Training session 5
Cefacure
Category :
  • Cefacure contains Cephalexin
  • Cephalexin is a broad spectrum, first generation cephalosporin for oral use. It has a bactericidal action
  • A broad spectrum of action indicates that Cefacure is effective against both gram positive and gram negative microorganisms. As a first generation cephalosporin, it has more activity against gram positive pathogens
  • Cefacure is mainly recommended as a first line antibiotic for the management of routine day to day infections of the respiratory tract ,urinary tract and skin.
Mechanism of action :
Cefacure is a betalactam antibiotic. It inhibits the cell wall synthesis of the bacteria, thus killing the bacteria in the process.
Detailed mechanism of action
Absorption :
Cefacure is acid stable, orally administered antibiotic. Cefacure is rapidly absorbed after oral administration.
Dose of Cefacure
Approximate peak serum concentrations
250mg
9mcg/ml of blood
500mg
18mcg/ml of blood
1000mg
32mcg/ml of blood
The Cefacure Advantage- Dose doubling, almost doubles the concentration in the bloodstream. You will appreciate that doctors will take advantage of this and prescribe 2 capsules of Cefacure in specific infections where higher concentrations of the drug is required. This is commonly seen in urinary tract infections.
Excretion :
Cefacure is excreted in urine by glomerular filtration and tubular secretion Over 90% of the drug is excreted unchanged in the urine within 8 hours
Dose of Cefacure
Approximate urinary concentration
250mg
1000mcg/ml of urine
500mg
2200mcg/ml of urine
1000mg
5000mcg/ml of urine
The Cefacure Advantage- Since the active ingredient Cephalexin is available unchanged in the urinary tract, CEFACURE is useful in the management of urinary tract infections.
Microbiology :
Cefacure has in vitro and in vivo activity against the following microorganisms
  1. Aerobes, Gram positive
  2. Staphylococcus aureus (including penicillinase producing strains)
  3. Staphylococcus epidermidis (penicillin susceptible strains)
  4. Streptococcus pneumoniae
  5. Streptococcus pyogenes
  6. Aerobes, Gram negative
  7. Haemophilus influenzae
  8. Klebsiella pneumoniae
  9. Moraxella catarrhalis
  10. .Proteus mirabilis
Indication and usage :
Contraindications:
Known allergy to Cephalosporins.
Warnings :

Cross Sensitivity

If a person is allergic to betalactam antibiotics, he will most probably be allergic to cefacure too.
Subsequent to the administration of Cefacure, patients who present with diarrhoea should be considered for diagnosis of pseudomembranous colitis.
Precautions :
  1. Impaired renal function
  2. Super infection - prolonged use of Cephalexin may result in the overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms. This may lead to superinfection.
  3. Positive direct Coomb's test
  4. Pregnancy and Lactation - Safety of Cephalexin for use in humans in not established. Cephalexin should be used during pregnancy only of clearly neede
Adverse reactions :
  1. Gastrointestinal - Nausea and vomiting are reported rarely. The most frequent side effect has been diarrhoea
  2. Hypersensitivity - Rash, urticaria, angioedema. Rarely erythema multiforme and Stevens - Johnson syndrome have been observed
  3. General - Pruritus, genital moniliasis, vaginitis. Eosinophilia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia have been reported
Dosage:
General dosing guidelines:
Adults: The adult dose ranges from 1g to 4g per day in divided doses.
The usual adult dose is 250mg every 6 hours.
However, for the management of streptococcal pharyngitis, skin and skin structure infections and uncomplicated cystitis, a dosage of 500mg 12 hourly is recommended.
Paediatrics
The usual recommended daily dose of cephalexin in paediatrics is 25 to 50mg per kg bodyweight per day in divided doses.
Product formulation :
Cefacure Capsules -250 and 500mg
Cefacure Dispersible tablets - 125 and 250mg (Trutti Frutti flavour)
The Cefacure Advantage-
As a first generation cephalosporin, Cefacure is useful in the management of day to day infections of the respiratory tract, urinary tract and skin & soft tissue.
Competition :
Brand
Company
SPORIDEX
RANBAXY
PHEXIN
GLAXO
CEFF
LUPIN
CITACEPH
CITADEL FINE
 
| Cefogram | Cepotil | Droxyceph | Negaplus | Orzid | Orfix | Spizef | Tax-O-Bid | Back to Index |