For many years, the drug "Biseptolum" is known to many. Even 30 years ago, all doctors prescribed him for most inflammatory diseases and bacterial infections. This drug does not apply to antibiotics, but is effective against many microorganisms. Because of this, it became popular, and some people took it even without a doctor’s prescription for any inflammation, even with a cold. But now the drug "Biseptol" is used less often, because it turned out that it has some negative properties, and it is not effective in all cases, since over the years of its use many microorganisms have lost sensitivity to it. Therefore, doctors rarely began to prescribe Biseptol. Analogues of this drug are more common, although in many cases they are more expensive than it.
Characteristic of Biseptol
This is an antibacterial drug from the group of sulfonamides. It does not apply to antibiotics, although it kills bacteria just as effectively as they do. Previously, it was believed that it is safer, but now they have discovered many of the negative properties that Biseptol tablets have. Its analogs from antibiotics are sometimes safer and more effective. What is the peculiarity of Biseptol medicine? This is an antimicrobial drug containing two main active ingredients.
Separately, they are not used, but together - complement the action of each other and even enhance. These substances are sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim. The first disrupts the metabolism in the microbial cell and destroys the folic acid necessary for its vital functions. And trimethoprim interferes with cell repair. Thus, bacteria die under the influence of Biseptolum. It destroys many microorganisms, even those that are resistant to other
sulfonamide drugs and penicillin group antibiotics. Sensitive to it, in addition to the most common bacteria, some protozoa, chlamydia, plasmodium and pathogenic fungi. That is, Biseptol is a broad-spectrum antibacterial drug. True, like other antibiotics, it is useless against viruses. Pathogens of tuberculosis,
Pseudomonas aeruginosa and spirochetes are also insensitive to it. And in recent years, even some staphylococci and streptococci have become resistant to the drug.
Forms for the release of this medicine
The drug is best known in tablets. Most often, patients in this form buy Biseptolum. The price of the medicine is low - this is one of the cheapest antibacterial drugs. Tablets come in different dosages, adults need to buy Biseptol 480 mg, since a single dose is most often 960 mg, that is, two tablets. Children from three years old can be given this medicine in a dosage of 120 mg - also in two pieces. In addition to tablets, there are several more types of the drug:
- "Biseptol" syrup for children, which is given to children from 2 months. It has a sweet taste and a convenient measuring spoon. It is easy for parents to calculate the safe dose for their child, and the kids drink Biseptol-syrup with pleasure. Instructions for use indicate that 5 ml of the drug contains 240 mg of the drug - just the dose at a time.
- There is also Biseptolum in the form of suspension. It must be shaken before use. It tastes good and is liked by children.
- According to a doctor’s prescription, you can buy Biseptol 480 Injection Solution in a pharmacy. Its price is slightly higher than that of the tablet form, and it is mainly used in a hospital with a severe form of infectious diseases.
How does the drug work?
Biseptol is rapidly absorbed from the stomach and easily penetrates into all organs, tissues and body fluids. Therefore, it effectively stops the reproduction of bacteria, wherever they are. Within a couple of hours after taking the drug, its maximum concentration in the blood plasma is observed. And the medicine works for 7-8 hours. Since the main active substances of Biseptol are excreted through the kidneys, it is not recommended for people with a violation of their functions. In addition, it is advisable to drink at least two liters of water during treatment so that more urine is produced.
The action of the drug is based on the destruction of folic acid, necessary for the vital activity of bacteria. But this substance is necessary for the health of the body itself. Therefore, people with folic acid deficiency, for example, due to alcoholism or malabsorption syndrome, should take the drug Biseptol with caution. It also destroys Escherichia coli, which is involved in the synthesis of certain vitamins and minerals in the human intestines. And after taking this medication, vitamin deficiency may develop. For these reasons, it is not recommended to drink Biseptolum without prescribing a doctor.
Analogs and synonyms of the drug
Different drugs that have the same effect on the body and are used in the treatment of one disease are called analogues. They sometimes have differences in composition, are differently tolerated by patients, and often even differ in strength of action. What kind of medicine does Biseptol have analogues? All antibiotics and antibacterial drugs can be attributed to them .
