Xefecta 400mg Tablet 5 ‘S

Description

Xefecta 400mg Tablet 5 ‘S belongs to a class of drugs called “quinolone antibacterials” (fluoroquinolones). These are antibiotics that are used in the treatment of serious infections when other antibiotics fail to work.

It is used to fight against bacterial infections like infections of the urinary tract, tonsils, sinus, nose, throat, female genital organ, skin & soft tissues and lungs (pneumonia).

This medicine is available on prescription, as tablets, a liquid that you drink, eardrops, eye drops and an eye ointment. At times it is also given as an injection, but this is done in the hospital. 

Common side effects of this medication are nausea, diarrhoea, headache and dizziness. 

Dosage of Xefecta 400mg Tablet 5 ‘S depends on age, severity of condition, patient’s response to medicine and their comorbidities.

INDICATIONS

Xefecta 400mg Tablet 5 ‘S is prescribed to adults for:

• Exacerbations of chronic bronchitis
• Acute sinusitis
• Community acquired pneumonia
• Mild to moderate pelvic inflammatory disease (infection of the female reproductive organs)
• Complicated skin and soft tissue infections when other antibacterials are inappropriate or failed. 

HOW DOES Xefecta 400mg Tablet 5 ‘S WORK?

It is an antibiotic that prevents the bacterial cells from dividing and repairing. It works  by inhibiting the action of a bacterial enzyme called DNA-gyrase, thereby, killing the bacteria. 

HOW TO USE Xefecta 400mg Tablet 5 ‘S?

• The way you take your medicine depends on the type of Xefecta 400mg Tablet 5 ‘S and what you’re taking it for. Follow the instructions that come with the medicine. 
• Make sure to divide your doses evenly throughout the day.
• Make sure not to miss any dose and complete the full course of treatment

Tablets: Swallow them whole with a glass of water.

Injectable solution: IV infusion given in the hospital.

DOSAGE 

Form and strength:

Tablet

• 400mg

Injectable solution

• 400mg/250mL

 

Exacerbations of chronic bronchitis:

• Oral: Adult: 400mg once daily for 5-10 days

Acute sinusitis:

• Oral: Adult: 400mg once daily for 7 days

Community acquired pneumonia

• Oral: Adult: 400mg once daily for 7-14 days
• By IV infusion: Adult: 400mg once daily for 7-14 days, to be given over 60 minutes.

Mild to moderate pelvic inflammatory disease (infection of the female reproductive organs):

• Oral: Adult: 400mg once daily for 14 days

Complicated skin and soft tissue infections when other antibacterials are inappropriate or failed:

• Oral: Adult: 400mg once daily for 7-21 days
• By IV infusion: Adult: 400mg once daily for 7-21 days, to be given over 60 minutes.

Dosage is completely dependent on the age, severity of condition, patient’s response to medicine and their comorbidities. Your doctor may vary your dosage to regulate your blood sugar levels.

PREGNANCY USE AND LACTATION

If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, please consult your doctor before taking Xefecta 400mg Tablet 5 ‘S as it is contraindicated.

If you are breastfeeding, please consult your doctor before taking Xefecta 400mg Tablet 5 ‘S as it is contraindicated. 

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Please inform your doctor if you have a history of any before using {[product}}:

• Allergic reaction – indicated by skin rash, swelling around face area, wheezing, chest tightness and breathing difficulty
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding 
• Acute myocardial infarction
• Bradycardia
• Congenital long QT syndrome
• Electrolyte disturbances
• Heart failure with reduced ventricular ejection fraction
• History of symptomatic arrhythmias
• History of tendon disorders related to quinolone treatment
• Liver impairment

PRECAUTIONS

Please tell your doctor about any of the following conditions while using Xefecta 400mg Tablet 5 ‘S:

