Cefgard 250mg Capsule 12 ‘S

Description

About

Cefgard 250mg Capsule 12 ‘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. Cefgard 250mg Capsule 12 ‘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. 

Cefgard 250mg Capsule 12 ‘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 Cefgard 250mg Capsule 12 ‘S.

Cefgard 250mg Capsule 12 ‘S is available on prescription, in the form of oral suspension. Dosage of Cefgard 250mg Capsule 12 ‘S depends on age, weight, patient’s response to the medicine, and their comorbidities. Cefgard 250mg Capsule 12 ‘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

Cefgard 250mg Capsule 12 ‘S is prescribed to children commonly  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 Cefgard 250mg Capsule 12 ‘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 Cefgard 250mg Capsule 12 ‘S

Cefgard 250mg Capsule 12 ‘S is to be taken orally (by mouth) twice or thrice, daily, or as directed by the doctor. It can be taken either with or without food. The patient is advised to take each dose at the same time each day keeping an 8-12 hour gap in between each dose. This form is available as oral suspension for use in pediatric patients mostly. Make sure to follow the doctor’s advice carefully regarding dosage and proper use.

Suspension, commonly prescribed to children, is available in a bottle. Cefgard 250mg Capsule 12 ‘S is available in suspension form, follow the instructions on label carefully to reconstruct the medicine. Shake the bottle well before each use, or follow the instructions provided on the label. A calibrated spoon/device is provided for dosing purposes. Do not use household spoons/ devices for dosing purpose.

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. Cefgard 250mg Capsule 12 ‘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 Cefgard 250mg Capsule 12 ‘S earlier than the specified time as that may lead to a return of the infection.

Available Potencies and Forms

Cefgard 250mg Capsule 12 ‘S is available as capsule, suspensions, drops in the following potencies:

Capsules     

                      -250 mg

                      -500 mg

• Suspension   

                        -125 mg/ 5 ml

                        – 187 mg/ 5 ml

                        -250 mg/ 5 ml

• Oral Drops   

                        – 50mg/1 ml

Dosage

Adult Dose

Cefgard 250mg Capsule 12 ‘S is prescribed to children, adults should take oral capsules for greater therapeutic benefits. In case suspension is prescribed for some reason, follow doctors advice carefully.

Pediatric Dose

Cefgard 250mg Capsule 12 ‘S is not recommended for use in neonates less than a month old. Cefgard 250mg Capsule 12 ‘S can be given to infants older than 1 month, in prescribed dosage as directed by the doctor, orally, 8-12 hourly, twice or thrice depending on dose and infection

Cefgard 250mg Capsule 12 ‘S is not recommended for use in neonates less a month old. Cefgard 250mg Capsule 12 ‘S can be given to infants older than 1 month, in given dosage.

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

Maximum safe dose:  1g per day

Elderly Dose

Cefgard 250mg Capsule 12 ‘S is prescribed to children, while adults/ elderly should take oral capsules for better effects. 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

Cefgard 250mg Capsule 12 ‘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 Cefgard 250mg Capsule 12 ‘S. Cefgard 250mg Capsule 12 ‘S is also secreted in human milk, if you are breastfeeding, please consult your doctor before taking Cefgard 250mg Capsule 12 ‘S. 

Contraindications

Please tell your doctor if you have a history of any of the following before using Cefgard 250mg Capsule 12 ‘S:

• Allergy to Cefgard 250mg Capsule 12 ‘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 Cefgard 250mg Capsule 12 ‘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 Cefgard 250mg Capsule 12 ‘S. Make sure you provide a complete list of your prescription to the laboratory and doctors.

Interactions With Other Medications

Please tell your doctor about the use of the following before using Cefgard 250mg Capsule 12 ‘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, Cefgard 250mg Capsule 12 ‘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 Cefgard 250mg Capsule 12 ‘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 Cefgard 250mg Capsule 12 ‘S?

Cefgard 250mg Capsule 12 ‘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. What If I Take Too Much Of Cefgard 250mg Capsule 12 ‘S?

In case of too much consumption by accident, kindly contact your doctor or nearby hospital right away. The amount of medication that can result in severe side effects varies from person to person. An overdose results in slowing down of heart rate and difficulty breathing accompanied by dizziness and fainting spells.

#4. Can I Take Cefgard 250mg Capsule 12 ‘S During My Pregnancy?

Yes, Cefgard 250mg Capsule 12 ‘S is deemed safe to be ingested during pregnancy only under the care and supervision of a medical professional.

#5. How Does Cefgard 250mg Capsule 12 ‘S Work?

Cefgard 250mg Capsule 12 ‘S belongs to a widespread chemical group known as antibiotics.Cefgard 250mg Capsule 12 ‘S works by preventing the growth/multiplication of the bacteria in the human body tus eradicating the infection.

#6. For How Long Will I Have To Take Cefgard 250mg Capsule 12 ‘S?

Exact dose is set by your doctor according to the severity of infection. complete the entire course of medication to avoid resistance in future. 

#7. What Are Common Side Effects Caused By Cefgard 250mg Capsule 12 ‘S?

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

#8. Does Cefgard 250mg Capsule 12 ‘S Cause Addiction?

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

#9. Can Cefgard 250mg Capsule 12 ‘S Be Used IF Patient Is Having Flu Symptoms?

Cefgard 250mg Capsule 12 ‘S is not deemed to be effective against viruses as Cefgard 250mg Capsule 12 ‘S is an antibiotic and therefore works on bacteria to eliminate bacterial infections.