Paraxin 500 Capsule

PARAXIN 500 CAPSULE by ABBOTT

PARAXIN 500 CAPSULE is an antibiotic medication manufactured by Abbott India Ltd..

• Name

  • Brand Name: PARAXIN 500 CAPSULE
  • Common Name: Chloramphenicol (referring to its active ingredient)

• Composition

  • Active Ingredient: Chloramphenicol 500 mg

• Uses PARAXIN 500 CAPSULE is a broad-spectrum antibiotic used to treat severe bacterial infections where other antibiotics may be ineffective or inappropriate. It is effective against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.

  • Specific conditions include:
    • Typhoid fever
    • Bacterial meningitis
    • Serious bacterial infections of the respiratory tract, urinary tract, skin, and soft tissues
  • It is not effective against viral infections like colds and flu.

• Dosage and Administration PARAXIN 500 CAPSULE should be taken as prescribed by a physician.

  • It can generally be taken on an empty stomach, either 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals, or with or without food as advised by the doctor.
  • Swallow the capsule whole with a glass of water; do not chew, crush, or break it.
  • Maintain a regular schedule, taking the medicine at evenly spaced intervals to ensure consistent levels in the blood.
  • Complete the full course of treatment, even if symptoms improve, to prevent the infection from returning or becoming harder to treat.
  • The dose and duration vary based on the patient's condition and infection severity. For typhoid fever, a typical course might be 10 days, 12.5 mg/kg, every 6 hours.

• Side Effects Common side effects are usually temporary and may resolve as the body adjusts to the medicine. Consult a doctor if they persist or worsen.

  • Common Side Effects: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, abdominal pain, dizziness, and taste changes.
  • Serious Side Effects (Seek immediate medical attention if experienced):
    • Difficulty breathing or swallowing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
    • Severe itching with a red rash or raised lumps, blistering of the mouth, eyes, or genital region, patchy areas of rash, peeling skin.
    • Severe, persistent, or bloody diarrhea.
    • Drowsiness, feeling faint, sudden loss of consciousness, shortness of breath.
    • Unusual or increased bleeding or bruising.
    • Fever, sore throat, mouth ulcers, repeated infections.
    • Feeling tired, breathless, and looking pale (indicating anemia).
    • Grey baby syndrome (in infants, characterized by grey skin, listlessness, and weakness, potentially fatal).
    • Bone marrow suppression, leading to decreased red and white blood cell counts.

• Precautions

  • Allergies: Do not take PARAXIN 500 CAPSULE if allergic to chloramphenicol or any of its components.
  • Pregnancy: Highly unsafe during pregnancy and not recommended. Consult a doctor.
  • Breastfeeding: Not recommended for breastfeeding women as it may pass into breastmilk and harm the baby. Consult a doctor.
  • Children: Not recommended for use in children below 18 years of age.
  • Medical Conditions: Inform your doctor if you have liver or kidney problems, pre-existing blood disorders (like porphyria or bone marrow suppression), or have been recently vaccinated.
  • Blood Tests: Your doctor may advise regular blood tests to monitor blood cell counts during treatment.
  • Alcohol: Avoid consuming alcohol as it may cause unpleasant side effects such as flushing, increased heart rate, nausea, thirst, chest pain, low blood pressure (Disulfiram reaction), sweating, anxiety, and palpitations.
  • Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor about all medicines, supplements, or herbal products you are taking. Interactions can occur with paracetamol, other antibiotics (co-trimoxazole, penicillin, rifampicin, macrolide antibiotics), blood thinners (warfarin, dicoumarin), antidiabetics (gliclazide, tolbutamide), immunosuppressants (cyclosporine, tacrolimus), vitamin B12, oral contraceptives, carbimazole, propylthiouracil, anti-retroviral medicines (zidovudine), pantoprazole, rabeprazole, calcium channel blockers (amlodipine, verapamil), azole antifungals (fluconazole, ketoconazole), lidocaine, quinidine, citalopram, sertraline, sildenafil, vardenafil, avanafil, and statins (simvastatin).
  • Driving: May cause blurring of vision for a short time.
  • Long-term use: Avoid long-term and repeated use due to a high risk of secondary infections and potential serious side effects.

• Storage Store PARAXIN 500 CAPSULE at a temperature below 25°C or 30°C in a cool, dry place. Keep it out of reach and sight of children and pets.

