Altacef Suspension

Composition of Altacef Suspension

Altacef Suspension contains Cefuroxime (125mg). It belongs to the Cephalosporin class of medicines.

Uses of Altacef Suspension

Treatment of Bacterial infections

Key benefits

• In Treatment of Bacterial infections Altacef Suspension is a versatile antibiotic medicine that kills the infection-causing bacteria in your body. This medicine is used to treat many different types of infections such as those of the lungs (pneumonia)
• ear
• abdomen
• urinary tract
• bones
• joints
• skin and soft tissues. This medicine usually makes you feel better within a few days
• but you should continue taking it as prescribed even when you feel better. Stopping it early may make the infection come back and harder to treat.

How Altacef Suspension works

Altacef Suspension is an antibiotic. It works by preventing the formation of the bacterial protective covering (cell wall) which is essential for the survival of the bacteria. By doing so, this medicine stops the infection-causing bacteria from growing further and prevents the infection from spreading without making them resistant to further treatment.

How to take Altacef Suspension

Shake the bottle well before each dose and measure it with the cup, spoon or dropper supplied — a kitchen spoon is not an accurate measure. Take it with or just after food. Follow the dose and the duration written on your prescription.

Take it exactly as your doctor prescribed. Do not change the dose or stop early on your own.

Missed dose and overdose

If you miss a dose

Take it as soon as you remember. If your next dose is almost due, skip the one you missed — never take two doses together to catch up.

If you take too much

An overdose of this medicine can cause vomiting, severe loose motions and, rarely, fits. Do not wait for symptoms to appear — go to the nearest emergency department and take the pack or strip with you.

Side effects of Altacef Suspension

Most side effects of Altacef are mild and settle as the body adjusts. Reported side effects include:

• Altacef Suspension does not pose serious side effects and is well-tolerated by children. In case the side effects do occur
• they’re likely to subside once the body adapts to the medicine. Consult your child’s doctor if these side effects persist or bother your child. The most common side effects include-

Stop the medicine and seek help immediately for a rash, swelling of the face or lips, wheezing or difficulty breathing. Tell your doctor about any side effect that persists or worries you.

Safety advice for Altacef Suspension

Warnings and precautions

Finish the whole course even after you feel better — stopping early breeds resistant bacteria. Tell your doctor if you have ever had a severe reaction to penicillin; a small proportion of people react to both groups. Report severe or watery loose motions during or after the course rather than treating them yourself. Several medicines in this group are on Schedule H1 precisely because overuse drives antibiotic resistance. Take it only when a doctor has prescribed it for you.

Do not take Altacef if

Not for anyone with a known allergy to this medicine or to any ingredient in the pack. Not for anyone with a known allergy to cephalosporin antibiotics.

Interactions with other medicines

Antacids, iron and zinc reduce absorption — separate them by a couple of hours. Tell your doctor if you take a blood thinner.

How to store Altacef Suspension

Store below 30°C, away from direct sunlight. Do not freeze. Once opened, use it within the period printed on the pack. Keep out of the reach of children.

Expert advice for Altacef Suspension

Encourage your child to drink plenty of water in case diarrhea develops as a side effect. Your child must complete the entire course of antibiotics. Stopping too soon may cause the bacteria to multiply again, become resistant, or cause another infection. Conditions like common cold and flu are caused by viruses. This medicine is not to be taken in such cases. Only give Altacef Suspension to your child for their current infection. Never save medicine for future illnesses. Discontinue giving Altacef Suspension and consult the doctor immediately in case your child develops an itchy rash, facial swelling, or breathing difficulties while taking this medicine. Your doctor has prescribed Altacef Suspension to cure your infection and improve your symptoms. Do not skip any doses and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better. Stopping it early may make the infection come back and harder to treat. Take it with food to avoid an upset stomach. Diarrhea may occur as a side effect but should stop when your course is complete. Inform your doctor if it does not stop or if you find blood in your stools. Avoid consuming alcohol while taking Altacef Suspension as it may cause increased side effects. Discontinue Altacef Suspension and inform your doctor immediately if you get a rash, itchy skin, swelling of face and mouth, or have difficulty in breathing.

Manufacturer and class

Manufacturer:

GLENMARK PHARMACEUTICALS

Therapeutic class:

ANTI INFECTIVES

Drug class:

Cephalosporin

Chemical class:

Intermediate spectrum {Second generation cephalosporins}