The use of antibiotics in children often raises questions from parents. However, new generation drugs, such as "Suprax", practically do not harm, but help the child's body to cope with formidable infections. The main thing is to follow the instructions and recommendations of the doctor exactly.
Release form
"Suprax" is produced in several formats: capsules of 400 mg, granules for suspension preparation, and dispersible, that is, soluble tablets "Suprax Solutab". Previously, 200 mg capsules were produced, but they are now discontinued. Regardless of what form of medicine is used for treatment, "Suprax" and "Suprax Solutab" are always taken orally, that is, through the mouth.
Granules look like small-diameter balls of white or pale beige color. In production, capsules are packaged in vials. The box also contains a syringe or measuring spoon to measure the required amount of water. A suspension is prepared at home according to the instructions for using the drug. Dissolving in water, the granules turn into a suspension - a suspension of fine solid particles that smells like strawberries. This special baby form "Suprax" is very convenient for young children who cannot swallow tablets and capsules.
A pleasant taste and smell, combined with a neutral color and a familiar texture, similar to puree or cottage cheese, does not cause a negative emotional reaction to the medicine in babies.
Each bottle contains about 35 grams of granules, which, after contact with water, turn into a suspension with a concentration of the main active ingredient of 100 mg per 5 ml.
Sometimes granules are confused with capsules, but it is important for parents to remember that these are different forms of drug release. In capsules, the content of the active substance is higher, so they have age restrictions for use.
A ready-made suspension is also not produced, therefore, when purchasing a medicine at a pharmacy, you need to be careful.
Composition
The dosage of the drug is of great importance in the treatment of children, since "Suprax" belongs to the 3rd generation cephalosporin antibiotics. The main active ingredient of the drug is the antibiotic cefexim, which is contained in the drug not in pure form, but in the compound. So the main component is able to remain in the stomach.
In 35 grams of granules in one bottle, the content of cefixime trihydrate is 1.4 grams. When water is added, a suspension is obtained with a concentration of the main component of 100 mg per 5 ml.
Recently, many parents have been negative about antibiotic treatment for children. This makes some sense, since these substances have side effects that can harm a developing body.
However, not all so simple. Antibiotics, invented at the beginning of the 20th century, revolutionized medicine, simultaneously increasing its ability to treat a variety of diseases. Previously, diseases such as pneumonia, peritonitis, any acute inflammation, including purulent wounds, were actually fatal, since only the strongest people survived. As a result of epidemics of plague, typhus, cholera, entire cities died out.
Just remember the Spanish flu pandemic, the common flu, which killed 5% of the world's population. But after the invention of penicillin, which became the first of this group of drugs, doctors literally began to work miracles, curing seemingly hopeless patients.
Later, doctors noticed that the widely used antibiotics helped less and less, but the next generation drugs appeared, and again everything repeated from the beginning: high efficiency was replaced by an almost complete lack of effect. Scientists have found that bacteria and viruses are able to adapt to the action of antibiotics, becoming resistant to them, producing special substances - beta-lactamase. This means that antibiotics are not omnipotent.
But science does not stand still. Scientists around the world are constantly working on new drugs that can fight diseases. One of these substances is cefexim, the action of which overcomes the protection of beta-lactamases. At the same time, the possible negative consequences of treatment are minimized.
In addition to the main one, Suprax granules also contain auxiliary substances. These are xanthan gum, sodium benzoate, strawberry flavor, and sucrose. If the purpose of the last two components does not need to be explained, then what the other two are for requires clarification. Xanthan gum is a naturally occurring chemical compound made up of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. This substance is often used as a food additive, in particular, a thickener to help create a homogeneous mass. It is this function that is assigned to him in the Suprax granules.
Sodium benzoate, despite the consonant name, is not related to gasoline. This is a salt of an acid that was discovered back in 1875 as a substitute for salicylic acid, the active substance of ordinary aspirin. The Suprax granules use the ability of this substance to suppress pathogenic fungi. Studies carried out, including under the auspices of the World Health Organization, show it relative harmlessness when used in pharmacological doses.
