What is the drug "Macropen"? An analogue of this tool, its release form, methods of application, indications, side effects and contraindications will be presented below. We will also tell you what patients say about this medicine and whether it can be taken by children.
Composition, packaging, form
The drug "Macropen" (an analogue of the agent will be indicated later) is available in two different forms. Let's consider them in more detail.
- Granules intended for suspension (to be taken orally). The preparation does not contain visible impurities, has an orange color and a light aroma of banana. The active substance of this form is midecamycin acetate. The medication also includes auxiliary elements such as methyl parahydroxybenzoate, mannitol, propyl parahydroxybenzoate, sodium saccharinate, citric acid, antifoam silicone, anhydrous sodium hydrogen phosphate, hypromellose, banana flavor and yellow dye. The medicine is contained in dark glass vials. They are placed in a pack of cardboard and have a dosage spoon in the kit.
- Tablets "Macropen". The instruction states that this form of the drug has a white color, a round and slightly biconvex shape with beveled edges. There is a notch on one side of the tablets. The active element of such a drug is midecamycin. As excipients, potassium polacryline, microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate and talc are used. This form of the drug "Macropen", its analogue (such as "Azithromycin") are sold in blisters that are placed in packs of cardboard.
Pharmacodynamic properties of the drug
The presented analogue of the drug "Macropen" and the agent itself are antibiotics. They belong to the macrolide group.
The principle of action of such a drug is that it inhibits the synthesis of proteins in bacterial cells, exerting a bacteriostatic effect in small doses, and bactericidal in large doses.
High therapeutic efficacy of this drug was noted in relation to such gram-positive bacteria as staphylococci, clostridia, corynebacterium listeria and streptococcus, as well as gram-negative bacteria, campylobacter, helicobacter, hemophilus bacillus, moraxella.
In addition, the drug "Macropen", its analogue is often prescribed in the presence of the following intracellular microorganisms: ureaplasma, chlamydia, mycoplasma.
Pharmacokinetics of the drug
How long is Macropen absorbed? The instruction says that after taking the medication inside, it is completely and fairly quickly absorbed from the digestive tract.
The highest concentration of a drug substance in serum is observed after 1–2 hours. At the same level, it persists up to 6 hours.
Simultaneous eating does not affect the absorption of the drug, nor does it reduce its concentration in the blood. In this regard, it is recommended to take this drug before meals.
The maximum amount of the drug is found in the parotid gland, lungs and skin. The metabolism of the drug occurs in the liver. It is excreted along with bile and through the kidneys.
Indications for use of tablets and suspensions
Why is Macropen prescribed? Analogs are cheaper and more expensive, as well as the drug itself is effective against infections that are caused by microorganisms that are sensitive to the active substance:
- infections of the genitourinary system (e.g., mycoplasma, ureaplasma, chlamydia);
- respiratory infections (pneumonia, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, sinusitis, otitis media, bronchitis);
- infections of the skin and mucous membranes;
- whooping cough and diphtheria;
- enteritis that were caused by campylobacter.
It should also be noted that this drug can be prescribed for the treatment of patients who do not tolerate antibiotics of the penicillin series.
Contraindications
Foreign and domestic analogues of Macropen, as well as the drug itself, are not recommended for use with:
- sensitivity to midecamycin;
- severe liver failure;
- under the age of three years (only for tablets).
Methods of use and dosage of tablets
How should I use the drug "Macropen" (analogues)? Instructions for use inform patients that a medication in the form of tablets is prescribed every 8 hours.
For children weighing more than 30 kg, as well as adults, the drug is recommended to take 400 mg three times a day. The highest daily dose for adults is 1600 mg.
A child weighing less than 30 kg is prescribed 20–40 mg per kg. In this case, the daily dose of the drug is divided into 3 times. In severe infections, the indicated amount of the drug can be increased to 50 mg per kg.
Method of application and dosage of suspension
How to take Macropen suspension? Analogs (for children) and the product itself are dissolved with ordinary water. This form is prescribed depending on the weight of the child. The drug is taken twice a day.
