Althrocin Drops

ALTHROCIN DROPS

Althrocin Drops, manufactured by Alembic Pharmaceuticals Limited, is an antibiotic medicine primarily prescribed for pediatric patients to treat various bacterial infections.

Composition

Althrocin Drops contain Erythromycin Estolate, equivalent to 100 mg of Erythromycin Base per 1 ml, in a flavoured syrupy base. Erythromycin belongs to the macrolide class of antibiotics.

Uses

Althrocin Drops are used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections by preventing the growth of bacteria. These include:

• Respiratory tract infections (e.g., pneumonia, bronchitis, whooping cough)
• Ear infections (e.g., otitis media)
• Skin and soft tissue infections
• Throat infections (e.g., Strep throat, tonsillitis, diphtheria)
• Eye, nose, teeth, and urinary tract infections
• Prevention of rheumatic fever
• Certain specific infections like chlamydia, gastrointestinal infections, syphilis, and chancroid. It may also be used as an alternative therapy for individuals with penicillin allergies.

Dosage and Administration

Althrocin Drops are for oral administration and should be given as prescribed by a doctor.

• Typical Guidance: It can be given 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal to enhance absorption, though it can also be given with a small amount of food if stomach upset occurs.
• Pediatric Dosage: The dosage for children is usually based on body weight, typically given 2-4 times a day. A standard dose for children is often 1 ml (100 mg), 2 to 3 times a day.
• Administration: Shake the bottle well before each use and measure the dose accurately using the provided measuring device.
• Course Completion: It is crucial to complete the entire prescribed course of medicine, even if the child feels better, to ensure effectiveness and prevent antibiotic resistance.

Side Effects

Common side effects are often gastrointestinal and dose-related:

• Nausea, vomiting
• Abdominal pain, stomach pain
• Diarrhea (encourage water intake if this occurs)

Serious side effects, though rare, may include:

• Severe allergic reactions (e.g., skin rash, itching, swelling of face/lips/throat, difficulty breathing, fainting)
• Liver dysfunction
• Heart conduction abnormalities, such as QT prolongation, especially in those with existing cardiac conditions or low potassium levels.

Precautions

• Allergies: Do not administer if the child is allergic to Erythromycin or any other macrolide antibiotics.
• Medical Conditions: Inform the doctor about any pre-existing conditions such as liver or kidney problems, seizures, hearing problems, or pancreatitis.
• Drug Interactions: Inform the doctor about all current medications, including supplements and herbal products. Althrocin Drops should not be taken with certain medicines like ergotamine and dihydroergotamine (for migraine), simvastatin (cholesterol-lowering), tolterodine, amisulpride, domperidone, pimozide, astemizole, mizolastine, terfenadine, and cisapride due to potential interactions.
• Overdose: An overdose can lead to temporary hearing loss, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Seek immediate medical attention if an overdose is suspected.
• Alcohol: Avoid alcohol during treatment as it may increase the risk of side effects.

Storage

Store Althrocin Drops in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and sunlight. The ideal storage temperature is between 10ºC to 25ºC or below 30ºC. Keep the bottle tightly closed and out of the reach and sight of children. Do not use after the expiry date.

What is Althrocin Drops used for?

Althrocin Drops, containing Erythromycin, is an antibiotic primarily used to treat various bacterial infections in children. These include infections of the eye, ear, nose, throat, lungs (such as pneumonia and bronchitis), teeth, skin, and urinary tract. It is also effective against specific infections like pertussis (whooping cough), diphtheria, chlamydia, gastrointestinal infections, tonsillitis, otitis media, syphilis, gonorrhea, and can be used to prevent rheumatic fever. It may also be prescribed as an alternative for patients allergic to penicillin.

How does Althrocin Drops work?

Althrocin Drops works by acting as a macrolide antibiotic. Its active ingredient, Erythromycin, prevents the synthesis of essential proteins that bacteria need to grow and perform vital functions. By doing so, it stops the bacteria from multiplying and spreading, ultimately helping to clear the infection.

What is the usual dosage for Althrocin Drops?

The dosage of Althrocin Drops should be strictly followed as advised by a doctor, as it depends on the type and severity of the infection, and the child's age and body weight. It is generally recommended to give the drops on an empty stomach, either one hour before or two hours after a meal, to enhance absorption. It is typically administered 2-4 times a day, and the usual treatment duration is 5 to 10 days. It is crucial to complete the entire prescribed course even if the child's symptoms improve.

What are the possible side effects of Althrocin Drops?

Common mild side effects may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain or cramps, and diarrhea. More serious but less common side effects can include severe allergic reactions (such as rash, hives, swelling of the face, lips, or throat, and difficulty breathing), liver dysfunction, heart conduction abnormalities (like QT prolongation or arrhythmias), and temporary hearing loss (especially with an overdose or in patients with severe kidney disease). If any severe or persistent side effects occur, medical attention should be sought immediately.

Is Althrocin Drops safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Althrocin Drops is generally considered safe for use during pregnancy, though human studies are limited. Animal studies have shown low to no adverse effects on the developing baby. It is also considered safe for use during breastfeeding, as the amount of the drug that passes into breast milk is usually not significant and is not harmful to the baby, although there is a slight possibility of the baby experiencing diarrhea or a rash.

Can Althrocin Drops be taken with other medications?

Althrocin Drops can interact with several other medications, which may alter their effects or increase the risk of side effects. It is important to inform your doctor about all other medicines your child is taking, including over-the-counter drugs, supplements, and herbal products. Some medications known to interact include certain antacids (e.g., cimetidine), other antibiotics (e.g., clarithromycin), blood thinners (e.g., warfarin), theophylline, rifampicin, immunosuppressants, cholesterol-lowering medicines (e.g., lovastatin, simvastatin), tolterodine, amisulpride, domperidone, pimozide, astemizole, mizolastine, terfenadine, and cisapride. Concurrent use with some of these medications can lead to severe adverse effects. Grapefruit juice should also be avoided.

What precautions should be taken while using Althrocin Drops?

Do not administer Althrocin Drops if your child has a known allergy to erythromycin or any other component of the medication. Inform your doctor if your child has a history of liver problems, kidney disease (especially severe kidney disease as it may affect hearing), seizures, hearing problems, pancreatitis, heart conditions (such as a prolonged QT interval or arrhythmias), or myasthenia gravis. It is crucial to complete the full prescribed course of treatment to prevent antibiotic resistance and avoid using it for viral infections, as it is ineffective against them. Alcohol consumption should be avoided.

What happens if a dose of Althrocin Drops is missed?

If a dose of Althrocin Drops 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.

How should Althrocin Drops be stored?

Althrocin Drops should be stored in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. The recommended storage temperature is typically between 10ºC and 25ºC or below 30ºC. It is essential to keep the medicine out of the reach and sight of children.