Operating principle
Cefixime is a broad-spectrum antibiotic. This means that when it enters the body and interacts with harmful bacteria and viruses, the drug does not act selectively, destroying a certain type of pathogens, but affects a large number of microorganisms, including such common ones as staphylococci, citrobacters, Morgan bacteria, salmonella, proteus vulgaris ...
Cefixime inhibits the synthesis of the cell wall of bacteria, thereby preventing them from multiplying, which leads to a gradual reduction of their colonies and death. At the same time, it is resistant to beta-lactamases - protective substances that bacteria secrete, protecting themselves from antibiotics.
Research shows that the bioavailability of the substance, that is, the percentage that is absorbed by the body upon administration reaches 50%. This is a very high rate for antibiotics. In addition, absorption is not affected by the meal interval. The main part of the drug is excreted from the body during the day with urine, partly with bile.
Indications
The bactericidal effect of Suprax makes the medicine a reliable tool for treating inflammation. In ENT practice, the suspension is used for tonsillitis - inflammation of the tonsils, pharyngitis - pharynx, sinusitis - paranasal paranasal sinuses, as well as otitis media - middle ear and other inflammation of the upper and lower respiratory tract - bronchitis, laryngitis, tracheitis.
Angina is also an indication for treatment with "Suprax", as acute tonsillitis is most often called. Most often, this disease, manifested in inflammation of the tonsils and other parts of the palatine ring, is caused by staphylococci or streptococci. But not every reddening of the throat is a sore throat and requires the use of an antibiotic, especially such a powerful one as Suprax.
To avoid the development of resistance, i.e. resistance to antibiotics, parents need to be very balanced in their use in the treatment of children. Do not give drugs of this group to children without a doctor's prescription.
At the same time, if the doctor recommends antibiotic treatment, then you do not need to give it up or delay the start of taking it. This can make the child's condition worse.
The "Supradex" suspension is also used to relieve inflammatory processes of the urinary system - cystitis, urethritis.
At what age is it prescribed?
Suspension "Suprax" is approved for use in infants from 6 months. The instructions for use do not contain more precise parameters, however, it indicates that in children under six months, the Suprax suspension can be used strictly and exclusively for the intended purpose and under the supervision of the attending physician and only if it cannot be replaced with another drug.
From 6 months to 12 years, a suspension is recommended, for children over 12 years old - tablets and capsules. The fact is that it is the suspension that contains the optimal concentration of the active substance for young children, has a pleasant smell and taste and is easy to swallow. For older children, it will be necessary to take too much suspension.
Contraindications
Instructions for the use of granules for the preparation of the Suprax suspension contains a list of cases when the use of the drug for the treatment of children is contraindicated. Firstly, this is a previously identified increased individual sensitivity or intolerance to the main or auxiliary components of the drug. Most often, in practice, it is antibiotic intolerance that occurs, since other components are relatively harmless.
If intolerance manifests itself, then taking the medication should be urgently stopped and the attending physician should be informed about this, who will give recommendations on further actions. There is no need to continue taking, expecting that the child's body "gets used" to the medicine.
The second case when taking the Suprax suspension is not recommended is a serious impairment of renal function. This is due to the fact that the drug is excreted from the body through the urinary system, and the kidneys thus take on an additional load.
If a doctor prescribes this drug for a child, tell him about the illness. The specialist will make the final decision on the use of the medicine only on the basis of complete information about the child's health, guided by the principle that the medicine used for treatment should bring more benefits than harm.
With caution, carefully weighing the possible consequences, the Suprax suspension is prescribed for children suffering from chronic renal failure, as well as with a disease such as pseudomembranous colitis, including a history. The fact is that this acute intestinal inflammation sometimes occurs while taking antibiotics or other medications.
Side effects
During treatment with "Suprax", children may experience unwanted side effects associated with the effect of the drug on the body.
The most common side effects associated with the gastrointestinal tract. Their manifestations are varied - from decreased or loss of appetite and dry mouth to pain, bloating, stool disorders and dysbiosis. There are cases of violations of the functional state of the liver, jaundice, pseudomembrane colitis. Some children develop stomatitis.
