Suprax, also known as cefixime, is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. The active ingredient in Suprax is cefixime, which works by killing bacteria and stopping their growth. It is commonly used for infections like bronchitis and urinary tract infections.
Suprax has a price point ranging from £0.77 to £1.18 per pills. Variations in price are linked to the pack’s dimension and the active ingredient dosage (30 or 360 mg).
Suprax, generically known as cefixime, belongs to the class of medications called cephalosporin antibiotics. It effectively fights bacteria in the body by interfering with the formation of their cell wall.
Suprax is indicated for the treatment of various types of bacterial infections including infections of the respiratory tract, urinary tract, and gonorrhea. It is also used against otitis media, pharyngitis, and chronic bronchitis exacerbations.
Suprax works by inhibiting the synthesis of bacterial cell walls, which ultimately leads to the rupture of bacterial cells and their death. The inhibition occurs specifically by binding to pencillin-binding proteins (PBPs) located inside the bacterial cell wall.
Suprax is available in several dosage forms including oral tablets, chewable tablets, and oral suspension. The oral suspension is typically for pediatric use while tablets are prescribed for adults and older children.
The usual dose for adults and children over 12 years is 400 mg daily. This can be administered as a single dose or divided into two doses. Dosage adjustments may be necessary for individuals with renal impairment. The medication can be taken with or without food.
Suprax is contraindicated in individuals with a known allergy to cefixime, cephalosporin antibiotics, or any of the components of the formulation. Cross-sensitivity among beta-lactam antibacterials must also be considered.
Cefixime may interact with anticoagulants such as warfarin, increasing the risk of bleeding. Concurrent use of probenecid can decrease renal excretion of cefixime, thus increasing drug concentrations. Additionally, arbital contraceptives’ effectiveness could be diminished.
Food does not significantly affect the absorption of cefixime. However, consuming the drug with a meal may reduce gastrointestinal side effects, leading to better patient tolerance.
Common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal pain. Serious but rare adverse effects include severe allergic reactions, blood dyscrasias, and pseudomembranous colitis. Patients should be monitored for signs of anaphylactic reactions.
Cefixime is well-absorbed orally with an absorption rate of 40-50%. Peak plasma concentrations are reached within 2 to 6 hours post-dose. Approximately 50% binds to plasma proteins, and the drug is largely excreted unchanged in the urine.
Store Suprax tablets at room temperature between 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). Oral suspension should be refrigerated and used within 14 days after reconstitution. Properly discard any unused medication.
Suprax should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed and the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Breastfeeding mothers should exercise caution as cefixime is excreted in human milk in small amounts.
Suprax can be used in pediatric patients over six months of age. The dose must be appropriately adjusted based on weight. Close monitoring is necessary to avoid over or under-dosage.
Similar efficacy and safety profiles are observed in geriatric patients as in younger adults. However, consideration should be given to the age-related decrease in renal function which could necessitate dosage adjustments.
Suprax clearance is significantly reduced in patients with renal impairment. For patients with a creatinine clearance level below 60 mL/min, the dosage should be reduced by approximately 50%.
Cefixime is not significantly metabolized by the liver, hence dosage adjustments are generally not necessary in patients with hepatic impairment. However, caution should still be observed.
False-positive reactions for glucose in the urine may occur with copper reduction tests but not with enzyme-based tests. Suprax may interfere with the assay of serum creatinine using Jaffé methodology.
If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as the patient remembers unless it is almost time for the next dose. In that case, the missed dose should be skipped and the regular dosing schedule resumed.
Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, symptomatic and supportive therapy should be implemented. Hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis are not effective in significantly removing Cefixime.
Suprax is available in various strengths and formulations, which may affect its price. It can be purchased at pharmacies by prescription. Generic versions are typically more affordable compared to brand-name variants.