Penbritin 250mg Capsule 20 'S

About

Penbritin 250mg Capsule 20 'S belongs to a class of drugs called “beta-lactam antibacterials/penicillins” whose working action is categorized as broad-spectrum. Penbritin 250mg Capsule 20 'S is used to treat various bacterial infections, such as chest infections (including pneumonia), urinary tract infections, dental abscesses, ear infections, wound infections, septicemia, bone infections, meningitis. Penbritin 250mg Capsule 20 'S is an antibiotic from the penicillin group of medicines that works by preventing the formation of a key component of the bacterial cell wall, essential for the survival of the bacteria. 

Penbritin 250mg Capsule 20 'S is chemically composed of ampicillin. It is effective against a variety of gram-positive and gram-negative infections. Penbritin 250mg Capsule 20 'S works by targeting bacterial cell walls, leading to bacterial cell death. Dosage of Penbritin 250mg Capsule 20 'S depends on age, body weight, the severity of the condition, patient's response to the medicine, and their comorbidities. 

It is available on prescription in oral capsules, dry injection, and suspension forms in different potencies to be used as per prescription and can be given to children, and adults alike with dosage-dependent upon body weight and severity of infection. Penbritin 250mg Capsule 20 'S is the best-prescribed for the treatment of bacterial infections in patients who are not allergic to Penbritin 250mg Capsule 20 'S or penicillin groups of drugs. Common side effects of this medication are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, oral ulcers, thrush, etc.

Indications

It is used in the treatment of:

• Infections of the respiratory tract (nose, throat, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs)
• ENT (eyes, nose, and throat) infections
• Urinary tract infections
• Skin and soft tissue infections.
• Dental infections (dental abscesses - buildup of pus inside teeth and gums)
• Meningitis 
• Prophylaxis of bacterial endocarditis (bacterial infection of the inner layer of the heart or heart valves)
• Septicemia 
• Pelvic infections
• Post-surgical infections
• Wound infections 

How does Penbritin 250mg Capsule 20 'S work

Penbritin 250mg Capsule 20 'S chemically is composed of Ampicillin which belongs to the penicillin group of medicines that works by preventing the formation of a key constituent of the protective bacterial cell wall, peptidoglycan through Penicillin-binding proteins associated with its formation. The cell wall is essential for the survival and growth of the bacteria thereby, preventing its spread.

How to use Penbritin 250mg Capsule 20 'S

Penbritin 250mg Capsule 20 'S is exclusively used to treat bacterial infections, without any impact on other microbes such as viruses, and fungi. Depending upon your weight, the severity of the infection, and kidney function dose is prescribed by your doctor. Penbritin 250mg Capsule 20 'S must not be used without a doctor’s advice to avoid bacterial resistance.

Dosage Forms

• Capsules

Dosage forms and potencies:

Penbritin 250mg Capsule 20 'S is available as capsules in the following potencies:

• 250 grams    
• 500 grams    

Penbritin 250mg Capsule 20 'S is available in oral capsules to be swallowed as a whole by mouth with a glass of water. For better absorption, it is advised to take Penbritin 250mg Capsule 20 'S on an empty stomach but in case it causes you side effects, you should take it with a meal. Antibiotics are given in divided doses per day at regular intervals of 6 to 12 hours, generally for 7 to 10 days or as advised by your doctor. 

• Injection

Dosage forms and potencies:

A new, sterile syringe/needle must always be used and properly discarded following universal protocol for sharps disposal. Penbritin 250mg Capsule 20 'S is available in the following potencies:

• 250 grams    IM, IV
• 500 grams    IM, IV
• 1 gram          IV
• 2 gram          IV

Penbritin 250mg Capsule 20 'S is available in dry powder packed in a vial, that needs to be reconstituted first into an injectable solution form by adding the prescribed amount of liquid as given on the label. Penbritin 250mg Capsule 20 'S can be given via Intravenous injection (3-5 minutes) or slow infusion over 15 - 20 minutes. Intramuscular injection can also be administered deep into the muscle. Antibiotics are given in divided doses per day at regular intervals of 6 to 12 hours, generally for 7 to 10 days. IV antibiotics should be administered in a healthcare facility or at home if needed and can also be diluted with other injectable solutions matching the compatibility with Penbritin 250mg Capsule 20 'S other than calcium products, such as sodium chloride solution, ringer’s lactate, etc. A healthcare provider can help you maintain an IV line at home for bed-bound patients. Sometimes caregivers can also be taught the technique of administering antibiotics via cannula, alternatively, the preferred way would be for a visiting nurse to be appointed to give you the medication at home. 

