Streptocide

Streptocide is an antimicrobial agent from the group of sulfonamides, which has bacteriostatic action. Here is some information about it:

1. Mechanism of action: Sulfonamides inhibit bacterial growth by blocking the synthesis of dihydrofolic acid, which is necessary for the synthesis of nucleic acids and other important bacterial metabolites.
2. Use: Streptocide is used for the treatment and prevention of infections caused by sulfonamide-sensitive microorganisms such as staphylococci, streptococci, salmonella, shigella and others.
3. Dosageforms: The drug is available in various forms, including tablets, powder for preparation of solution for oral administration, as well as ointments and powder for external application.
4. Indications for use: Streptocide is used to treat infections of the urinary tract, intestines, skin, wounds and burns, as well as for the prevention of infections before surgical interventions.
5. Contraindications: Streptocide should not be used if there is a known allergy to sulfonamides, or in certain blood disorders such as aplastic anemia or agranulocytosis.
6. Side effects: Undesirable reactions such as skin rashes, allergic reactions, digestive disorders, changes in blood composition, headache, dizziness and others are possible.

Streptocide should be used strictly as prescribed by a doctor and in accordance with the recommendations in the instructions for use. It is not recommended to independently change the dosage or duration of treatment.

Release form

1. Powder for external use

• Description: A fine white powder that is applied directly to the surface of a wound or burn to prevent or treat infection.
• Use: The powder is usually sprinkled on previously cleaned and treated wounds.

2. Oral tablets

• Dosages: Streptocide in tablets may be available in various dosages, most commonly 300 mg or 500 mg.
• Use: Tablets are taken orally for systemic treatment of infections.

3. Ointment for external application

• Concentration: The ointment contains sulfonamide in a concentration adapted for effective topical treatment without significant side effects.
• Application: The ointment is applied to affected areas of the skin or wounds to prevent infection and stimulate the healing process.

4. Solution for external application

• Description: Streptocide solution can be used to treat wounds and burns.
• Use: Used for irrigation or washing of affected skin areas or wounds.

Pharmacodynamics

Streptocide containing sulfonamide is an antimicrobial agent that inhibits the synthesis of folic acid in bacteria, thus inhibiting their growth and reproduction. It acts by competing with paraminobenzoic acid, which is required for the synthesis of dihydrofolic acid in bacteria.

Sulfonamides can also prevent bacteria from penetrating the outer shell. This mechanism of action makes streptocide effective against a wide range of bacteria, including many Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms.

Streptocide has activity against various types of bacteria including:

1. Streptococci: Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes.
2. Staphylococci: Staphylococcus aureus.
3. Intestinal bacteria: Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., Shigella spp.
4. Chlamydia: Chlamydia trachomatis.
5. Gonococci: Neisseriagonorrhoeae.
6. Others: Haemophilus influenzae, Vibrio cholerae, Bordetella pertussis.

However, it is worth noting that there are strains of bacteria that may be resistant to sulfonamides, which may reduce the effectiveness of the drug in treating relevant infections.

Pharmacokinetics

1. Absorption: Sulfonamides are generally well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract after oral administration.
2. Distribution: They can be rapidly distributed in tissues and body fluids.
3. Metabolism: Sulfonamides are not normally metabolized in the body.
4. Excretion: They are eliminated from the body mainly through the kidneys in unchanged form.
5. Semi-Excretion: Thesemi-excretion of sulfonamides from the body can vary and depends on the specific compound.

Dosing and administration

Method of application and doses

Powder for external use

• Use: The powder is applied directly to cleaned wounds, burns or infected areas.
• Dosage: The powder is usually used 2-3 times a day, sprinkling evenly over the affected areas. The amount of powder depends on the size of the surface to be treated.

Oral tablets

• Usage: Tablets are taken orally, preferably after meals, with plenty of liquid.
• Adult dosage: The standard dose is 1 g (1000 mg) every 4 to 6 hours, depending on the severity of the infection and your doctor's advice. Do not exceed 7 g per day.
• Dosage for children: The dose is calculated by a doctor individually, usually 0.3 g (300 mg) every 4-6 hours.

Ointment for external application

• Application: The ointment is applied in a thin layer to pre-cleaned and treated affected areas.
• Dosage: The ointment can be applied 2-3 times a day depending on the degree of infection and as medically indicated.

