Polyclav 375 Mg Tablet ( 6 Tab )

POLYCLAV 375 MG TABLET

POLYCLAV 375 MG TABLET is an antibiotic medication manufactured by Macleods Pharmaceuticals Ltd., used to treat various bacterial infections.

Composition

Each POLYCLAV 375 MG TABLET contains a combination of two active ingredients:

• Amoxicillin: 250 mg
• Clavulanic Acid: 125 mg

Amoxicillin is a penicillin-class antibiotic that works by inhibiting the synthesis of bacterial cell walls, leading to bacterial cell death. Clavulanic acid enhances amoxicillin's effectiveness by inactivating beta-lactamase enzymes produced by certain resistant bacteria, which would otherwise neutralize amoxicillin.

Uses

POLYCLAV 375 MG TABLET is prescribed for the treatment of a wide range of bacterial infections. These include:

• Respiratory tract infections (e.g., sinusitis, acute otitis media, community-acquired pneumonia, bronchitis)
• Urinary tract infections (e.g., acute cystitis)
• Skin and soft tissue infections (e.g., cellulitis, impetigo)
• Dental abscesses and other dental infections
• Bone and joint infections
• Intra-abdominal infections (e.g., peritonitis, appendicitis)
• Genital tract infections

It is important to note that this medicine is effective only against bacterial infections and will not work for viral infections like the common cold or flu.

Dosage and Administration

POLYCLAV 375 MG TABLET should be taken as directed by a healthcare professional.

• Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water; do not crush, chew, or break it.
• It is generally advised to take the tablet with food to minimize stomach upset.
• Take the medicine at evenly spaced intervals to maintain a consistent level in your blood.
• Always complete the entire course of treatment as prescribed by your doctor, even if symptoms improve, to prevent antibiotic resistance and recurrence of infection.
• The exact dosage and duration will depend on the patient's age, body weight, the specific infection, and its severity.

Side Effects

Like all medicines, POLYCLAV 375 MG TABLET can cause side effects, though not everyone experiences them.

• Common Side Effects: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, indigestion, stomach pain, headache, and dizziness. Diarrhea can be a common side effect, but if accompanied by blood, mucus, stomach pain, and fever, immediate medical attention is advised. Thrush (fungal infection in the vagina, skin folds, or mouth) is also reported.
• Serious Side Effects: If severe symptoms persist or worsen, consult your doctor.

Precautions

• Allergy: Do not take this medicine if you have a known allergy to amoxicillin, clavulanic acid, penicillin, or cephalosporin antibiotics.
• Liver and Kidney Conditions: Use with caution in patients with a history of liver or kidney problems. It is contraindicated in patients with a history of cholestatic jaundice or hepatic dysfunction related to previous antibiotic use. High dosages in patients with kidney problems may lead to haematuria or acute renal failure.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Caution is advised. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, as the components may pass into breast milk and affect the baby.
• Alcohol Consumption: Avoid alcohol during treatment as it may reduce the medicine's effectiveness and worsen side effects like dizziness.
• Driving and Operating Machinery: This medicine may cause dizziness, fits, or allergic reactions; therefore, it is advisable to avoid driving or operating machines if you feel unwell.
• Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor about all medicines, supplements, or herbal products you are taking to avoid potential interactions. Increased risk of bleeding has been observed with blood thinners like warfarin, and increased side effects with methotrexate.
• Mononucleosis: There is an increased risk of skin rash if taken with mononucleosis.
• Children and Elderly: Use with caution in children (especially below 12 years) and elderly patients (above 50 years).

Storage

• Store POLYCLAV 375 MG TABLET in a tightly closed container at room temperature, ideally below 25°C or between 10°C to 25°C, and below 30°C.
• Protect the medicine from direct sunlight, light, and moisture.
• Keep it out of the reach and sight of children and pets.
• Do not use expired or damaged medicines. Discard unused medicine properly.

POLYCLAV 375 MG TABLET is a combination antibiotic medication containing Amoxicillin (250 mg) and Clavulanic Acid (125 mg). It is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections.

