Cefokid DS80 mg/5 ml

Cefokid DS 80 mg/5 ml is indicated for treating infections caused by susceptible strains of bacteria in the following conditions:

• Acute otitis media caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis (including beta-lactamase-producing strains)
• Pharyngitis and tonsillitis caused by Streptococcus pyogenes
• Acute maxillary sinusitis caused by Haemophilus influenzae (including beta-lactamase-producing strains), Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Moraxella catarrhalis
• Community-acquired pneumonia caused by S. pneumoniae or H. influenzae (including beta-lactamase-producing strains)
• Acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis caused by S. pneumoniae, non-beta-lactamase-producing H. influenzae, or M. catarrhalis
• Skin and skin structure infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes
• Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by E. coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, or Staphylococcus saprophyticus
• Uncomplicated gonorrhea caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae, including penicillinase-producing strains
• Rectal gonococcal infections in women caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae, including penicillinase-producing strains

Cefokid DS 80 mg/5 ml should only be used under the guidance of a registered physician, based on confirmed or strongly suspected bacterial infection.

Cefokid DS 80 mg/5 ml belongs to the third-generation oral cephalosporin class of antibiotics. It is a prodrug that, after oral absorption, is hydrolyzed by intestinal esterases into its pharmacologically active form, cefpodoxime.

Like other cephalosporins, cefpodoxime exerts its bactericidal effect by binding to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) located in the bacterial cell wall. This binding inhibits the final stage of peptidoglycan synthesis, weakening the cell wall and ultimately causing bacterial cell lysis and death.

A key pharmacological advantage of Cefokid DS 80 mg/5 ml is its high stability against beta-lactamase enzymes, which many bacteria produce to inactivate beta-lactam antibiotics. This stability gives it superior activity against certain beta-lactamase-producing gram-positive organisms compared to other oral third-generation cephalosporins.

Cefokid DS 80 mg/5 ml is effective against a broad range of susceptible organisms, including:

• Gram-positive bacteria: Staphylococcus aureus (including penicillinase-producing strains), Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus agalactiae, and Peptostreptococcus magnus
• Gram-negative bacteria: Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Klebsiella oxytoca, Haemophilus influenzae (including beta-lactamase-producing and ampicillin-resistant strains), Moraxella catarrhalis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae (including penicillinase-producing strains), Proteus mirabilis, Proteus vulgaris, Providencia rettgeri, Citrobacter diversus, and Haemophilus parainfluenzae

Following oral administration, approximately 29% to 33% of the absorbed dose is excreted unchanged in the urine within 12 hours, supporting its use in uncomplicated urinary tract infections.

Cefokid DS 80 mg/5 ml may interact with certain medications, which can alter its absorption or effectiveness. Patients should inform their physician about all medicines they are currently taking before starting treatment.

• Antacids and H2-blockers: Concomitant use of high-dose antacids (such as sodium bicarbonate and aluminium hydroxide) or H2-receptor blockers can reduce the peak plasma concentration of cefpodoxime by 24% to 42% and reduce overall absorption by 27% to 32%. These should ideally be taken a few hours apart from Cefokid DS 80 mg/5 ml.
• Probenecid: Probenecid inhibits the renal excretion of cefpodoxime, increasing its area under the curve (AUC) by approximately 31%. This combination may require closer monitoring.
• Nephrotoxic drugs: When Cefokid DS 80 mg/5 ml is co-administered with drugs known to be nephrotoxic, renal function should be closely monitored throughout treatment.

Patients should also disclose any history of allergies to penicillins or other antibiotics, as cross-reactivity with cephalosporins can occur in some individuals.

Cefokid DS 80 mg/5 ml is generally well tolerated, and serious side effects are uncommon. The most commonly reported side effects include:

• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Skin and vaginal fungal infections
• Abdominal pain
• Headache
• Chest pain
• Myalgia (muscle pain)
• Dyspepsia (indigestion)
• Dizziness
• Vertigo
• Cough

In children, fungal skin rash occurs more frequently than in adults. If any side effect becomes severe, persistent, or is accompanied by signs of an allergic reaction such as swelling, difficulty breathing, or severe rash, medical attention should be sought immediately.

In animal reproduction studies, Cefokid DS 80 mg/5 ml did not show teratogenic or embryocidal effects. However, there are no adequate and well-controlled studies confirming its safety in pregnant women. As a precaution, Cefokid DS 80 mg/5 ml should only be used during pregnancy if clearly necessary and prescribed by a physician.

Cefpodoxime is excreted in human breast milk. Because of this, a decision should be made between discontinuing breastfeeding or discontinuing the medication, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother and the potential risk to the nursing infant.

• In patients with transient or persistent reduction in urinary output due to renal insufficiency, the total daily dose of Cefokid DS 80 mg/5 ml should be reduced accordingly.
• As with other cephalosporins, Cefokid DS 80 mg/5 ml should be administered cautiously in patients receiving concurrent treatment with potent diuretics, due to a theoretical risk of additive renal effects.
• Prolonged use of Cefokid DS 80 mg/5 ml, like other broad-spectrum antibiotics, may lead to overgrowth of non-susceptible organisms, including fungal infections.
• Ongoing clinical evaluation of the patient is essential throughout the course of treatment to monitor response and detect any adverse effects early.
• Patients with a history of gastrointestinal disease, particularly colitis, should be monitored for signs of antibiotic-associated diarrhea.

• Store in a dry place, away from direct light and heat.
• Keep the medicine out of the reach and sight of children.
• Once reconstituted, store the suspension in a cool place, preferably in a refrigerator, and discard any unused portion after 14 days.

To prepare a 50 mL suspension of Cefokid DS 80 mg/5 ml:

1. Add 30 mL (6 teaspoonfuls, or using the measuring cup provided) of cooled, boiled water to the dry powder mixture in the bottle.
2. For easier and more even mixing, add the water in two separate portions.
3. Shake well after each addition until the powder is completely suspended.

Note: Shake the suspension well before every use. Keep the bottle tightly closed between uses. The reconstituted suspension should be stored in a cool, dry place, preferably in a refrigerator, and any unused portion should be discarded after 14 days.