- with a weight of 0-5 kg - about 3.75 ml of the finished solution;
- with a weight of 5-10 kg - about 7.5 ml;
- with a weight of 10-15 kg - about 10 ml;
- with a weight of 15-20 kg - about 15 ml;
- with a weight of 20-25 kg — about 22.5 ml.
The use of the drug in childhood
In pediatrics, the drug in question is considered the most effective and safe. Doctors almost never encounter side effects.
The drug "Macropen" very rarely contributes to the occurrence of dysbiosis, which is quite common in the appointment of other antibiotic agents.
When treating with Macropen, children are not prescribed additional antifungal medications.
This product for children is available in a special form (in granules). The finished suspension has a pretty good taste. In this regard, during the treatment of small patients, they never have any problems with taking the medicine.
It should also be noted that there are a fairly large number of positive reviews from parents who claim that the therapeutic effect of this drug remains always high, even in cases where other penicillin-type antibiotics are powerless.
Side effects after taking
Reception of the drug in question rarely causes adverse reactions. However, in some cases, this drug can still contribute to the appearance of the following deviations:
- From the digestive tract: stomatitis, decreased appetite, vomiting, jaundice, nausea, a feeling of heaviness in the stomach, increased liver transaminases, prolonged and severe diarrhea (with pseudomembranous colitis).
- Allergic reactions: bronchospasm, skin rash, itching on the skin, urticaria and eosinophilia.
- Others: lethargy and weakness.
Drug interaction
At the same time taking the medicine with "Carbamazepine" its transformation in the liver decreases and the concentration in the blood rises. This combination of drugs increases the risk of toxic effects of the latter (ataxia, urinary retention, convulsions).
When taking the medication with “Warfarin”, the risk of bleeding increases, with “Ergotamine” and “Ergometrin”, peripheral vascular spasms are observed (ischemia and gangrene of the extremities are possible), and with “Cyclosporine” the risk of nephrotoxicity increases.
Special instructions for taking the drug
According to the attached instructions, the tool in question has the following features:
- As during the use of other antimicrobials, with prolonged treatment with Macropen, the patient may develop bacteria resistant to the drug.
- If taking the medicine causes prolonged diarrhea, then this indicates the development of pseudomembranous colitis.
- During long-term therapy, it is necessary to control the activity of liver enzymes. This is especially true for patients with impaired functioning of this body.
- A substance such as mannitol (found in granules) can cause diarrhea.
- If you are allergic to acetylsalicylic acid, the yellow dye, which is part of the drug, can provoke allergic reactions (for example, bronchospasm).
The drug "Macropen": analogues of drugs and their prices
Currently, analogues of the active substance of the drug in question do not exist. As for the drugs belonging to the same pharmacological group (macrolides of the 2nd generation), among them the following medicines can be noted: Azithromycin, Clarithromycin, and Josamycin. They are also used for bacterial infections. But before using these antibiotics to treat children and adults, it is necessary to consult a therapist or pediatrician, as they may have completely different methods of administration, dosage and side effects.
The price of tablets and Macropen suspensions (analogues, reviews of the drug are discussed in this article) is 270-360 rubles. If this antibiotic cost is too high, we recommend replacing it with Azithromycin. Its price is only 85-100 rubles.
As for drugs such as "Clarithromycin" and "Josamycin", then their cost is higher than the original (starting from 380 rubles).
Patient Reviews
Reviews about the drug "Macropen" are mostly positive. Most of them were left by patients after applying the drug for sinusitis.
In many cases, the high effectiveness of the medication is observed only with its timely appointment. If you take the drug as indicated in the instructions (duration of therapy is 1-2 weeks), then the patients' condition improves quite quickly. As a rule, with such treatment, patients do not need puncture. It is very important to complete the entire course of therapy. Otherwise, the infection may become chronic.
It should also be noted that there are a huge number of reviews about taking the suspension (for young children). In most cases, parents are satisfied with the results of treatment. According to them, the drug quickly helps with coughing, including with prolonged coughing.
In rare cases, probiotics such as Bactisubtil and Linex are also given to prevent diarrhea in the baby.
While taking the medication in question, some parents note the following side effects in children: lethargy, nausea, and vomiting. In such cases, the drug is canceled and replaced by a safer analogue.