Cefalor 500mg Capsule 6 ‘S

Description

About

Cefalor 500mg Capsule 6 ‘S belongs to a class of drugs called “Cephalosporins”, specifically used in the treatment of bacterial infections. It is known to be Beta-Lactam, a broad-spectrum antibiotic i.e it works against a wide range of disease-causing bacteria. Cefalor 500mg Capsule 6 ‘S is chemically composed of Cefaclor, a 2nd generation cephalosporin. It is effective against a variety of gram-negative bacteria and also some gram-positive microbes. 

Cefalor 500mg Capsule 6 ‘S is used in the treatment of bacterial infections such as bronchitis (infection of the airway tubes leading to the lungs), infections of the ears, throat, tonsils, and urinary tract and skin. It is not effective against viral infections such as flu or viral fever. Therefore, using any antibiotic when it is not required may decrease its efficacy for future infections. On the other hand, some people might be allergic to penicillin antibiotics and hence they will not be able to take Cefalor 500mg Capsule 6 ‘S.

Cefalor 500mg Capsule 6 ‘S is available on prescription, in the form of oral capsules. Dosage of Cefalor 500mg Capsule 6 ‘S depends on age, weight, patient’s response to the medicine, and their comorbidities. Cefalor 500mg Capsule 6 ‘S is taken orally with or without food in prescribed dosage (usually  8-12 hourly) depending upon the severity of infection and kidney function. Drug dose regimen must be strictly followed without skipping to avoid bacterial resistance. Common side effects of this medication are nausea, diarrhea, and indigestion (stomach ache).

Indications

Cefalor 500mg Capsule 6 ‘S is prescribed to adults and children from above 6 months of age. It is used in the treatment of:

• Infections of respiratory tract like Pneumonia (nose,throat,larynx,trachea, bronchi, lungs)
• Sinusitis 
• Tonsillitis 
• Pharyngitis 
• Urinary tract (UTIs), skin and soft tissue infections
• Bone infections
• Skin infections

How does Cefalor 500mg Capsule 6 ‘S work

It is an antibiotic belonging to a class of drugs called Cephalosporins.They work by preventing the bacteria from forming an important compound (peptidoglycan) for their protective outer coating, called the cell wall essential to bacterial cell growth and multiplication, thereby killing them. 

How To Use Cefalor 500mg Capsule 6 ‘S

Cefalor 500mg Capsule 6 ‘S is to be ingested orally in capsule form  twice or thrice, daily, or as directed by the doctor. It can be ingested either with or without food to overcome stomach problems. The patient is advised to take each dose at the same time each day keeping an 8-12 hour gap in between each dose. If you miss a dose of the medication, make sure you take it as soon as possible on that same day. If you don’t remember you missed the dose until the next dose time or the next day, do not double the dose and take your medication as per schedule. Cefalor 500mg Capsule 6 ‘S is to be ingested for a specific number of days determined by the physician depending on the patient’s illness and their response to treatment. It is imperative not to stop Cefalor 500mg Capsule 6 ‘S earlier than the specified time as that may lead to a return of the infection.

Available Potencies and Forms

Cefalor 500mg Capsule 6 ‘S is available as capsule, tablets, suspensions, drops in the following potencies:

• Capsules     

                     -250 mg

                     -500 mg

• Tablets

                      – 375 mg

                      – 750 mg

• Suspension   

                     -125 mg/ 5 ml

                     – 187 mg/ 5 ml

                     -250 mg/ 5 ml

• Oral Drops   

                       – 50mg/1 ml

Dosage

Adult Dose

Mild to moderate infections: 250-500 mg oral capsules, 8-10 hourly

An acute flare-up of chronic infections: 500 mg oral capsules, 12 hourly

Duration of antibiotic therapy varies with existing infection, generally, it is taken for 7-10 days

Pediatric Dose

Cefalor 500mg Capsule 6 ‘S is not recommended for use in neonates less a month old.

20-40 mg/kg orally, 8-12 hourly, twice or thrice (divided doses) depending on dose

Maximum safe dose:  1g per day

Elderly Dose

As such no major risk or toxicity is imposed in the elderly, however since the majority of this drug is removed by the kidney;any comorbidities and kidney function must be considered before starting the therapy. Dose adjustment is required in such cases. 

Pregnancy Use And Lactation

Cefalor 500mg Capsule 6 ‘S is classified as a Pregnancy category B drug by FDA (meaning no evidence of any risk to the human fetus in controlled animal trials but insufficient data is available). If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or are planning to have a baby, please consult your doctor before using Cefalor 500mg Capsule 6 ‘S. Cefalor 500mg Capsule 6 ‘S is also secreted in human milk, if you are breastfeeding, please consult your doctor before taking Cefalor 500mg Capsule 6 ‘S. 

Contraindications

Please tell your doctor if you have a history of any of the following before using Cefalor 500mg Capsule 6 ‘S:

• Allergy to Cefalor 500mg Capsule 6 ‘S or penicillin
• kidney impairment
• Severe liver disease
• Clostridium difficile associated diarrhea 

Precautions

Please tell your doctor about any of the following conditions before using Cefalor 500mg Capsule 6 ‘S:

• Mild to moderate liver impairment
• Mild to moderate kidney impairment
• Anemia 
• Seizures 
• Prolonged prothrombin time 
• Eldery patients
• Coomb’s test can be tested positive during treatment with Cefalor 500mg Capsule 6 ‘S. Make sure you provide a complete list of your prescription.

