Cefolac Drops

Cefolac Drops

Cefolac Drops, manufactured by Macleods Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd, is an antibiotic medicine designed to treat a variety of bacterial infections.

• Name: Cefolac Drops (Brand Name)

• Composition: The active ingredient is Cefixime, typically 25 mg/ml. Cefixime is a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic.

• Uses: Cefolac Drops are prescribed for the management of bacterial infections, particularly in children. It is effective against:

  • Respiratory tract infections: such as ear infections (otitis media), nose and sinus infections (sinusitis), throat infections (tonsillitis, pharyngitis), chest and lung infections (bronchitis, pneumonia).
  • Urinary tract infections: including cystitis and kidney infections.
  • Other bacterial infections: such as those affecting the skin, soft tissues, bone, blood, abdomen, and genital areas.
  • Uncomplicated gonorrhea (cervical/urethral) and to reduce the risk of typhoid fever. Cefixime works by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis, which weakens and ultimately destroys the bacteria.

• Dosage and Administration: Administer orally as directed by a healthcare professional. The dosage and duration of treatment vary based on the patient's age, body weight, and the severity and type of infection. It can be taken with or without food; however, giving it with meals may help prevent an upset stomach. It is crucial to complete the entire prescribed course of antibiotics, even if symptoms improve, to ensure complete eradication of the infection and prevent antibiotic resistance.

• Side Effects:

  • Common: Diarrhea, nausea, loose stools, abdominal pain, indigestion (dyspepsia), vomiting, headache, dizziness, flatulence, and genital or vaginal itching.
  • Serious: Severe or watery diarrhea (potentially indicative of pseudomembranous colitis), severe allergic reactions (e.g., rash, swelling of face/lips/throat/tongue, difficulty breathing), unusual bleeding or bruising, seizures, severe vomiting, and potential kidney damage.

• Precautions:

  • Do not administer if there is a known allergy to cefixime, other cephalosporin antibiotics, or penicillin.
  • Exercise caution in individuals with kidney disease, liver disease, a history of seizures, heart conditions, or inflammation of the colon (colitis).
  • Consult a doctor if pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding, as the safety data is insufficient or it may be unsafe.
  • Cefolac Drops may interact with medications like Carbamazepine and Warfarin. It can also cause false-positive results in urine glucose tests; enzymatic glucose oxidase tests are recommended for diabetic patients.
  • The medicine is generally not recommended for children below six months of age.
  • May cause dizziness or confusion, which could affect the ability to drive or operate machinery.

• Storage: Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Maintain a temperature between 10ºC and 25ºC or below 30ºC. Keep out of the reach and sight of children.

CEFOLAC DROPS, containing the active ingredient Cefixime, is an antibiotic primarily used to treat a variety of bacterial infections.

What is Cefolac Drops used for?

Cefolac Drops are used in children to manage a wide range of bacterial infections. These include infections of the ear, nose, sinuses, throat (like tonsillitis and pharyngitis), chest and lungs (such as bronchitis and pneumonia), and the urinary system (including cystitis and kidney infections). It's also used for skin and soft-tissue infections and to reduce the risk of typhoid fever.

How does Cefolac Drops work?

Cefolac Drops work by using Cefixime, a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic. It inhibits the synthesis of the bacterial cell wall, which is vital for the bacteria's survival. By weakening and destroying this protective covering, Cefixime ultimately kills the bacteria and helps clear the infection.

What is the usual dosage of Cefolac Drops?

The dosage of Cefolac Drops is determined by a doctor based on the child's age, body weight, and the severity of the infection. For children aged 6 months to 10 years weighing less than 50 kg, a common recommendation is 8 mg/kg daily, given as a single dose or in two divided doses. It is crucial to follow the prescribed schedule and complete the full course of treatment, typically 7 to 14 days, even if symptoms improve. Cefolac Drops can be taken with or without food.

What are the possible side effects of Cefolac Drops?

Common side effects may include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, loose stools, indigestion, headache, dizziness, itching, and vaginal discharge. More serious, but less common, side effects can include severe watery or bloody diarrhea, severe allergic reactions (like rash, swelling of the face/lips/throat, or difficulty breathing), jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes), seizures, and kidney damage. If severe side effects occur, seek immediate medical attention.

Is Cefolac Drops safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

The effect of Cefolac Drops on pregnant women has not been extensively studied, and it should generally be used during pregnancy only if considered essential by a doctor. For breastfeeding mothers, it is unknown whether Cefixime passes into human milk. It is advised to either discontinue nursing temporarily or monitor the baby for diarrhea if the medicine is taken. Consultation with a healthcare provider is recommended for both pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Can Cefolac Drops be taken with other medications?

Cefolac Drops can interact with certain medications. It may increase the levels of Carbamazepine (used for seizures) and enhance the effect of Warfarin (a blood-thinning medicine). It is essential to inform your doctor about all other prescription and non-prescription medications, vitamins, and herbal products your child is taking to avoid potential interactions. Avoid giving cholera vaccine if Cefolac Drops has been taken within 14 days before vaccination.

What precautions should be taken with Cefolac Drops?

Before administering Cefolac Drops, inform your doctor if your child has kidney disease, liver disease, a history of allergies (especially to penicillin or other cephalosporin antibiotics), or gastrointestinal problems. Do not use this medicine for viral infections like the common cold or flu, as it is only effective against bacterial infections. Cefolac Drops can cause dizziness or confusion, so caution should be exercised. It may also cause false-positive results in urine glucose tests using certain methods.

What happens if a dose of Cefolac Drops 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 double the dose to compensate for a missed one, as this can increase the risk of side effects. It is important to complete the full course of antibiotics as prescribed.

How should Cefolac Drops be stored?

Cefolac Drops should be stored in a cool, dry place, typically below 25°C or 30°C, and protected from direct sunlight. It is crucial to keep the medicine out of the sight and reach of children. If it is an oral liquid formulation, any unused portion should be discarded after 14 days.