Polypod 100 Suspension (18g /30ml)

POLYPOD 100 SUSPENSION (18G /30ML)

POLYPOD 100 SUSPENSION (18G /30ML) by MACLEODS PHARMACEUTICALS LTD. is an antibiotic medication primarily used in children to treat a variety of bacterial infections.

Composition

The active ingredient in POLYPOD 100 SUSPENSION is Cefpodoxime Proxetil (equivalent to Cefpodoxime 100 mg per 5 ml of reconstituted suspension). Cefpodoxime belongs to the cephalosporin class of antibiotics, which works by inhibiting the formation of the bacterial cell wall, thus killing the bacteria and preventing the spread of infection.

Uses

POLYPOD 100 SUSPENSION is prescribed for the management of various bacterial infections in children, including:

• Respiratory Tract Infections: Pharyngitis, tonsillitis (throat infections), sinusitis (sinus infections), bronchitis, and community-acquired pneumonia.
• Ear Infections: Otitis media (middle ear infection).
• Urinary Tract Infections: Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (cystitis).
• Skin and Soft Tissue Infections.
• Sexually Transmitted Infections: Gonorrhoea (in anorectal infections in women). It is important to note that this antibiotic is not effective against viral infections like the common cold or flu.

Dosage and Administration

POLYPOD 100 SUSPENSION is administered orally, typically after food to minimize stomach upset. The exact dosage and duration of treatment will be determined by a healthcare professional based on the child's age, body weight, and the type and severity of the infection. Preparation:

1. Tap the bottle to loosen the powder.
2. Add two-thirds of the sterile water provided with the pack and shake vigorously.
3. Add more water up to the mark on the bottle and shake well.
4. Allow the suspension to stand for 5 minutes before use. A medicine dropper or measuring cup should be used to ensure an accurate dose. It is crucial to complete the full course of medication as prescribed, even if symptoms improve, to prevent antibiotic resistance and recurrence of infection.

Side Effects

Common side effects associated with POLYPOD 100 SUSPENSION may include:

• Diarrhoea
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Headache
• Skin rash
• Constipation

More serious side effects, such as severe diarrhoea (due to pseudomembranous colitis) or signs of an allergic reaction (e.g., severe skin rash, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, difficulty breathing or swallowing), require immediate medical attention.

Precautions

• Allergies: Inform the doctor if the child has any known allergies to Cefpodoxime, other cephalosporin antibiotics, or penicillin, as cross-reactivity may occur.
• Medical Conditions: Caution is advised in children with impaired kidney function, liver problems, or a history of gastrointestinal diseases, particularly colitis.
• Age Restriction: Not recommended for infants less than 2 months of age.
• Drug Interactions: Inform the doctor about all other medicines, supplements, or herbal products the child is taking, especially antacids (e.g., aluminium hydroxide, sodium bicarbonate), H2-receptor antagonists (e.g., ranitidine, cimetidine), diuretics (e.g., spironolactone), or other antibiotics.
• Dizziness: The medication may cause dizziness, so caution should be exercised.

Storage

Store the dry powder at a temperature not exceeding 25°C, protected from light and moisture. After reconstitution, store the prepared suspension in the refrigerator. Keep the medicine out of the sight and reach of children and pets.

Here are frequently asked questions about POLYPOD 100 SUSPENSION (18G /30ML).

What is POLYPOD 100 SUSPENSION used for?

POLYPOD 100 SUSPENSION is an antibiotic primarily used to treat a variety of bacterial infections in children. These include infections of the ear (acute otitis media), throat (pharyngitis, tonsillitis), sinuses (sinusitis), lungs (pneumonia, bronchitis), urinary tract (cystitis), and skin and soft tissue. It is also used to manage gonococcal infections and typhoid fever in children.

How does POLYPOD 100 SUSPENSION work?

This medicine contains Cefpodoxime Proxetil, which is a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic. It works by preventing the formation of the bacterial cell wall, which is essential for bacteria to survive and multiply. By disrupting this process, it effectively kills the bacteria causing the infection. POLYPOD 100 SUSPENSION is not effective against viral infections like the common cold or flu.

What is the usual dosage for POLYPOD 100 SUSPENSION?

The dosage of POLYPOD 100 SUSPENSION is determined by a doctor based on the child's medical condition and weight. It is typically taken by mouth, usually every 12 hours. The suspension should be shaken well before each use, and the dose should be measured precisely using the provided measuring cup or syringe. It can be taken with or without food, though taking it with food might help reduce stomach upset. It's important to complete the full course of treatment as prescribed by the doctor, even if symptoms improve earlier.

What are the possible side effects of POLYPOD 100 SUSPENSION?

Common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and headache. Other less common side effects can include skin rash, including diaper rashes, and fungal skin rashes. If any side effects worsen or if serious reactions such as severe diarrhea (watery or bloody), signs of an allergic reaction (skin rash, joint pain, swelling of lips, face, throat, or tongue, trouble breathing), or other unusual symptoms occur, contact a doctor immediately.

Is POLYPOD 100 SUSPENSION safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

POLYPOD 100 SUSPENSION is primarily intended for use in children. For adults, Cefpodoxime Proxetil is generally considered for use in pregnancy only if clearly needed, as animal studies showed no risk but human studies are limited. Cefpodoxime is excreted into breast milk in low concentrations, and while some sources suggest it may be acceptable with monitoring for infant diarrhea, it is generally not recommended during breastfeeding due to the potential for serious reactions in nursing infants.

Can POLYPOD 100 SUSPENSION be taken with other medications?

POLYPOD 100 SUSPENSION can interact with certain medications. Antacids (like aluminum hydroxide, sodium bicarbonate, magnesium hydroxide) and H2 blockers (like ranitidine, cimetidine) can reduce the absorption of Cefpodoxime, making it less effective. It is recommended to separate administration by at least 2 hours. Probenecid can increase the concentration of Cefpodoxime in the blood. Close monitoring of kidney function is advised if taken with other nephrotoxic drugs. Inform the doctor about all other medicines, supplements, or herbal products being taken.

What precautions should be taken with POLYPOD 100 SUSPENSION?

Inform the doctor if the child has a history of colitis, liver problems, or impaired kidney function, as the doctor may need to monitor blood count and liver enzymes. This medicine is contraindicated if the child has a known allergy to cefpodoxime or any other cephalosporin antibiotics, and caution is advised for those with penicillin allergies. It is not recommended for infants less than 2 months of age. Do not stop the medication early, even if symptoms improve, to prevent the infection from returning and to reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance.

What happens if a dose is missed?

If a dose is missed, take it as soon as it is remembered. 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 make up for a missed one.

How should POLYPOD 100 SUSPENSION be stored?

The dry powder for suspension should be preserved in tight containers at a temperature not exceeding 30°C. Once reconstituted (mixed with water), the oral suspension should be stored in a refrigerator. It should not be frozen, and any unused suspension should be discarded after 14 days. Keep all medications out of reach of children and pets, and away from direct sunlight and moisture.