• Risk of seizures; discontinue if they occur
• Seek ophthalmological advice if there are any effects on the eyes. 
• Risk of tendon inflammation or rupture.
• Proarrhythmic conditions including acute MI and QT prolongation; discontinue immediately with sign of arrhythmia and perform ECG. 
• Risk of pseudomembranous colitis; consider if patient has consistent diarrhoea
• G6PD deficiency (genetic disorder most commonly affecting males)
• Avoid prolonged exposure to UV and refrain from driving or operating machinery. 
• Risk of neuropathy; advise patients to report any relevant symptoms.
• Risk of fulminant hepatitis; monitor liver function and advice patients to report any signs of liver disease
• Risk of heart failure in women and older patients
• Risk of severe skin reactions
• History of psychiatric disease and psychosis; monitor for suicidal thoughts and behaviour. 
• Myasthenia gravis (long-term autoimmune disorder characterized by muscle weakness and fatigue)
• Elderly.  
• Renal (kidney) impairment
• Hypersensitivity reactions

INTERACTION WITH OTHER MEDICATIONS

Certain medications could interact with Xefecta 400mg Tablet 5 ‘S, hence, in that case your doctor might alter your dosage and make sure to monitor blood sugar levels more closely.

Please inform your doctor about the use of the following before taking Xefecta 400mg Tablet 5 ‘S:

• Drugs that prolong the QT interval including antiarrhythmitics
• Neuroleptics
• TCADs
• Antimicrobials
• Antihistamines
• Cisapride
• Corticosteroids
• Hypokalemic agents
• Anticoagulants
• Antacids
• Didanosine
• Sucralfate
• Charcoal
• Iron or zinc supplements

ADVERSE EFFECTS

Like most medicines, Xefecta 400mg Tablet 5 ‘S has some side effects which include:

Common:

• Nausea 
• Diarrhoea 
• Headaches
• Dizziness

Others:

• Hypersensitivity/allergic skin reactions; in this case discontinue 
• Angina
• Arrhythmia
• Hyperlipidemia
• Palpitations and sweating
• Vasodilation
• Dyspnea
• QT prolongation in patients with hypokalemia
• Abnormal LFTs
• Pain and phlebitis at injection site

Rarely:

• AMnesia
• Dysphagia
• Hyperglycemia
• Hypertension
• Hyperuricemia
• Myopathy
• Edema
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Stomatitis
• Syncope
• Vasculitis
• Stevens-Johnsons Syndrome
• Toxic epidermal necrolysis 

HOW TO COPE WITH SOME OF THE ADVERSE EFFECTS

• Nausea (feeling sick) – Take Xefecta 400mg Tablet 5 ‘S with or after meals and avoid having spicy food

• Diarrhoea – Keep yourself hydrated by having lots of fluids and if the problem persists, consult your doctor before taking any medication for diarrhoea.

• Headache – Take a painkiller, rest and keep yourself hydrated at all times. Contact your doctor if your headaches last more than a week and/or become severe.

• Dizziness – Try and rest until you feel better and refrain from driving or using any tools or machinery

Inform your doctor immediately if you experience any of the serious side effects.

KEY FACTS ABOUT Xefecta 400mg Tablet 5 ‘S

• Xefecta 400mg Tablet 5 ‘S belongs to a class of drugs called “quinolone antibacterials” (fluoroquinolones). These are antibiotics that are used in the treatment of serious infections when other antibiotics fail to work
• It is prescribed to adults.
• It is an antibiotic that prevents the bacterial cells from dividing and repairing. It works  by inhibiting the action of a bacterial enzyme called DNA-gyrase, thereby, killing the bacteria.
• Common side effects of this medication are nausea, diarrhoea, headache, dizziness. 
• Avoid taking the tablets or liquid together with dairy products like milk, cheese and yoghurt.
• Matter of concern arises if you get a rash, itchy skin, swelling on the face,  difficulty breathing, pain in tendons, numbness or tingling sensation, in which case you need to inform your doctor immediately. 
• Use of Xefecta 400mg Tablet 5 ‘S is not recommended in pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

FAQs

1. WHAT EXACTLY DOES Xefecta 400mg Tablet 5 ‘S DO?

Xefecta 400mg Tablet 5 ‘S belongs to a class of drugs called “quinolone antibacterials” (fluoroquinolones) that prevent the bacterial cells from dividing and repairing. It works  by inhibiting the action of a bacterial enzyme called DNA-gyrase, thereby, killing the bacteria.

2. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR Xefecta 400mg Tablet 5 ‘S TO START WORKING?

For most infections, you will start feeling better in 2-3 days depending on the type of infection. Inform your doctor if you do not feel better or your condition starts to get worse.

3. CAN Xefecta 400mg Tablet 5 ‘S INCREASE THE RISK OF MUSCLE DAMAGE?

Yes, it is known to affect your muscles, commonly in the ankle (achilles tendon). It can happen in patients of all ages; inform your doctor if you feel any sort of muscle pain. 

4. HOW LONG WILL I HAVE TO TAKE Xefecta 400mg Tablet 5 ‘S FOR?

Xefecta 400mg Tablet 5 ‘S should be taken for as long as it is prescribed by your doctor. It is usually given for 5-21 days but it varies depending on the type of infection and its severity.

5. IS THERE ANY FOOD OR DRINK I NEED TO AVOID?

Avoid taking the tablets or liquid together with dairy products like milk, cheese and yoghurt because they prevent the Xefecta 400mg Tablet 5 ‘S from entering the body from the stomach.

6. CAN I STOP TAKING Xefecta 400mg Tablet 5 ‘S?

Do not just stop taking the medicine, make sure to complete your treatment course even if you feel better

7. CAN I TAKE PARACETAMOL WITH Xefecta 400mg Tablet 5 ‘S?

The two medicines are not known to have any clinical  interaction with each other. However, interactions can occur. Consult your doctor before using both the medicines together.

8. CAN I DRINK ALCOHOL WITH Xefecta 400mg Tablet 5 ‘S?

It is safe to drink alcohol as there are no interactions that are known to occur.

9. WHAT IF I TAKE TOO MUCH OF Xefecta 400mg Tablet 5 ‘S?

If you have taken too much of the prescribed tablet or liquid form of dosage you may experience common side effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and an irregular heart beat.

10. WHAT IF I FORGET TO TAKE Xefecta 400mg Tablet 5 ‘S?

Incase you miss a dose, take your next dose on time and do not try making up for the missed dose by doubling it up. If it helps to remind you, set an alarm so you do not miss any dose. Make sure to complete your course of treatment even if you feel better and think you do not need to take it anymore.

11. CAN I TAKE Xefecta 400mg Tablet 5 ‘S DURING PREGNANCY OR BREASTFEEDING?

Use of Xefecta 400mg Tablet 5 ‘S is not recommended in pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Please inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to conceive or breastfeeding so that they can prescribe you a medicine accordingly without causing any complications for you or your baby.

12. IS IT SAFE TO TAKE Xefecta 400mg Tablet 5 ‘S FOR A LONG TIME?

It is usually prescribed for a short term. If the infection is severe it may be given for upto 3 months, but there are some common side effects that occur due to prolonged use of Xefecta 400mg Tablet 5 ‘S. Consult your doctor if the side effects persist even after finishing your full course of treatment.

13. CAN I DRIVE OR RIDE A BIKE AFTER TAKING Xefecta 400mg Tablet 5 ‘S?

Make sure you know how your body reacts while using Xefecta 400mg Tablet 5 ‘S as it is known to make you feel tired or less alert. If your eye stings or burns after using the eye drops or ointment, do not drive or use any machinery until your vision clears out. Ear drops might affect your sense of balance, in which case avoid riding a bike or driving until you feel normal.

14. HOW SHOULD Xefecta 400mg Tablet 5 ‘S BE STORED?

Keep this medicine tightly closed in the container or the pack it came in. Store it according to the instructions mentioned and dispose of the unused medicine. Make sure it is not consumed by pets, children and other people. Tablets should be stored at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture. Whereas, the suspension should be stored in the refrigerator or at room temperature, closed tightly, for up to 14 days. Do not freeze the suspension. Discard any left over suspension after 14 days.