PARAXIN 500 CAPSULE by ABBOTT contains Chloramphenicol 500mg as its active ingredient. Chloramphenicol is a broad-spectrum antibiotic used to treat serious bacterial infections, particularly when other, safer antibiotics are not effective due to concerns about potential severe side effects.

What is PARAXIN 500 CAPSULE used for?

PARAXIN 500 CAPSULE is an antibiotic primarily used to treat serious bacterial infections in various parts of the body, including typhoid fever, meningitis, plague, cholera, and other severe systemic infections. It is generally reserved for situations where other antibiotics are ineffective or contraindicated due to bacterial resistance or the severity of the infection. It can also be used for bacterial infections of the respiratory tract, urinary tract, skin, and soft tissues.

How does PARAXIN 500 CAPSULE work?

Chloramphenicol, the active ingredient in PARAXIN 500 CAPSULE, works by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis. It binds to the 50S ribosomal subunit of bacteria, preventing the formation of peptide bonds between amino acids. This action stops the bacteria from producing essential proteins needed for their growth and replication, thereby killing or preventing the growth of the bacteria.

What is the usual dosage for PARAXIN 500 CAPSULE?

For adults and teenagers, the usual oral dose of Chloramphenicol is 50 mg per kilogram of body weight per day, divided into doses given every six hours. In exceptional cases of severe infections or those caused by moderately resistant organisms, the dosage may be increased up to 100 mg/kg/day, but it should be reduced back to 50 mg/kg/day as soon as possible. PARAXIN 500 CAPSULE typically means taking 500 mg (two capsules) every six hours, or as directed by your physician. Dosage for infants is different and requires careful monitoring.

What are the possible side effects of PARAXIN 500 CAPSULE?

PARAXIN 500 CAPSULE can cause serious side effects, including:

• Bone marrow suppression: This is the most severe side effect and can lead to potentially fatal conditions like aplastic anemia, hypoplastic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and granulocytopenia. This effect requires frequent monitoring of blood cell levels.
• Gray baby syndrome: In infants, especially newborns, this can occur, leading to a swollen stomach, low blood pressure, and a grayish skin discoloration. Common side effects may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, mild depression, mental confusion, delirium, optic and peripheral neuritis (especially with long-term use), and skin rash.

Is PARAXIN 500 CAPSULE safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

• Pregnancy: The use of oral Chloramphenicol during pregnancy is generally not recommended, especially near the end of pregnancy, due to the potential risk of harm to the baby, including "Gray Baby Syndrome." It is classified as a Pregnancy Category C drug, meaning it should only be used if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk, and under strict medical guidance.
• Breastfeeding: Oral or intravenous Chloramphenicol is usually not recommended during breastfeeding due to the risk of serious side effects in the infant, such as bone marrow suppression, poor sucking, vomiting, and excessive gas. An alternative medication is generally preferred, particularly for newborns. If its use is deemed essential, the infant should be closely monitored for any adverse effects.

Can PARAXIN 500 CAPSULE be taken with other medications?

Chloramphenicol can interact with numerous other medications. It can inhibit liver enzymes (CYP2C19 and CYP3A4), which may increase the levels and effects of other drugs, such as certain antidepressants, antiepileptics (e.g., phenytoin, phenobarbitone), anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin), and proton-pump inhibitors. It should not be used with other drugs that can suppress bone marrow. It may also reduce the effectiveness of live bacterial vaccines. Always inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements.

What precautions should be taken while taking PARAXIN 500 CAPSULE?

• PARAXIN 500 CAPSULE should only be used for serious bacterial infections when other, safer antibiotics are not effective.
• Your doctor will likely monitor your blood cell counts regularly throughout treatment due to the risk of bone marrow suppression.
• Exercise caution if you have liver or kidney problems, as lower doses may be necessary.
• Do not stop taking the medicine prematurely, even if your symptoms improve, as this can lead to the infection returning or developing resistance.
• Inform your doctor about any pre-existing medical conditions, especially blood disorders, or if you are allergic to chloramphenicol or other medications.

What happens if a dose of PARAXIN 500 CAPSULE is missed?

If you miss a dose of PARAXIN 500 CAPSULE, 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.

How should PARAXIN 500 CAPSULE be stored?

PARAXIN 500 CAPSULE (oral capsules) should generally be stored at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. It is important to keep this medicine and all other medications out of the reach and sight of children. Always check the specific storage instructions on the packaging for your particular formulation, as some other forms of chloramphenicol (like eye drops) may require refrigeration between 2°C and 8°C and should not be frozen.