Indications:
Extracef is indicated for the treatment of the following bacterial infections: Respiratory tract infections: Tonsillitis, pharyngitis, sinusitis, laryngo-trachitis, acute and chronic bronchitis, lobar and broncho-pneumonia caused by group-A beta-hemolytic Streptococci and Streptococcus pneumoniae. Otitis media; caused by group-A beta-hemolytic Streptococci, S. pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae and Staphylococci. Skin and soft tissue infections: Cellulitis, abscess, furunculosis, and impetigo caused by Staphylococci and beta-hemolytic Streptococci. Urinary tract infections: Cystitis, urethritis, pyelonephritis, and prostatitis caused by E. Coli, Proteus mirabilis, and Klebsiella species. Extracef is also used in the treatment of some enterococci (S. faecalis) infections confined to the urinary tract. Perioperative prophylaxis: Extracef may reduce the incidence of certain postoperative infections in patients undergoing surgical procedures including dental procedure.
Dosage & Administration:
Oral:
Adults: The usual dosage range is 1-2 g daily in two or four equally divided doses. Severe or chronic infections may require large doses up to 4 g daily in divided doses or as advised by the physician. Specific dosage recommendation: Respiratory tract infections (other than lobar pneumonia): 250 mg, 6 hourly or 500 mg, 12 hourly. Lobar pneumonia: 500 mg, 6 hourly or 1 g, 12 hourly. In dental procedure: 2 g orally 1 hour before the procedure. Skin & soft tissue infections: 250 mg, 6 hourly or 500 mg, 12 hourly. Urinary tract infections: 500 mg, 6 hourly or 1 g, 12 hourly. Severe or chronic infection may require larger doses (up to 1 g, 6 hourly). Peritonitis: 500 mg 4 times daily, GIT infections: 500 mg 3-4 times daily. Prophylaxis of wound infections: 1-2 g pre-operatively, post-operative dose is adjusted as required.
Children: For children over 9 months, the usual dose is 25-50 mg/kg body weight per day, in equally divided doses, 6 or 12 hourly. For otitis media due to H. influenzae, 75-100 mg/kg body weight per day in equally divided doses, 6 or 12 hourly is recommended.
Side effects:
Adverse reaction reports are rare but include glossitis, heart burn, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, vaginitis, candidial overgrowth. Skin and hypersensitivity reactions include urticaria, skin rashes and edema. As with other cephalosporins mild transient eosinophilia, leukopenia, neutropenia and pseudomembranous colitis may be reported.