The central nervous system can also respond to medication. The child may complain of dizziness, tinnitus, and seizures may occur. Allergic reactions often appear on the skin in the form of a rash, redness, itching. Edema of soft tissues is possible, including in the area of the external genital organs and the face, up to Quincke's edema.
Various abnormalities can be detected by clinical blood tests. These are some types of anemia, including hemolytic, a decrease in the number of leukocytes in the blood, destruction of red blood cells, and others.
But if a doctor can see abnormalities in blood tests, then the remaining symptoms are most likely to be noticed by parents first. It is especially important to be attentive to the state and behavior of young children and babies, who cannot themselves say about the disturbing manifestations.
So, if a child cries for no reason, often wakes up at night, and is capricious during the day, refuses to take the usual food, then this should be reported to the attending physician. Perhaps the baby signals the behavior of a worsening condition associated with a side effect of the drug.
The decision to cancel treatment, replace Suprax with another drug, prescribe symptomatic treatment is made by the doctor. You do not need to cancel the appointment yourself, this may harm the result of treatment.
Instructions for use
Since the "Suprax" suspension is prepared from granules at home, you must first dilute it, following the manufacturer's instructions for use. Each package with granules must include a special syringe for adding water or a measuring spoon. Don't ignore them by adding water to the eye... One teaspoon of water corresponds to approximately 5 ml.
But the key word here is approximately, while to prepare the Suprax suspension, you need to measure a certain volume of liquid so that the concentration of the active substance in the resulting suspension reaches the optimal concentration for treating a child.
First of all, you need to prepare the water. To do this, draw 40 ml of warm boiled water into a pre-washed syringe or measuring spoon. It is important to try to measure the volume of water as accurately as possible, drain the excess, and add if there is a shortage. Use room temperature water for better dissolution.
Next, shake the bottle with granules properly to avoid sticking to each other. If the granules stick together, it will prevent them from dissolving in the water. Then the original packaging is opened and 20 ml of water is added, the bottle is closed, shaken, stirring the contents. Then add the remaining water and repeat the procedure.
As a result of shaking, foam forms in the bottle, so it must be placed on a horizontal surface and wait a few minutes for it to settle. After that, you need to make sure that the level of the liquid in the vial is at the level indicated by the arrow. If there is not enough liquid, you need to carefully add it, bringing the level to the arrow, and then shake well again. The suspension is ready.
Remember to close the bottle and place it in a dark place where the child cannot get the medicine.
The dosage of the drug depends on the age and weight of the child. Only a doctor can calculate the dose most accurately. In the instructions for use, the manufacturer indicates the usual doses of the drug. So, for children under 6 months, the volume of the suspension that must be taken during the day is calculated by the formula: 8 mg of the suspension for each full kilogram of weight. This volume is divided into 2 doses. This is how a single dose of the drug is obtained.
It is important that equal intervals of time pass between receptions. In order not to have to wake up the child during sleep, you need to calculate the moment of the first appointment.
Children under one year old are usually prescribed 50–70 mg of the active ingredient, which corresponds to 2.5–4 ml of suspension per day. Children under 4 years old need to take 5 ml of suspension, this is 100 mg of active ingredient. Older children - from 5 to 11 years old, are given 6-10 ml of suspension.
These dosages are for children with a normal weight-to-age ratio. But for more accurate dosages, you can use the table:
It is also necessary to measure the volume of the suspension for a single dose by the child using a measuring syringe or spoon. Moreover, when using a syringe, the accuracy will be higher. After use, these accessories should be rinsed with warm water and wiped with a clean dry cloth.
A child over 12 years old should receive the adult dosage of the medication, preferably in capsules or tablets.
The duration of treatment with "Suprax" is from 7 to 10 days as prescribed by a doctor. Do not exceed the recommended course duration, as this can lead to undesirable consequences, including dysbiosis.To prevent its appearance, as a rule, probiotics are prescribed simultaneously with the intake of antibiotics - preparations containing live microorganisms that make up for the deficit of their own in the intestine.
Overdose
If you strictly follow the instructions for using the drug, then an overdose of the drug cannot be tolerated. It can occur only if the child accidentally receives a large number of granules or the volume of the finished suspension.