Here are some frequently asked questions about POLYCLAV 375 MG TABLET:

What is POLYCLAV 375 MG TABLET used for?

POLYCLAV 375 MG TABLET is used to treat bacterial infections in various parts of the body, including the ears (like acute otitis media), lungs (pneumonia, bronchitis), sinuses (acute bacterial sinusitis), urinary tract (e.g., acute cystitis, UTIs), skin and soft tissues (including cellulitis and impetigo), dental abscesses, and bone and joint infections. It is not effective against viral infections like the common cold or flu.

How does POLYCLAV 375 MG TABLET work?

This medicine works due to the combined action of its two components: Amoxicillin and Clavulanic Acid. Amoxicillin is a penicillin-type antibiotic that kills bacteria by preventing them from forming the cell walls necessary for their survival. However, some bacteria produce an enzyme called beta-lactamase, which can destroy Amoxicillin. Clavulanic Acid inactivates this enzyme, protecting Amoxicillin and allowing it to effectively kill the bacteria. This combination broadens the antibiotic's effectiveness against resistant bacteria.

What is the usual dosage for POLYCLAV 375 MG TABLET?

The dosage of POLYCLAV 375 MG TABLET is determined by your doctor based on the specific infection, its severity, your response to treatment, age, weight, and renal function. It should be taken as directed by your doctor. For adults and children weighing 40 kg or more, one tablet three times a day is a common recommendation, but this can vary. It is important to complete the entire prescribed course of treatment, even if you start feeling better, to prevent treatment failure and antibiotic resistance.

What are the possible side effects of POLYCLAV 375 MG TABLET?

Common side effects can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, indigestion, stomach pain, and headache or dizziness. Some individuals may also experience fungal infections like oral thrush or vaginal yeast infections. If these symptoms persist, worsen, or if you experience severe allergic reactions (e.g., wheezing, chest tightness, rash, swelling of the face/throat), severe diarrhea even after stopping the drug, or signs of liver problems (e.g., pale stools, dark urine, yellow eyes/skin), you should contact your doctor immediately.

Is POLYCLAV 375 MG TABLET safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

POLYCLAV 375 MG TABLET should be used with caution during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and only if considered essential by your doctor. It is advised not to breastfeed while taking this tablet as its components can pass into breast milk and may cause fungal infections of the mouth or diarrhea in the baby. Always consult your doctor before taking this medicine if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Can it be taken with other medications?

POLYCLAV 375 MG TABLET can interact with certain medications. For example, there is an increased risk of bleeding when taken with blood thinners like warfarin. Increased side effects can occur when taken with methotrexate. Its effectiveness may be reduced if taken with oral contraceptives (birth control pills); it is advisable to use alternative contraception. It may also interact with medicines for gout (allopurinol, probenecid) and immunosuppressants (mycophenolate mofetil). Always inform your doctor about all medicines, supplements, or herbal products you are currently taking to avoid possible interactions.

What precautions should be taken?

Do not take POLYCLAV 375 MG TABLET if you are allergic to amoxicillin, clavulanic acid, penicillin, or any other ingredients of the tablet, or if you have a history of severe allergic reactions to other antibiotics (like cephalosporins) or have experienced liver problems and jaundice with this medicine before. Use with caution if you have kidney or liver conditions, and inform your doctor about any such medical history. Avoid alcohol consumption as it may worsen side effects like dizziness. This medicine may cause dizziness, so it's advised not to drive or operate machines if you feel unwell.

What happens if a dose is missed?

If you miss a dose of POLYCLAV 375 MG TABLET, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to compensate for the missed one. It is important not to miss any doses of antibiotics, as this can lead to treatment failure or increase the risk of bacteria becoming resistant.

How should it be stored?

Store POLYCLAV 375 MG TABLET in a cool, dry place, protected from direct sunlight, moisture, and heat. Keep it out of the reach of children and pets. Do not use expired or damaged medicines, and discard any unused medicine properly.