Cefrine (Cefdinir 300mg) Capsules

Cefrine general information

What is Cefrine used for?

Harmful bacteria can invade many parts of the body.  They can multiply rapidly, causing a range of bacterial infections, including superficial skin infections, internal infections of the lungs and respiratory tract, and infections of the genitourinary system.  Most contagious bacterial infections are transmitted by inhaling bacteria when an infected person coughs or sneezes near you, by direct physical contact, or through broken skin or an open wound. 

Often the body’s immune system can prevent a severe bacterial disease from developing. However, if harmful bacteria multiply rapidly and spread, the immune system may be overwhelmed.  This is when antibiotics are needed to prevent a bacterial infection from developing into a serious disease.

Many symptoms of a bacterial infection are caused by the immune system attempting to kill off the invading pathogen.  These include fever, feeling unwell and tired, headache, nausea, inflammation (redness, swelling and pain).  Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, in the armpits and in the groin are further signs that the immune system is actively fighting the infection. 

Cefrine capsules 300mg are a broad-spectrum antibiotic used to treat various mild to moderate common infections caused by a bacteria known to be susceptible to this antibiotic.

Respiratory infections

Cefrine capsules 300mg are used to treat infections of the chest, throat, ear and sinuses. 

Bacterial infections of the upper respiratory tract include pharyngitis, which is inflammation of the pharynx at the back of the throat.  Tonsillitis is infection of the tonsils, which are patches of lymph node tissue at the back of the throat.  These infections are both caused by Streptococcus pyogenes.  Acute maxillary sinusitis, is infection of the sinuses or nasal passages causing inflammation that makes it difficult to breathe.  Otitis media is infection of the middle ear. 

Lower respiratory tract infections include bronchitis (infection of the bronchioles or airways), and Cefrine is used to treat and prevent exacerbations (worsening) of bronchitis.  Pneumonia is an infection of the alveoli (air sacs of the lungs), and Community-Acquired Pneumonia (CAD), particularly in children, is a common respiratory disease that sends people to hospital.  Cefrine capsules 300mg are effective against bacteria known to cause pneumonia, which include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Staphylococcus aureus. 

Skin and soft tissue infections

Cellulitis is an infection that begins when the skin is broken, and therefore, the bacteria can invade the deeper layers of the skin and underlying soft tissue, causing inflammation and swelling, which makes you feel generally unwell.  It can spread rapidly and become life-threatening if not treated.  Impetigo is a superficial skin infection causing sores that usually begin with small blisters that break and weep, and these are very contagious so that the infection is easily spread.  A boil (furunculus) is an infection around a hair follicle that causes a pus-filled swelling; a large boil is called an abscess. 

How does Cefrine work?

Cefrine capsules 300mg contain cefdinir, a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic, belonging to a beta-lactam subgroup of antibiotics (which include penicillins).  Cefrine is used to treat a range of bacterial infections in different parts of the body. 

Cefdinir in Cefrine capsules 300mg works by attaching to the penicillin-binding proteins on the bacterial cell wall.  These proteins are enzymes that are essential for the synthesis of the peptidoglycan component of the bacterial cell wall.  The peptidoglycan layer of the bacterial cell wall is critical to the structural integrity of the bacterial cell.  Cefdinir blocks the formation of the bacterial cell wall in susceptible bacteria and kills the bacteria. 

Unlike other beta-lactam antibiotics like penicillins, cephalosporins are less susceptible to destruction by beta-lactamase that is found in some resistant bacteria.  Cefdinir is not destroyed by bacterial beta-lactamase and is, therefore, active against many ampicillin-resistant or amoxycillin-resistant strains. 

Cefdinir in Cefrine capsules 300mg is effective against a wide range of common bacteria found in general practice and in hospitals including: Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus (including penicillinase-producing strains and non-resistant strains) and Streptococcus pneumoniae (penicillin-susceptible strains only), Haemophilus influenzae; Klebsiella pneumonia, Escherichia coli Moraxella catarrhalis, among others.  

What does Cefrine contain?

Cefrine capsules 300mg contain the active ingredient cefdinir, a cephalosporin antibiotic belonging to a sub group of the beta lactam group of antibiotics, which is used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections.

What are the side effects of Cefrine?

Most medications have some side effects, but they are not experienced by everyone.  Some side effects are commonly experienced when taking Cefrine, but others are not so common, and you should discuss any problems or concerns with your primary care physician. 

Common side effects when taking Cefrine include gastrointestinal upset, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, skin rash, urticaria (hives), genital and anal pruritis (itching).

When should Cefrine not be used?

Have a talk with your primary healthcare physician before taking Cefrine so that you have a full understanding of what this medicine is for and how to use it.  There are some reasons for not taking a medication; these are called contraindications, and for Cefrine you should consider the following before taking Cefrine:

• Have you ever had an unusual reaction or an allergy when taking Cefrine?
• Are you allergic to cefdinir or any other cephalosporin or penicillin antibiotics or any ingredients in Cefrine?
• Are you pregnant or breastfeeding?
• Do you have any problems with your kidneys or your liver?
• Do you have a history of gastrointestinal disease particularly pseudomembranous colitis?

What medications interact with Cefrine?

Some medicines interact with Cefrine and may affect the way it works, or are affected by Cefrine or increase side effects; you should discuss possible interactions with your primary care physician.  These may include probenecid for gout, metformin for diabetes, oral contraceptives, anticoagulants like warfarin, antacids for indigestion (should be taken 2 hours before or after). 

If other medications may interact with Cefrine, your doctor will discuss these with you. 

How should Cefrine be taken and for how long?

You should take your Cefrine capsules 300mg swallowed whole with a glass of water, with or without food, once or twice daily.  The dose you take and how often, depends on what you are being treated for and your doctor’s recommendation.  You should continue to take your Cefrine capsules 300mg for as long as recommended by your doctor, which is usually for7 days or up to 14 days, if needed.  Do not stop taking your Cefrine capsules 300mg until you have finished the complete course of medicine, even if you feel better.  If you stop taking your Cefrine capsules before you have taken all of them as prescribed, the infection may not clear up completely, or your symptoms may return.

Missed dose of Cefrine

If you miss a dose of Cefrine capsules 300mg take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose.  Do not take a double dose.

How should Cefrine be stored?

You should store your Cefrine capsules 300mg below 25°C in a cool dry place.