Dosage 

Dosage is completely dependent on the weight, age, severity of infection, patient's response to the medicine, and their comorbidities. Your doctor may vary your dosage accordingly.

Adult Dosage

Following doses are commonly prescribed to treat an ongoing infection :

• Throat nose and ear infections 

 Caps: 250 mg, 4 times a day at even intervals

IV/IM: 250 - 500 mg IV/IM every 6 to 8 hours

• Mild Respiratory infections 

Caps:  250 mg, 4 times a day at even intervals

IV/IM: Give 250-500 mg orally, IV, or IM every 6 hours

• Pneumonia

Caps: 500 mg, 4 times a day at even intervals

IV: 500 mg to 1 g, IV every 6 hours.

• Endocarditis Prophylaxis for high-risk patients -

Caps: dose must be decided by your doctor to be given before surgery at least 30 to 60 minutes beforehand

IV/IM: 1 to 2 g IV or 1 g IM at least 1 hour before dental procedure followed by 1 g IV after 6 hours of the procedure with or without gentamicin

• Gastrointestinal Infections 

Caps: 500 to 750 mg, 3 times a day at even intervals

IV/IM: 500 mg IV/IM every 6 hours OR 1 to 2 g IV for severe infections.

• Severe infection 

Caps:  750 to 1 g thrice a day, every 6 - 8 hours, orally

IV (When septicemia is present): 150 to 200 mg/kg/day intravenously every 6 - 8 hours

• Gonorrhea - Sometimes for the treatment of gonorrhea especially in cases of relapse Penbritin 250mg Capsule 20 'S can be given as a one-time high power dose of 3.5 grams co-administered with probenecid (to increase its effectiveness, although its interactions must be considered)

• Listeria Infections - 2 g IV every 4 hours
• Severe Urinary Tract infections - 1 to 2 g IV infusion OR 1 g IM injection every 6 hours

Pediatric Dosage

Penbritin 250mg Capsule 20 'S is prescribed after carefully calculating per patient's weight and severity of ongoing infection. 

• Capsules

Capsules can be given to children 12 years and above :

Children under 20 kg: 50 mg/kg/day orally to be given at regular intervals of 6 to 8 hours

Children over 20 kg: 250 mg orally three times a day, 6 hourly

Children over 40 kg: 500 mg orally, thrice day every 6 to 8 hours

• IV Dose

Children weighing below 40 kgs: 25 - 50 mg/kg IV OR IM every 6 to 8 hours in divided doses

Children weighing 40 kgs and above: 250 to 500 mg IV Or IM every 6 hours

Neonates Dosage

Less than 1 week old:

Babies weighing less than 2 kgs: 50 to 100 mg/kg  IV OR IM every 12 hours in divided doses

Babies weighing less than 2 kgs: 75 to 100 mg/kg every 8 hours

More than 1 week old:

Less than 2 kgs: 50 to 100 mg/kg  IV OR IM every 12 hours in divided doses

More than 2 kgs:  75 to 100 mg/kg  IV OR IM every 6 to 8 hours  in divided doses

Elderly Dosage

Doses must be adjusted keeping in mind comorbidities. Moreover, Penbritin 250mg Capsule 20 'S is excreted mostly by the kidneys, therefore while administering the drug to elderly patients (65 years and above) careful consideration must be given to renal function while deciding upon the dose. 

* NOTE: Doses may vary and can be adjusted if considered appropriate for the given patient or infection. Given above are doses according to the guidelines generally prescribed to treat infections. Always follow the doses advised by your doctor according to your condition

Pregnancy use and lactation

 Penbritin 250mg Capsule 20 'S is classified as a pregnancy category B drug by FDA (meaning no evidence of any risk to the human fetus in controlled animal trials but insufficient data on humans is available). If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or are planning on conceiving a baby, please consult your doctor before using Penbritin 250mg Capsule 20 'S regarding its safe use.

Penbritin 250mg Capsule 20 'S is also secreted in human milk, if you are breastfeeding, please consult your doctor before taking Penbritin 250mg Capsule 20 'S. 

