Doxef

Doxef, also known by the generic name cefpodoxime, is a second-generation cephalosporin antibiotic. This drug is used to treat various bacterial infections such as infections of the respiratory tract, ears, skin, urinary tract and others.

Cefpodoxime acts by disrupting the synthesis of the cell wall of bacteria, which leads to their death. It is effective against a wide range of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. It is not active against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), but may be effective against some strains resistant to first-generation cephalosporins.

The drug is available in various forms, including tablets and powder for suspension, which makes it convenient for use by both adults and children. Like any antibiotic, Doxef should be taken strictly as prescribed by your doctor, following the indicated dosage and duration of treatment to minimize the risk of developing antibiotic resistance.

Indications DoxefA

1. Respiratory infections: Doxef may be prescribed to treat bacterial infections of the upper (eg, sinusitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis) and lower (eg, bronchitis, pneumonia) respiratory tract.
2. Urinary tract infections: The drug is effective for cystitis, pyelonephritis and other urinary tract infections caused by microorganisms sensitive to it.
3. Skin infections: Doxef is used for furunculosis, impetigo, cellulite and other infections of the skin and soft tissues.
4. Bone and joint infections: In some cases, such as osteomyelitis, Doxef may be prescribed as a systemic antibiotic.
5. Septic conditions: For sepsis or other severe systemic infections caused by bacteria sensitive to cefpodoxime, this drug can be used in complex therapy.

Release form

1. Tablets: A commonly used form, Doxef tablets usually contain cefpodoxime in dosages of 100 mg, 200 mg or 400 mg. This form is convenient for adults and children who can swallow tablets.
2. Powder for oral suspension: This type of release is used for children or adults who have difficulty swallowing tablets. The powder is diluted with water according to the instructions, creating a suspension that usually tastes good and is easy to take.

Pharmacodynamics

1. Beta-lactam action: Doxef is a beta-lactam antibiotic, which means that it has a beta-lactam ring in its molecule. This ring plays a key role in the mechanism of action of this class of antibiotics.
2. Transpeptidase inhibition: Doxef inhibits the activity of the transpeptidase enzyme. This enzyme is necessary for the assembly of peptidoglycan, which is the main structural component of the bacterial cell wall.
3. Impaired cell wall synthesis: When transpeptidase is blocked, the process of peptidoglycan synthesis is interrupted. This leads to disruption of the integrity of the bacterial cell wall.
4. Osmotic imbalance and bacterial death: Without cell wall integrity, the bacterial cell becomes vulnerable to the external environment. Osmotic imbalance occurs due to insufficiency of the cell wall, which ultimately leads to lysis (destruction) of the bacterial cell and its death.

Pharmacokinetics

1. Absorption: Cefpodoxime is usually well absorbed after oral administration. Its absorption is independent of food intake, which makes it easier to use.
2. Distribution: Cefpodoxime is distributed throughout the body, penetrating various tissues and organs, including the skin, lungs, urinary tract, soft tissue and bone structures. It can also cross the placental barrier and be excreted into breast milk.
3. Metabolism: Cefpodoxime is almost not metabolized in the body. Most of the drug is excreted unchanged through the kidneys.
4. Elimination: The main route of elimination of cefpodoxime from the body is through the kidneys through active renal secretion.
5. Half-life: The half-life of cefpodoxime from the body is usually about 1-1.5 hours.
6. Protein binding: Cefpodoxime has low plasma protein binding, which may contribute to its active diffusion into tissues.

Dosing and administration

For adults and children over 12 years old:

• Mild to moderate infections: The usual dose is 200 mg every 12 hours.
• Severe infections: The dose may be increased to 400 mg every 12 hours.

For children aged 6 months to 12 years:

• The dosage is usually calculated based on the child's weight. The recommended dose is 8 to 10 mg per kilogram of body weight every 12 hours. The total daily dose should not exceed 400 mg.

Method of application:

• Tablets: Take orally, preferably with food, to reduce gastric irritation. The tablets should not be chewed; they should be swallowed whole.
• Suspension: The powder for suspension should be diluted according to the instructions on the package. The suspension is also recommended to be taken with food.

Special instructions:

• It is important to take the antibiotic in strict accordance with the doctor’s recommendations and not stop treatment even if the condition improves, as this can lead to the development of bacterial resistance.
• Regular use helps maintain a constant concentration of the drug in the blood, which increases its effectiveness.
• During treatment with Doxef, drink plenty of fluids to maintain adequate hydration.

