Vercef® Powder for Suspension: After reconstitution each 5 ml contains Cefpodoxime Proxetil USP equivalent to Cefpodoxime 40 mg.
Vercef powder for suspension contains Cefpodoxime Proxetil USP. Cefpodoxime is an orally administered extended spectrum, semi-synthetic third generation cephalosporin. Like other β lactam antibiotics it is a bactericidal drug that acts by inhibition of bacterial cell wall synthesis.
Cefpodoxime is indicated for the treatment of patients infected with susceptible strains of microorganisms, which include a wide range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. As it is highly stable in presence of β lactamase enzyme, it is more effective against Gram-positive bacteria than other third generation oral cephalosporins.:
Vercef suspension may be given without regard to food.
The recommended doses and duration of treatment applicable to patient are as below:
Adults (Including Children of Aged 13 Years and Older).
Type of Infection.
Total Dose/ Daily Dose.
Frequency.
Duration.
Acute community acquired pneumonia.
400 mg.
200 mg 12 hourly.
14 days.
Acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis.
400 mg.
200 mg 12 hourly.
10 days.
Uncomplicated gonorrhoea (men-women).
200 mg.
Single dose 200 mg.
-.
Rectal gonococcal infection in women.
200 mg.
Single dose 200 mg.
-.
Skin & soft tissue infection.
400 mg.
200 mg 12 hourly.
7 to 14 days.
Pharyngitis or tonsillitis.
200 mg.
100 mg 12 hourly.
5 to 10 days.
Uncomplicated urinary tract infection.
200 mg.
100 mg 12 hourly.
7 days.
Acute maxillary sinusitis.
400 mg.
200 mg 12 hourly.
10 days.
Children.
Age.
15 days - 6 months.
4 mg/kg every 12 hours.
6 months - 2 years.
40 mg every 12 hours.
3-8 years.
80 mg every 12 hours.
over 9 years.
100 mg every 12 hours.
Patients with renal impairment: For patients with severe renal impairment (Creatinine clearance < 30 ml/min) the dosing intervals should be increased to 24 hours.
Patients with liver cirrhosis: The pharmacokinetics of Cefpodoxime Proxetil in cirrhotic patients are similar to those in healthy subjects. Dose adjustment is not necessary in this population.
Antacids: Concomitant administration of high doses of Antacids (Sodium Bicarbonate and Aluminum Hydroxide) or Hâ‚‚ blockers reduces peak plasma level by 24% to 42% and the extent of absorption by 27% to 32% respectively.
Probenecid: Renal excretion of Cefpodoxime was inhibited by Probenecid and resulted in an approximately 31% increase in AUC.
Nephrotoxic drugs: Close monitoring of renal function is advised when Cefpodoxime Proxetil is administered concomitantly with compounds of known nephrotoxic potential.
The side effects include diarrhoea, nausea, skin & vaginal fungal infection, abdominal pain, headache, chest pain, myalgia, dyspepsia, dizziness, vertigo, cough, etc. In children, incidence of fungal skin rash is more than adults.
Cefpodoxime was neither teratogenic nor embryocidal in animal studies. There is however, no adequate and well controlled study of Cefpodoxime Proxetil use in pregnant woman. The drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.
Lactation: Because Cefpodoxime is excreted in human milk, a decision should be made whether to discontinue breast feeding or to discontinue the drug.
In patients with transient or persistent reduction in urinary output due to renal insufficiency, the total daily dose of Cefpodoxime Proxetil should be.
411.
449.
THERAPEUTIC INDEX
reduced. Cefpodoxime, like other cephalosporins, should be administered with caution to patients concurrently receiving potent diuretics. As with other broad spectrum antibiotics, prolonged use of the drug may result in overgrowth of non-susceptible organisms. Repeated evaluation of the patient’s condition is essential.