Contraindications

Please tell your doctor if you have a history of any of the following before using Penbritin 250mg Capsule 20 'S:

• Allergy to Penbritin 250mg Capsule 20 'S or other penicillins
• Kidney impairment
• Severe liver disease
• History of Penbritin 250mg Capsule 20 'S associated or penicillin associated jaundice or hepatic (liver) dysfunction.
• Infectious mononucleosis (glandular fever caused by EBV virus).
• If you have recently had, or are about to have, any vaccinations as it may decrease the effectiveness of the vaccine.
• Hereditary phenylketonuria (The liquid form is not suitable as it may contain aspartame which may be harmful to you)
• Immunizations /live bacterial vaccines such as Typhoid vaccine
• Patients with drug resistance to Penicillins

Precautions

Please tell your doctor about any of the following conditions before using Penbritin 250mg Capsule 20 'S:

• History of allergy to antibiotics and drugs
• Mild to moderate liver impairment
• Mild to moderate kidney impairment
• Conditions such as mononucleosis caused by EBV or leukemia, affecting the lymphoid gland, there is a risk of having toxic reactions in such patients. Report to your doctor if you notice a rash on the skin, pruritus, or any unusual symptom
• Long-term use of Penbritin 250mg Capsule 20 'S can put you at risk of developing inflammation of the intestine (Pseudomembranous colitis). If you experience unusual diarrhea or prolonged diarrhea with Penbritin 250mg Capsule 20 'S, report to your doctor immediately
• There can be a superimposed infection with opportunistic microbes, consult your doctor if you notice an increased or an unusual infection in your body 
• Neonates must be monitored carefully for jaundiced appearance other than physiological jaundice. Penbritin 250mg Capsule 20 'S has the potential to raise blood bilirubin levels
• It is a good approach to regularly monitor kidney, liver, and blood cell function and bilirubin if you are on a long-term prescription with Penbritin 250mg Capsule 20 'S
• In case of moderate to severe infections, avoid getting vaccine shots till you have completed the antibiotic cover to avoid unpleasant results
• Clostridium Difficile associated diarrhea can occur with the use of certain antibiotics. Immediately contact tor doctor
• While having lab work done on blood, always tell the laboratory personnel about current drugs that you are taking since it can affect the results, like glucose tests, LFTs, clotting time, etc
• There is a likelihood of developing antibiotic resistance with improper use, make sure you complete the entire course even if you feel better 

Interaction with other medications

Certain medications could interact with Penbritin 250mg Capsule 20 'S, hence, in that case, your doctor might alter your dosage, so please inform your doctor about the use of the following before taking Penbritin 250mg Capsule 20 'S:

• Anticoagulants such as warfarin
• Sulphonamides 
• Acetylsalicylic acid
• Allopurinol (used to treat gout)
• Tetracyclines, doxycycline
• Methotrexate (used to treat cancer or rheumatic diseases)
• Other antibiotics
• Vaccines (BCG, Typhoid, cholera)
• Thiazide diuretics 
• Erythromycin 

Adverse effects

Like most medicines, Penbritin 250mg Capsule 20 'S has some side effects which include:

Common Side Effects

• Phlebitis 
• Nausea 
• Diarrhea 
• Abdominal pain
• Skin rash
• Pruritus

Serious Side Effects

• Hypersensitivity/allergic skin reactions
• Hepatitis (inflamed or infected liver)
• Hematological (blood-related) - affects blood cells
• CNS effects
• Pseudomembranous colitis (inflamed large intestine)
• Oral ulcers 
• Agranulocytosis/ hemolytic anemia
• Increased INR 
• Bruising or skin discoloration
• Crystal formation in the skin 
• Glossitis 
• Thrombocytopenia purpura 

How to cope with some of the adverse effects

• Nausea (feeling sick) - Take Penbritin 250mg Capsule 20 'S with meals to avoid feeling sick.
• Vomiting/Diarrhea - Keep yourself hydrated by having lots of fluids and if the problem persists, consult your doctor before taking any medication for vomiting and diarrhea
• Skin Rash - This can be eased by applying soothing and healing lotions or creams such as calamine lotion/cream. Apply a cold compress to the rash to help reduce itchiness and redness caused by the rash. Antihistamine (prescribed by a doctor) is also recommended as an effective way to combat any skin rash.
• Oral Thrush - Thia can develop in cases of prolonged antibiotic therapy, consult your doctor if this happens. Usually, patients are advised to swish and spit through their oral cavities with dispersible antifungal tablets or drops/ mouthwash as prescribed by a doctor, at least twice daily after ingesting Penbritin 250mg Capsule 20 'S
• Flatulence - Can be eased by consuming smaller, more frequent meals that don't trigger your flatulence. Getting a minimum of 30 minutes of daily exercise has shown great results in combating flatulence. 
• Heartburn - can be dealt with by chewing on mint-flavored gum that’ll help neutralize the acid in the body. Standing up straighter, adding ginger to the daily diet, elevating the patient’s upper body, and having licorice supplements has shown to provide relief.

