Vercef

Vercef is indicated for the treatment of infections caused by susceptible microorganism, listed below:

Acute otitis media caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes, Haemophilus influenza, Moraxella catarrhalis (including beta-lactamase producing strains).

Pharyngitis/tonsillitis caused by Streptococcus pyogenes.

... Read more Vercef is indicated for the treatment of infections caused by susceptible microorganism, listed below:

Acute otitis media caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes, Haemophilus influenza, Moraxella catarrhalis (including beta-lactamase producing strains).

Pharyngitis/tonsillitis caused by Streptococcus pyogenes.

Acute maxillary sinusitis caused by Haemophilus influenzae (including beta-lactamase producing strains), Streptococcus pneumoniae and Moraxella catarrhalis.

Community acquired pneumonia caused by S. pneumoniae or H. influenza (including beta-lactamase-producing strains).

Acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis caused by S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae (non-beta-lactamase-producing strains only), or M. catarrhalis.

Skin and skin structure infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes.

Uncomplicated urinary tract infections caused by E. coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis or Staphylococcus saprophyticus.

Uncomplicated gonorrhea caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae (including penicillinase-producing strains).

Rectal gonococcal infections in women due to Neisseria gonorrhoeae (including penicillinase-producing strains).

Cefpodoxime is an oral 3rd generation cephalosporin, which has good stability to beta lactamases and activity against Gram negative and Gram positive bacteria. It is indicated for the treatment of infections either before the infecting organism has been identified. It is a prodrug its active metabolite is Cefpodoxime. Approximately 29 to 33% of Cefpodoxime excreted unchanged in the urine in 12 hours. Cefpodoxime is indicated for the treatment of patients infected with susceptible strains of microorganisms which include a wide range of gram-positive & gram-negative bacteria. As it is highly stable in presence of β-lactamase enzyme, so it is more effective against gram-positive bacteria than other 3rd generation oral cephalosporins. The susceptible organisms include gram-positive bacteria eg. S. aureus (including penicillinase producing strains), S. saprophyticus, S. pneumoniae, S. pyogenes, S. agalactiae, P. magnus and gram-negative bacteria eg. E. coli, K. pneumoniae, H. influenzae (including β-lactamase producer & Ampicillin resistant strains), M. catarrhalis, N. gonorrhoeae (including penicillinase producing strains), P. mirabilis, C. diversus, H. parainfluenzae, K. oxytoca, P. vulgaris, P. rettgeri.

• Adults and Adolescents (13 years and older)-
• Pharyngitis/tonsillitis: 100 mg 12 hourly, 5 to 10 days
• Acute maxillary sinusitis: 200 mg 12 hourly, 10 day
• Community-acquired pneumonia: 200 mg 12 hourly, 14 days

Acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic bronchitis: 200 mg 12 hourly, 10 days

• Skin and skin structure: 400 mg 12 hourly, 7 to 14 days
• Uncomplicated urinary tract infection: 100 mg 12 hourly, 7 days
• Uncomplicated gonorrhea: single dose of 200 mg
• Rectal gonococcal infections in women: single dose of 200 mg
• Infants and Pediatric Patients (2 months to 12 years)-
• Acute otitis media: 5 mg/kg body weight 12 hourly, 5 days
• Pharyngitis /tonsillitis: 5 mg/kg body weight 12 hourly, 5 to 10 days
• Acute maxillary sinusitis: 5 mg/kg body weight 12 hourly, 10 days

Patients with renal dysfunction : For patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance <30ml/min) the dosing intervals should be increased to 24 hourly. Patients with liver cirrhosis : Cefpodoxime Proxetil pharmacokinetics in cirrhotic patients are similar to those in healthy subjects. Dose adjustment is not necessary in this population.

Antacids : Concomitant administration of high doses of antacids (sodium bicarbonate and aluminium hydroxide) or H 2 blockers reduce peak plasma level by 24% to 42% and the extent of absorption by 27% to 32%, respectively. Probenecid : Renal excretion of cefpodoxime was inhibited by probenecid and resulted in an approximately 31% increase in AUC. Nephrotoxic drugs : Close monitoring of renal function is advised when Vercef is administered concomitantly with compounds of known nephrotoxic potential.

Cefpodoxime Proxetil is contraindicated in patients with a known allergy to Cefpodoxime or to the cephalosporin group of antibiotics.

Vercef has very few side effects. The side effects include diarrhea, nausea, skin & vaginal fungal infection, abdominal pain, headache, chest pain, myalgia, dyspepsia, dizziness, vertigo, cough etc. In children incidence of fungal skin rash is more than adults.

Cefpodoxime was neither teratogenic nor embryocidal in animal trial. There is, however, no adequate and well-controlled study of Cefpodoxime Proxetil use in pregnant woman. The drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Because Cefpodoxime is excreted in human milk, a decision should be made wheather to discontinue breast-feeding or to discontinue the drug.

In patients with transient or persistent reduction in urinary output due to renal insufficiency, the total daily dose of Vercef should be reduced. Vercef, like other cephalosporins, should be administered with caution to patients receiving concurrent treatment with potent diuretics. As with other broad spectrum antibiotics, prolonged use of Vercef may result in overgrowth of non-susceptible organisms. Repeated evaluation of the patient’s condition is essential.

Keep in a dry place away from light and heat. Keep out of the reach of children.