Once the development of the simplest penicillin became a panacea for a number of diseases of a bacterial nature, from which people in most cases died. Since then, mankind has stepped into another millennium and has developed a number of medical antibacterial drugs, both of a wide spectrum of action and sensitive to any specific strain of microorganisms. One such tool is Arlet. Instructions for use of this medication contain complete information about all its properties.
The composition of the antibacterial agent
The main components are amoxicillin trihydrate (in terms of amoxicillin possible volumes of 250, 500, 875 mg) and potassium clavulanate (volume - 125 mg in terms of clavulanic acid). The first component is related to penicillin from a number of semi-synthetic, characterized by a wide field of antibacterial activity. The second main component of the drug is an irreversible beta-lactamase inhibitor.
In addition, there are a number of auxiliary components included in the Arlet drug. Instructions for use, the description of the drug is brought to the attention of consumers that the core contains low molecular weight povidone, pregelatinized starch, calcium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose and talc. And that's not all.
The shell of the antibiotic is formed by hypromellose, propylene glycol and polyethylene glycol 4000 (or macrogol 4000), titanium dioxide. The weight of one Arlet tablet (instructions for use contains this information) is 600, 1100 or 1600 mg.
Pharmacodynamics
As mentioned earlier, Arlet is a complex of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid. The latter forms a stable inactivated complex with beta-lactamases (bacterial enzymes whose main functions are to counteract the beta-lactam antibiotics most widely used for antimicrobial chemotherapy - cephalosporin, penicillin, etc.). Beta-lactamases are responsible for creating a persistent confrontation with the aforementioned medical products.
Clavulanic acid itself, whose structure is similar to that of beta-lactam drugs, is characterized by rather weak inherent antibacterial abilities. Nevertheless, the presence of acid in the composition of the Arlet preparation resists the destruction of amoxicillin and increases the range of its antibacterial capabilities, including bacteria and microorganisms in it, which under standard conditions are resistant to the effects of amoxicillin, other drugs from the penicillins and cephalosporins.
The antibiotic "Arlet" is prescribed for use as a medicine with a wide area of influence. It is active against strains susceptible to amoxicillin (not excluding those that synthesize beta-lactamases). These include a number of gram-positive and gram-negative aerobes and anaerobes.
Indications for use of Arlet
The area of influence of an antibacterial agent is quite extensive, it is effective in a number of infections of different etymologies. "Arlet" instructions for use allows you to use to eliminate problems with the upper respiratory tract and ENT organs. In particular, we are talking about acute and chronic forms of sinusitis and otitis media, tonsillitis, pharyngitis, abscesses in the pharyngeal zone. The drug has a positive effect in the treatment of diseases of the lower respiratory system, which include bronchitis (chronic and acute, accompanied by bacterial superinfection) and pneumonia.
However, these are not all areas where Arlet is used. Instructions for use, a description of the medication report on its effectiveness in the treatment of diseases of the genitourinary system and pelvic organs. Such diseases include pyelonephritis, prostatitis and urethritis, endometritis and vaginitis of a bacterial nature, septic abortion, gonorrhea, etc.
Also, the antibiotic has a positive effect in the treatment of infections of the skin and soft tissues of various origins (abscesses, phlegmon, erysipelas, impetigo, wound surfaces and dermatoses repeatedly affected by the infection). "Arlet" can be used in the treatment of bone and connective tissue, in the treatment of bile ducts (cholecystitis, cholangitis), with odontogenic lesions, for the prevention of inflammatory processes in surgery, in postoperative periods.
Dosage and Administration
For the drug "Arlet", the method of application and dose are set individually, and depend on the age, weight, condition of the kidneys and the severity of the infection. In order to minimize the likelihood of the development of undesirable effects from the gastrointestinal tract, tablets should be taken before meals, whole, not chewed and washed down with water.
Patients older than 12 years of age or with a body weight of more than 40 kg with mild and moderate forms of infection take one tablet (250 mg of the main component) three times a day or twice a day (500 mg of amoxicillin). For severe lesions, take a dose equivalent to 500 mg of amoxicillin three times a day or 875 mg twice a day.
For patients from 6 to 12 years of age, "Arlet" instructions for use recommend the use in terms of 1 kg of body weight: amoxicillin - 20-30 mg, clavulanic acid - 5-7.5 mg. Typically, the dose for such patients is 1 tablet (250 mg) twice or thrice a day or 1 tablet (500 mg) twice a day. In severe cases, the dose may be doubled.
For patients with impaired renal function, the dose and frequency of administration are adjusted depending on creatine clearance. Those who suffer from anuria, the intervals between doses are recommended to increase to 48 hours or more. For patients on hemodialysis, the amount of medication is selected based on the maximum dose of amoxicillin.
People with abnormalities in the functioning of the liver with caution conduct treatment with Arlet. Instructions for use (abstract), reviews of medical experts recommend that the condition of this organ be monitored on a continuous basis.
For elderly patients, dose adjustment is not required.
Side effects
A specific list of side effects for the Arlet antibiotic contains instructions for use. Treatment (patient reviews confirm) with this tool can provoke a number of deviations from the gastrointestinal tract in the form of lack of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea. Occasionally, one can hear about impaired liver function, even less so - about the development of cholestatic jaundice, hepatitis, pseudomembrane colitis.
The central nervous system reaction to the use of the drug “Arlet” can be headaches and dizziness, hyperactivity (in a reversible form) and convulsive activity.