FAQ's

#1. What Exactly Does Penbritin 250mg Capsule 20 'S Do?

Penbritin 250mg Capsule 20 'S is an antibiotic from the penicillin group of medicines that works by preventing the formation of the protective bacterial wall, essential for the survival of the bacteria, 

#2. How Long Does It Take For  Penbritin 250mg Capsule 20 'S To Start Working?

Antibiotics start working almost immediately. It takes around an hour for Penbritin 250mg Capsule 20 'S to start working in your body. However, you will feel symptom relief and show improvement within 1-3 days of taking Penbritin 250mg Capsule 20 'S.

#3. For How Long Will I Have To Take Penbritin 250mg Capsule 20 'S?

The duration for using Penbritin 250mg Capsule 20 'S depends on the type and severity of the infection. You will probably be prescribed to take it for 5-14 days. If you do not feel better after completing your course of medicine, or if you feel worse at any time, contact your doctor.

#4. Can I Stop Taking Penbritin 250mg Capsule 20 'S?

Do not just stop taking the medicine, make sure to complete your treatment course even if you feel better. Stopping it suddenly may cause the bacteria to start multiplying again and the infection could come back. The bacteria could also develop resistance to the antibiotic which will make it ineffective in the future.

#5. Can I Drink Alcohol With Penbritin 250mg Capsule 20 'S?

Consuming alcohol when taking Penbritin 250mg Capsule 20 'S is not known to cause any problems. However, it is a good practice to avoid consuming it simultaneously 

#6. What If I Take Too Much Of Penbritin 250mg Capsule 20 'S?

If you have taken one extra dose of Penbritin 250mg Capsule 20 'S it is unlikely to harm you. Side effects of taking Penbritin 250mg Capsule 20 'S more than the prescribed dose are upset stomach, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, severe abdominal pain, or increased sweating. Contact your doctor immediately if you have taken 2 or more doses and experience serious symptoms. 

#7. What If I Forget To Take Penbritin 250mg Capsule 20 'S?

In case you miss a dose, take your next dose on time, and do not try making up for the missed dose by doubling it up. If it helps to remind you, set an alarm, mobile phone application, or a pill organizer, so you do not miss any dose. Make sure to complete your course of treatment even if you feel better and think you do not need to take it anymore.

#8. Can I Take Penbritin 250mg Capsule 20 'S During Pregnancy Or Breastfeeding?

It is generally considered safe but if you are pregnant, or are planning to conceive a baby, please consult your doctor before using Penbritin 250mg Capsule 20 'S. If you are breastfeeding, please consult your doctor before taking Penbritin 250mg Capsule 20 'S.

#9. Is It Safe To Use Penbritin 250mg Capsule 20 'S For A Long Term?

Penbritin 250mg Capsule 20 'S is usually generally recommended for 5-14 days, therefore, do not take it for any longer than the prescribed period. 

#10. What If Penbritin 250mg Capsule 20 'S Gives Me Thrush?

At times people develop a fungal infection called thrush after taking a course of antibiotics like Penbritin 250mg Capsule 20 'S. This is because antibiotics kill the normal harmless bacteria that help to protect you against such infections to allow opportunistic microbes to show overgrowth. Antifungal rinses prescribed by the doctor will help treat this

#11. Can I Drive Or Ride A Bike After Taking Penbritin 250mg Capsule 20 'S?

Penbritin 250mg Capsule 20 'S shouldn't affect your being able to drive or ride a bike. If you experience dizziness kindly avoid such activities

#12. How Should Penbritin 250mg Capsule 20 'S Be Stored?

Keep the medicine tightly closed in the packet it came in. Store it at room temperature, away from excess heat and moisture. Make sure it is not consumed by pets, children, and other people. Dispose of the unused medicine

#13. Will I have to undergo any tests?

Culture and sensitivity tests may also be prescribed to check the response to treatment. In case long-term antibiotics are prescribed for creatinine clearance, LFTs must also be checked.