

7. What precautions should be taken while using Distaclor 125 mg Oral Suspension?

Do not administer Distaclor 125 mg Oral Suspension if your child is allergic to cefaclor, any other cephalosporin antibiotics, or any of the other ingredients. Inform your doctor if there's a history of allergic reactions to penicillins or other drugs, gastrointestinal diseases (especially colitis), severe kidney problems, or liver disease. Patients with severe kidney impairment may require a dosage adjustment. The suspension contains sucrose, which should be considered for individuals with diabetes or sugar intolerance, and it can be harmful to teeth. Always ensure the full course of antibiotics is completed as prescribed, even if symptoms improve, to prevent the infection from returning or developing resistance.

8. What should be done if a dose of Distaclor 125 mg Oral Suspension is missed?

If a dose is missed, 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 the regular dosing schedule. Do not give a double dose to make up for a missed one. If several doses have been missed, it is advisable to inform your doctor.

9. How should Distaclor 125 mg Oral Suspension be stored?

The dry granules for Distaclor 125 mg Oral Suspension should be stored not above 25°C (or below 30°C depending on the specific product instructions), in a tightly closed container, protected from direct light and moisture. Once the suspension is reconstituted by the pharmacist, it should be stored in a refrigerator (2-8°C) and used within 14 days. Always keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children. Do not use the medicine after its expiry date. Unused or expired medication should be disposed of safely, as advised by your pharmacist, and not discarded in wastewater or household waste.