The hematopoietic system can respond with symptoms of leukopenia, hemolytic anemia, agranulocytosis. Prothrombin time may increase (in this case, the process is reversible). Crystalluria and interstitial nephritis are possible consequences of the use of the medication from the urinary system.
A fairly wide list of possible allergic manifestations of taking the antibiotic "Arlet". Instructions, a description of the drug inform consumers about the possible development of itching, urticaria, erythematous rash. Occasionally, one can hear about the onset of symptoms of multiforme exudative erythema, angioedema, anaphylactic shock. There is information about single manifestations of side effects in the form of Stevens-Johnson syndrome and exfoliative dermatitis.
Contraindications for the use of "Arlet"
The list of reasons that limit the use of the antibiotic contains instructions for use for the Arlet medication. Contraindications limit the intake to those patients who suffer from individual hypersensitivity to the main and auxiliary components of the drug, to other beta-lactam antibacterial agents (penicillins, cephalosporins, etc.). Arlet is also not prescribed for those who have a history of impaired liver function during treatment with amoxicillin and clavulanic acid in the complex. A medication is contraindicated for those who suffer from mononucleosis and lymphocytic leukemia, since the likelihood of developing exanthema increases.
The reason for refusing treatment with this antibiotic is chronic renal failure and children under 6 years of age.
As for pregnant women, they can take Arlet only when the benefits to the mother are undeniably greater than the estimated risk to the fetus. During lactation, the main components of the drug in small quantities enter the milk, so you should discuss with your doctor the issue of refusal from breastfeeding.
Excess dose
Digestive tract disorders are the main group of symptoms characteristic of an overdose of Arlet (tablets). Instructions for use, patient reviews report vomiting, diarrhea, pain in the abdomen. In addition, conditions such as insomnia and dizziness, anxious agitation are possible. Very rarely can one hear about seizures.
When symptoms of an overdose appear, the optimal solution for the patient is to be monitored by a specialist. Treatment in such situations is symptomatic.
If the fact of taking an unacceptably large dose occurred no more than 4 hours ago, you need to rinse your stomach and take absorbent drugs (for example, activated charcoal) in order to minimize absorption. To remove amoxicillin and clavulanic acid from the body, hemodialysis will be effective.
Interactions with other substances and medicines
With the parallel use of Arlet and Methotrexate, the toxicity of the latter will increase. Absorption during treatment with antacids, glucosamine, aminoglycosides will significantly decrease and slow down. Ascorbic acid, on the contrary, will increase absorption - such information about the Arlet antibiotic contains instructions for use.
The price of a medicine varies depending on the dosage and region, but they are available to a wide range of consumers. Therefore, it is necessary to consult with your doctor, and not independently combine the use of the antibiotic with other drugs.
Arlet enhances the effect of indirect coagulants by inhibiting intestinal microflora, decreasing the production of vitamin K and decreasing the prothrombin index. In parallel with anticoagulant drugs, it is important to constantly monitor blood coagulation. The effectiveness of oral contraceptives is reduced.
NSAIDs, diuretics and other medications that suppress tubular secretion increase the concentration of amoxicillin in the blood.
The tandem "Arlet" with "Allopurin" can cause the development of exanthema. Bactericidal antibiotics lead to synergies, and drugs with a bacteriostatic mechanism of influence lead to antagonism.
Special instructions
For the reason that Arlet medicines (the instructions for use contain such information) with different doses of amoxicillin include, however, the same volume of clavulanic acid (125 mg), it should be borne in mind that two tablets of 250 mg Amoxicillin is not at all equivalent to 1 tablet in 500 mg of this substance.
It should also be borne in mind that large amounts of amoxicillin can provoke a false-positive response when determining the level of glucose in the urine if tools such as Benedict's reagent or Felling's solution are used for the analysis. In such cases, it is better to use enzymatic reactions with glucosidase.
When using an antibiotic, courses must constantly monitor the state of the functions of the blood, liver, and kidneys. “Arlet” in the recommended volumes does not affect the ability to drive vehicles and perform work that requires attention and increased speed of psychomotor reactions.
Price range and consumer opinion on the drug
Information on possible dosages of the main components in the composition of the medication contains instructions for use for Arlet (tablets). The price, as mentioned earlier, depends on the dosage and the region in which the drug is purchased. For example, film-coated tablets in a dosage of 875 mg + 125 mg in Moscow can be purchased for an amount in the range from 270 rubles to 310 (14 pieces per pack). In St. Petersburg, the same package will cost 278-282 rubles.
As for the opinion of patients about the drug, that is, both positive and negative responses about the drug. A large group of patients speaks of an excellent effect in the treatment of diseases of ENT organs and upper respiratory tract. The medication effectively and quickly copes with sinusitis, and the period of remission is then quite long. Its effectiveness in the treatment of bacterial infections is also confirmed by patient reviews.
Negative reviews about the Arlet drug are most often the result of patients being hypersensitive to the components of the drug. In such cases, people most often talk about deviations in the functioning of the digestive tract, such as dyspepsia, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea. There is practically no information about any more serious deviations.
However, it is worth saying that if this antibacterial agent was prescribed by the attending physician and he also selected the optimal dose, various kinds of side deviations are extremely rare. If something like this happened, the doctor will select an analogue similar in effect and effectiveness, since the Russian pharmaceutical market is saturated with antibiotics with a wide spectrum of effects.