Cefpodoxime + Clavulanic Acid

Cefpodoxime + Clavulanic Acid is a combination of two medicines. It is prescribed to treat respiratory tract infections. It treats the infection and prevents further growth and spread of the microorganisms. Cefpodoxime + Clavulanic Acid is a prescription medicine. It is advised to take it as per the prescription. It can be taken with or without food, but it must be taken at a fixed time to ensure better efficacy. Do not consume more than the recommended dose, as this may have harmful effects on your body. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. The course of the treatment must be completed even if you feel better. Sudden discontinuation of the treatment may affect the potency of the medicine. Some common side effects of this medicine are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, indigestion, etc. If any of the side effects get aggravated, you must consult your doctor immediately. If you experience any allergic reaction (rashes, itching, swelling, shortness of breath, etc.), you must seek immediate medical help. Before taking this medicine, you should tell your doctor if you are taking any medicines for any health condition. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also consult with their doctor before taking it. Avoid drinking alcohol as it can cause excessive drowsiness with this medicine. It usually does not impair your ability to drive, but you should not drive if it makes you feel sleepy or dizzy. You must take adequate rest for a faster recovery, also take a healthy diet and drink plenty of water. Your doctor may ask for a few laboratory and diagnostic tests to know the effects of the medicine on your body.

Cefpodoxime + Clavulanic Acid is a combination of two medicines: Cefpodoxime Proxetil and Clavulanic Acid. Cefpodoxime Proxetil is an antibiotic. It works by preventing the formation of the bacterial protective covering which is essential for the survival of bacteria. Clavulanic Acid is a beta-lactamase inhibitor which reduces resistance and enhances the activity of Cefpodoxime Proxetil against bacteria.

• Acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis
• Acute community acquired pneumonia
• Pharyngitis or tonsillitis
• Skin and soft tissue infections
• Urinary tract infections
• Uncomplicated gonorrhea
• Acute maxillary sinusitis

Cefpodoxime is a third generation semi-synthetic Cephalosporin, exhibits activity against several Gram positive as well as Gram negative microorganisms. This compound is also stable in beta lactamase environment. Cefpodoxime exhibits exceptional activity against methicillin susceptible Staphylococci, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Neisseria spp. and Moraxella catarrhalis.

Clavulanic acid is a natural inhibitor of beta lactamase which are produced by Streptomyces clavuligerus. It binds to beta lactamase moieties and inactivates them, thus restricting the Cefpodoxime destruction.

Cefpodoxime binds to one or more of the penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) which inhibits the final transpeptidation step of peptidoglycan synthesis in bacterial cell wall, thus inhibiting biosynthesis and arresting cell wall assembly resulting in bacterial cell death. Addition of clavulanate inhibits beta-lactamase-producing bacteria; Clavulanic acid has a high affinity for and binds to certain beta-lactamases that generally inactivate Cefpodoxime by hydrolyzing its beta-lactam ring. Combining clavulanate potassium with Cefpodoxime extends the antibacterial spectrum of Cefpodoxime to include many bacteria normally resistant to Cefpodoxime and other penicillins and cephalosporins.

Adult Dose (12 years and older):

Pediatric Dose (2 months-12 years): 10 mg/kg/day, 12 hourly (max 400 mg/day).

Renal Dose:

Hemodialysis patients: Dose should be given after each dialysis session.

Hepatic impairment: Dose adjustment not necessary.

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Cefpodoxime + Clavulanic Acid may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.

If you miss a dose of Cefpodoxime + Clavulanic Acid, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.

Common Side Effects:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Stomach pain
• Headache
• Vomiting
• Indigestion

• [UNSAFE] Cefpodoxime + Clavulanic Acid may cause side effects which could affect your ability to drive. Allergic reactions, dizziness or fits may make you unfit to drive.
• You have been prescribed this combination medicine to treat bacterial infections even if they have developed resistance.
• Take it with food and plenty of fluids to avoid an upset stomach.
• Finish the prescribed course, even if you start to feel better. Stopping it early may make the infection come back and harder to treat.
• Diarrhea may occur as a side effect. Taking probiotics along with it may help.
• Talk to your doctor if you notice bloody stools or develop abdominal cramps.
• Stop taking it and inform your doctor immediately if you develop an itchy rash, swelling of the face, throat or tongue or breathing difficulties while taking it.
• Cefpodoxime should be administered with caution to patients receiving concurrent treatment with diuretics.

• Hypersensitivity to Cephalosporins.

Antacids or H2-blockers may decrease the absorption of cefpodoxime. Reduced renal excretion with probenecid.

Concomitant administration of Cefpodoxime at high doses with antacids or H2 blockers reduces peak plasma levels of Cefpodoxime.

[CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR] It is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Cefpodoxime + Clavulanic Acid. Please consult your doctor.

[SAFE IF PRESCRIBED] Cefpodoxime + Clavulanic Acid is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy. Animal studies have shown low or no adverse effects to the developing baby; however, there are limited human studies. Pregnancy Category B. This drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.

[SAFE IF PRESCRIBED] Cefpodoxime + Clavulanic Acid is safe to use during breastfeeding. Human studies suggest that the drug does not pass into the breastmilk in a significant amount and is not harmful to the baby. Cefpodoxime has been shown to be excreted in human milk.

Recommended pediatric dose: 2 months-12 years: 10 mg/kg/day in divided dose, every 12 hours (max 400 mg/day). 6 months-2 years: 40 mg; 3-8 years: 80 mg; over 9 years: 100 mg (12 hourly).

Limited information is available on dose adjustment for elderly patients.

[CAUTION] Cefpodoxime + Clavulanic Acid should be used with caution in patients with severe kidney disease. Dose adjustment may be needed. Please consult your doctor. For severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance <30 ml/min) dosing intervals should be increased to 24 hourly.

[CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR] There is limited information available on the use of Cefpodoxime + Clavulanic Acid in patients with liver disease. Please consult your doctor.

Information on Cefpodoxime + Clavulanic Acid overdosage is not available.

Keep in a dry place away from light and heat. Keep out of the reach of children.

Cefpodoxime Proxetil + Clavulanic Acid