Important notes

• Hydration: Sufficient fluids should be consumed when taking tablets to prevent crystalluria (crystal formation in the urine), a possible side effect of sulfonamides.
• Duration of treatment: The duration of treatment depends on the type and severity of the infection and the clinical response to therapy. It is important to complete the course of treatment completely, even if symptoms have improved.
• Interaction with other drugs: Streptocide may interact with other medications, so it is important to notify your doctor of all medications you are taking before starting treatment.

Use Streptocide during pregnancy

Streptocide containing sulfonamide is generally not recommended for use during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, because of the potential risk of toxic effects on the developing fetus. Sulfonamides can penetrate the placenta and cause various side effects such as hyperbilirubinemia in newborns or liver damage in the mother.

However, in certain cases where other antibiotics cannot be used or are less effective, the doctor may decide to prescribe streptocide in pregnancy. The decision to use streptocide should only be made after careful discussion with a doctor who takes into account all potential risks and benefits to the mother and fetus.

Contraindications

1. Hypersensitivity: People with known hypersensitivity to sulfonamides or other drugs in this class should avoid its use because of the risk of allergic reactions, including allergic dermatitis, urticaria, angioedema and anaphylactic shock.
2. Pregnancy and lactation: The use of sulfonamides during pregnancy may be associated with the risk of skin reactions in the fetus and newborn, as well as with other undesirable effects. Therefore, its use should be justified only when the expected benefits exceed the potential risks. It is also not recommended to use sulfonamides during breastfeeding due to the possibility of their excretion with milk.
3. Renal insufficiency: In patients with impaired renal function, accumulation of sulfonamides in the body may be observed, which may lead to increased toxicity and development of undesirable effects. In such cases, dose adjustment or choice of alternative treatment may be required.
4. Blood and bone marrow damage: The use of sulfonamides may lead to the development of aplastic anemia, agranulocytosis, thrombocytopenia and other disorders of hematopoiesis. Therefore, their use is not recommended in patients with disorders of hematopoiesis.
5. Liver damage: Sulfonamides may cause toxic liver damage, therefore their use may be undesirable in patients with hepatic impairment.

Side effects Streptocide

1. Allergic skin reactions: This may include skin irritation, skin rash, itching, redness and swelling.
2. Sensitivity to sunlight: In some people, use of streptocide may increase sensitivity to sunlight, which can lead to sunburns or other skin reactions with prolonged sun exposure.
3. Local irritations: Some people may experience local irritations such as redness, tingling or burning at the site of application.
4. Dry skin and flaking: Applying streptocide to the skin may cause dryness and flaking in some people.
5. Crystallization in urine: In rare cases, crystals may form in the urine with prolonged use or at high doses.
6. Rare allergic reactions: These may be more serious allergic reactions such as angioedema or anaphylaxis, but are very rare.
7. Primary skin symptoms: Includes redness, itching, rash, for which drug withdrawal is indicated.

Overdose

When streptocide (sulfonamide) is applied topically, overdose is usually less likely because of the low risk of systemic absorption. However, even with external use, skin irritation, redness, itching or other allergic reactions may occur.

In case of external use and signs of overdose, it is recommended to discontinue use and wash the skin area with water.

Interactions with other drugs

1. Antimicrobials: Sulfonamides may interact with other antibiotics or antimicrobials. Some combinations, such as sulfonamides with trimethoprim (which are part of the co-trimoxazole combination drug), form a synergistic antimicrobial action. However, the interaction may also increase side effects such as skin rash or allergic reactions.
2. Drugs that affect kidney function: Sulfonamides may increase the toxic effects of some drugs that affect the kidneys, especially in patients with impaired kidney function. This may include some diuretics or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
3. Drugs affecting hematologic parameters: Sulfonamides may increase the toxicity of drugs that affect bone marrow or hematologic parameters, such as methotrexate or cytotoxic drugs.
4. Drugs that increase urine acidity: Sulfonamides may increase the concentration of crystals in the urine. In concomitant use with drugs that increase urine acidity, such as ascorbic acid or aminoglycosides, there may be a risk of crystal formation and kidney stones.
5. Gastric acid-reducing drugs: Sulfonamides may be less effective when taken concomitantly with gastric acid-reducing drugs such as proton inhibitors or antacids.