Symptoms of an overdose of "Suprax" are the same as with side effects, but in a more pronounced form, including from the gastrointestinal tract.
If the parents are sure that the child has taken the drug in a dosage greater than that recommended by the doctor, an urgent need to give him a gastric lavage, calculating the amount of fluid depending on the child's age. A weak solution of potassium permanganate is used for washing. After that, the child needs to be given a sorbent, preferably "Smecta" or "Enterosgel", but if these drugs are not available, then activated charcoal or any other. Gastric lavage is effective only in the first two hours after taking the pills.
In case of an overdose, it is imperative to seek emergency medical help to avoid complications.
Interaction with other drugs
Suprax is capable of influencing a wide range of drugs if concurrent treatment is prescribed. This must be taken into account when using the medication, including in children. So, if you give children a suspension and diuretics, as well as antibiotics of the penicillin series, then the concentration of cefexim in the blood may increase.
Do not combine the reception of "Suprax" with antacids (against heartburn) and absorbent drugs, as this reduces its concentration and, consequently, the effectiveness of treatment.
Terms of sale and storage
In Russian pharmacies, Suprax granules can be purchased strictly according to a doctor's prescription. It is strictly forbidden to use the medicine without a doctor's prescription.
At home, until the suspension is prepared, the granules are stored in an unopened bottle in a dry and dark place at room temperature. It is not allowed to heat the bottle above +25 C.
It is important that the medicine is kept out of the reach of children.
The shelf life of an unopened bottle is 3 years if the conditions are met. The release date of the drug is indicated on the package.
The finished suspension should be stored in a closed bottle at room temperature. You don't need to put the bottle in the refrigerator. If the slurry freezes, it is no longer usable. Throw it away. The shelf life of the finished suspension is no more than 14 days.
Reviews
Parents call "Suprex" an effective drug that can get a child back on his feet in just a few days.
With complicated ARVI, treatment usually lasts about 5 days. During this time, all symptoms of the disease usually go away, breathing becomes clear, cough is insignificant. No side effects, including from the gastrointestinal tract, are noted by the parents.
Many mothers like that they only need to dilute the suspension once, and then use the ready-made one.
Some parents point out that "Suprax" is excellent for treating bronchitis, and when another antibiotic is not helpful. Recovery in this case is not quick, but after a few days of administration, relief usually comes. The course of treatment is usually 5 days. During the intake, the child may have loose stools, which disappear after taking the probiotic.
Reviews of doctors also speak about the effectiveness of "Suprex". Laura often prescribes this drug because it is easy for children to take. In addition, allergic reactions are quite rare, and the effectiveness of the drug is high.
Analogs
In pharmaceuticals, two types of possible analogs of any drug are distinguished - by the active substance and by the therapeutic effect. If the drugs have the same active substance, then their effect on the body is virtually identical, regardless of what trade mark, brand or name they are produced under.
Analogues of "Suprax" are such drugs as "Cefixim", "Ixim Lupine", "Pancef" and "Cefspan". For example, "Ixim Lupine" is produced in India in the form of a powder for preparing a suspension and is approved for use in children from 6 months. "Cefpan" is also presented in the form of a suspension, the manufacturer is a Macedonian company.
According to the therapeutic effect, the closest substitutes for "Suprax" are drugs, the action of which is based on another main component, but also included in the group of cephalosporins. The list of such drugs is quite wide, we will name only a few of them: "Azaran", "Kenfoteks", "Liforan", "Medaxon", "Roceferin", "Tsifosin".
Note that all of these drugs are sold in powder form for injection. In general, cefexim is the first of the antibiotics of its group allowed for oral administration. Therefore, the drug has an advantage when used to treat children. In addition, granules and powders may contain auxiliary substances that differ from those contained in "Suprax". This must also be taken into account when choosing a replacement for the drug.
The average price of Suprax granules in Moscow is 670-700 rubles. For comparison, "Pancef" costs about 300, "Ixim Lupine" - about 500 rubles.
Doctor Komarovsky will tell you when antibiotics are needed in the next video.