Interactions With Other Medications

Please tell your doctor about the use of the following before using Cefalor 500mg Capsule 6 ‘S:

• Other antibiotics 
• Vaccines (eg. typhoid vaccine, BCG)
• Probenecid
• Paracetamol / acetaminophen 
• Acetazolamide 
• Antivirals such as abacavir
• Estrogen/estradiol
• Warfarin 
• Furosemide
• Chloramphenicol 

Adverse effects

Like most medicines, Cefalor 500mg Capsule 6 ‘S has some side effects which include:

Common Adverse Effects

• Nausea 
• Indigestion (stomach ache)
• Diarrhea
• Headaches
• Abdominal pain 
• Numbness 
• Dizziness
• Change in the taste

Rare Adverse Effects

Immediately consult your doctor if you notice any of the following or worse signs:

• Hypersensitivity/allergic skin reactions
• Vaginal yeast infection
• Change of colour in vagianl discharge 
• Oral thrush (opportunistic fungal infection of mouth)
• Very rarely: pseudomembranous colitis (inflamed large intestine)
• Watery or bloody diarrhea
• Cold clammy skin, discoloration of fingers
• Convulsions

How To Cope With Some Of The Adverse Effects

• Headaches– In which case make sure you rest and drink plenty of fluids. Avoid the use of alcohol. Take a prescribed painkiller. Consult your doctor if the headaches last longer than a week or are severe.
• Fatigue– Patients experiencing this adverse effect, are advised to take deep breaths,intake tea or coffee,get a good night’s rest and not to over burden themselves for a few days
• Stomach upset (nausea,vomiting and/or diarrhea) -Avoid eating rich or spicy food. It might help to take medication with food.It is important to have plenty of fluids during this time.
• Loss of appetite– having smaller meals at regular meal times or at regular intervals is advised.The patient is asked to snack on healthy and nutritious snacks such as dry fruits throughout the day.
• Change in taste- this tends to go away as soon as the patient stops taking the medicine but while treatment;saltwater with baking soda (half a teaspoon of salt and baking soda in water) rinses and chewing on sugar free gum can help dissipate the change in taste.

FAQs

#1.What If I Miss A Dose Of Cefalor 500mg Capsule 6 ‘S?

If you miss a dose of the medication, make sure you take it as soon as possible on that same day. If you don’t remember you missed the dose until the next dosage time or next day, do not double the dose and take your medication as per schedule.

#2.How To Store Cefalor 500mg Capsule 6 ‘S?

Cefalor 500mg Capsule 6 ‘S is to be kept away from the reach of children, in a cool dry place away from direct sunlight and humidity as that tends to ruin certain drugs.

#3.Will Cefalor 500mg Capsule 6 ‘S Affect My Sexual Activity?

No, there isn’t sufficient evidence to suggest that patients experience a decrease in libido.

#4. Can I Take Cefalor 500mg Capsule 6 ‘S During My Pregnancy?

Yes,Cefalor 500mg Capsule 6 ‘S is deemed safe to be ingested during pregnancy under the care and supervision of a medical professional.

#5. What Are Common Side Effects Caused By Cefalor 500mg Capsule 6 ‘S?

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal cramps
• Fatigue
• Changes in sense of taste
• Loss of appetite
• Headaches 

#6. How Does Cefalor 500mg Capsule 6 ‘S Work?

Cefalor 500mg Capsule 6 ‘S belongs to a widespread chemical group known as antibiotics.Cefalor 500mg Capsule 6 ‘S works by preventing the growth/multiplication of the bacteria in the human body tus eradicating the infection.

#7. Will Cefalor 500mg Capsule 6 ‘S Affect My Sexual Activity?

No, there isn’t sufficient evidence to suggest that patients experience a decrease in libido.

#8. What Are Common Side Effects Caused By Cefalor 500mg Capsule 6 ‘S?

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal cramps
• Fatigue
• Changes in sense of taste
• Loss of appetite
• Headaches 

#9. Does Cefalor 500mg Capsule 6 ‘S Cause Addiction?

No, this drug has shown no evidence to prove addiction of any kind in any patient.

#10. Can I Consume Alcohol With Cefalor 500mg Capsule 6 ‘S?

Alcohol if taken with the medication may lead to extreme dizziness. It is best to avoid the intake of alcohol during the course of your treatment.

#11. Is Cefalor 500mg Capsule 6 ‘S Safe To Give To Elderly Patients?

Yes, this drug can be easily and safely prescribed to patients above 18 years of age. For elderly patients the dosage of the drug may be lower than normal due to decreased kidney function,Cefalor 500mg Capsule 6 ‘S may not be effectively removed from the body and so, in such cases, the doctor may prescribe an altered dose of the Cefalor 500mg Capsule 6 ‘S.

#12. Can Cefalor 500mg Capsule 6 ‘S Be Used IF Patient Is Having Flu Symptoms?

Cefalor 500mg Capsule 6 ‘S is not deemed to be effective against viruses as Cefalor 500mg Capsule 6 ‘S is an antibiotic and therefore works on bacteria to eliminate bacterial infections.