Zemicef DS
Form: Powder for Suspension
Strength: 200mg/5ml
Generic Name: Cefixime
Company: Popular Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
MRP:৳ 321.21 (50ml bot)
Is Antibiotic: Yes
Indications
Zemicef DS is an antibiotic used to treat various infections caused by bacteria. Zemicef DS is effective against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Zemicef DS is used for treating infections like:
- Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (e.g., ear infections and other throat infections caused by bacteria that resist other antibiotics).
- Lower Respiratory Tract Infections (e.g., bronchitis).
- Urinary Tract Infections (e.g., cystitis, urethritis, and kidney infections).
Zemicef DS works against common bacteria like Streptococcus pneumonia, Escherichia coli, Haemophilus influenzae, and others. Zemicef DS remains stable even in the presence of beta-lactamase enzymes that can usually make some antibiotics less effective.
Pharmacology
Zemicef DS is a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic that is taken orally. Zemicef DS kills bacteria by interfering with the production of their cell wall. Zemicef DS works well against many types of bacteria and is stable even against bacteria that produce beta-lactamase, which makes some other antibiotics ineffective. The body absorbs Zemicef DS about 40% to 50% of the time, whether taken with food or not.
Dosage & Administration
Adults and children over 10 years: 200-400 mg daily, either in one dose or two divided doses, depending on the infection’s severity.
Elderly: The same dosage as adults is recommended. However, kidney function should be checked, and the dose may be adjusted for severe kidney issues.
Children: The usual dose is 8 mg per kg of body weight per day, either in one dose or two divided doses. The following doses are given as guidelines:
- 6 months to 1 year: 3.75 ml daily
- 1-4 years: 5 ml daily
- 5-10 years: 10 ml daily
- In typhoid: 5 mg/kg body weight twice daily for 10-14 days.
For children over 10 years or weighing more than 50 kg, the adult dosage of 200-400 mg daily is recommended.
Renal Impairment: In patients with severe kidney problems, the dose should be reduced, especially if their creatinine clearance is less than 20 ml/min.
Interaction
When taken with anticoagulants (blood thinners), Zemicef DS may increase the risk of bleeding. Extra caution should be taken in such cases.
Contraindications
Zemicef DS should not be used by people who are allergic to cephalosporin antibiotics.
Side Effects
Zemicef DS is usually well tolerated. The most common side effects include:
- Diarrhea (more common with higher doses)
- Stomach issues like nausea, abdominal pain, and flatulence
- Headache and dizziness
- Skin reactions like rash and itching
- In rare cases, changes in blood counts (e.g., low platelet or white blood cell count)
If any allergic reactions occur, the medicine should be stopped, and treatment should be adjusted as needed.
Pregnancy & Lactation
There is limited information about its safety in pregnant women. Zemicef DS should only be used during pregnancy if clearly needed. Zemicef DS is also unknown if Zemicef DS passes into breast milk, so caution is advised when Zemicef DS is given to nursing mothers.
Precautions & Warnings
Zemicef DS should be used with caution in patients who are allergic to other drugs, especially those who are sensitive to penicillin. Serious allergic reactions can occur, including anaphylaxis. Zemicef DS should also be used cautiously in patients with kidney problems. Long-term use may alter the normal bacteria in the gut and allow harmful bacteria to grow, potentially causing severe diarrhea.
Overdose Effects
If an overdose occurs, gastric lavage (stomach pumping) may be needed, but there is no specific antidote. Zemicef DS is not easily removed from the body by dialysis. Overdose symptoms in healthy adults who took up to 2 g of Cefixime were similar to those seen at normal doses.
Therapeutic Class
Zemicef DS belongs to the third generation cephalosporins class of antibiotics.
Storage Conditions
Store Zemicef DS below 30°C, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
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