Use DoxefA during pregnancy

Cefpodoxime (Doxef) is generally considered safe for use during pregnancy as long as prescribed by your doctor. It is classified as a Category B drug by the FDA, which indicates that animal studies have shown no risk to the fetus, although no controlled studies have been conducted in pregnant women.

However, as with any medicine, its use during pregnancy should be based on a careful assessment of the potential benefits and risks. Cefpodoxime is a cephalosporin antibiotic commonly used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections. Given its broad antibacterial activity, it may be a valuable option when an antibiotic is needed during pregnancy.

In clinical practice, the use of such antibiotics is generally recommended when there is no safe alternative and the bacterial infection poses a greater risk to the mother and fetus than the potential risks associated with the drug. Always consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice and treatment during pregnancy.

Contraindications

1. Allergy to cephalosporins. People who are allergic to any other cephalosporin antibiotic should avoid cefpodoxime due to the risk of cross-allergic reactions.
2. Severe allergy to penicillins. Patients with severe penicillin allergy may also have an increased risk of allergic reactions to cephalosporins due to the structural similarities between these two classes of antibiotics.
3. Gastrointestinal diseases, especially colitis associated with antibiotics (pseudomembranous colitis). Cephalosporins may aggravate or contribute to these conditions.

It should also be taken into account that cefpodoxime is used with caution in patients with:

• Chronic kidney diseases. If renal function is impaired, cefpodoxime dosage adjustment may be necessary since it is eliminated from the body through the kidneys.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding period. Cefpodoxime should only be used during pregnancy when clearly needed as data on the safety of its use during this period are limited. It can also be excreted in breast milk, which requires caution when breastfeeding.

Side effects DoxefA

1. Gastrointestinal disorders: Includes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. These symptoms may occur because antibiotics can disrupt the balance of normal microflora in the intestines.
2. Allergic reactions: Rash, itching, hives, or more serious reactions such as angioedema and anaphylaxis, although such severe reactions are rare.
3. Pseudomembranous colitis: This is a severe inflammation of the intestine caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria that can present as severe diarrhea and abdominal pain.
4. Changes in the blood: Such as leukopenia (low white blood cell count), thrombocytopenia (low platelet count), which may result in an increased susceptibility to bleeding or infection.
5. Headache and dizziness: These symptoms may occur periodically.
6. Fatigue or weakness: This can also be a side effect of taking an antibiotic.
7. Candidiasis: The development of fungal infections, such as thrush, may be associated with disruption of the microflora under the influence of antibiotics.

Overdose

1. Increased side effects: It is possible to increase the already known side effects of Doxef, such as diarrhea, nausea, stomach pain, allergic reactions and others.
2. Imbalance of intestinal microflora: Overdose can disrupt the normal intestinal flora, which can lead to the development of diarrhea, colitis or other digestive problems.
3. Renal impairment: In case of serious overdose, Doxef may cause toxic effects on the kidneys, which may lead to acute renal failure.
4. Allergic reactions: Severe allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock may occur, especially in those with a predisposition to allergies.
5. Other systemic effects: Overdose can cause various systemic reactions such as electrolyte imbalance, cardiac arrhythmias and others.

Interactions with other drugs

1. Drugs affecting the gastrointestinal tract: Antiacids containing aluminum, magnesium or calcium, as well as drugs that reduce the acidity of gastric juice, can reduce the absorption of cefpodoxime from the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, their administration should be separated by time or taken at an interval.
2. Drugs affecting kidney function: Drugs that can have a toxic effect on the kidneys or reduce their functional activity can affect the elimination of cefpodoxime from the body. This may lead to its accumulation and an increased risk of side effects.
3. Medicines affecting hematopoiesis: Cefpodoxime may enhance the effect of anticoagulants (eg, warfarin), which may lead to an increase in bleeding time or an increased risk of bleeding.
4. Medicines affecting intestinal microflora: Taking antibiotics, including cefpodoxime, may disrupt the normal intestinal microflora and contribute to the development of diarrhea or superinfection. The use of probiotics or preparations with live cultures of lactic acid bacteria can help restore normal microflora.
5. Medicines affecting liver function: Interactions with drugs affecting liver function may affect the metabolism and elimination of cefpodoxime, which may require dosage adjustment.
6. Medicines causing allergic reactions: Patients with allergies to penicillins or other cephalosporins may need to be careful when taking cefpodoxime due to the possibility of cross-allergy.