Which one to choose depends on the presence of contraindications and the specificity of the disease. For example, with infections of the upper respiratory tract, there is often a choice: Biseptolum or Amoxicillinum. Only a doctor can make the right decision. Amoxicillin is less toxic, but with some diseases Biseptol is more effective. True, in recent years, children are most often prescribed Amoxicillin. The closest analogues of the drug are other sulfonamides. The most famous of them are Phthalazole, Streptocid, Sulfalen, Sulfadimethoxin, Norsulfazole and others. But among them there are few that have a wide spectrum of action. For example, the modern analogue of Biseptol closest to it is the medicine Sulfaton. They are similar in composition and mechanism of action. But "Biseptolum" is used for more diseases. In addition, there are still "synonyms" of the drug, or generics. These are funds that have the same composition, but are issued by different pharmaceutical companies. Instead of the Biseptol drug, you can buy drugs such as Bactrim, Biseptazol, Bi-Tol, Co-Trimoxazole, Septrim, Groseptol and others.
When take "Biseptolum"
Since the drug is effective against many microorganisms, it is prescribed for the following diseases:
1. Infections of the respiratory tract and ENT organs: bronchitis, sinusitis, pneumonia, otitis media, lung abscess.
2. Urogenital tract infections: cystitis, urethritis, pyelonephritis, prostatitis and gonorrhea.
3. Infectious and inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract: bacterial diarrhea, dysentery, cholera, typhoid fever or gastroenteritis.
4. Infections of the skin and soft tissues: furunculosis, acne, abscess, pyoderma, sepsis and others.
5. Severe infectious diseases: brucellosis, meningitis, salmonellosis, malaria and toxoplasmosis.
In recent years, it was found that Biseptol does not act on Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Mycobacterium tuberculosis and spirochetes. It is also useless against viral diseases. With tonsillitis, only a doctor can prescribe the drug, since the causative agents of streptococcal tonsillitis have developed resistance to it over the years of its use.
Contraindications
Biseptol treatment is not possible for everyone. Although it does not apply to antibiotics, there are no less contraindications to its use than theirs. In addition, the effectiveness of this medication often depends on the individual characteristics of the body, the patient's place of residence, and even the food he takes. With great caution, the drug should be taken by the elderly, patients with bronchial asthma, vitamin deficiency and thyroid diseases. And who should not drink Biseptol tablets at all? Instructions for use must contain information about this. This medicine is contraindicated:
- pregnant and lactating women;
- patients with renal failure and severe renal impairment;
- those who have severe blood diseases, especially anemia associated with folic acid deficiency;
- patients with cardiovascular failure;
- children under 3 years old (in tablet form);
- Patients with allergic reactions and individual intolerance to sulfa drugs.
What side effects can cause "Biseptolum"
This medicine is highly toxic, so many doctors stopped prescribing it, choosing safer analogues. It is especially dangerous to drink this product on its own, since with frequent use or overdose it can not only cause severe side effects, but also prove useless.
What symptoms indicate intolerance to the drug and the need for its withdrawal? The instructions indicate the following symptoms:
- headaches, dizziness, tinnitus, drowsiness, tendency to fainting;
- hallucinations, confusion, depression or apathy;
- bronchospasm, suffocation, shortness of breath or coughing;
- stomatitis, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea;
- impaired renal function and increased urea concentration;
- hepatitis, pancreatitis and liver necrosis;
- itching, hives, rash and dermatitis;
- impaired hematopoietic function - a decrease in the number of white blood cells, as well as a decrease in blood sugar;
- pain in joints and muscles, neuritis;
- candidiasis.
But severe side effects are very rare, usually in cases of non-compliance with the dosage and rules for taking the drug.
"Biseptolum": instruction
The price of the drug is so low that a course of treatment can be completed after spending only 100-200 rubles. But you should not start treatment with this medicine without a doctor’s prescription. You need to know how to take Biseptol tablets correctly. Instructions for use describe in detail what dosage is needed depending on the age and specificity of the disease. But the likelihood of side effects depends on the individual characteristics of the patient and the presence of chronic diseases. For example, in patients with immunodeficiency, they appear more often.
"Biseptolum" should be drunk twice a day after meals. It is advisable to drink tablets with plenty of warm water. It is necessary to observe a 12-hour break between taking two doses of the drug. Usually, children 3-5 years old are prescribed 240 mg, and up to 12 years - 480 mg twice a day. It is better tolerated at this age in the form of a suspension or syrup. Adults and children over 12 years of age are recommended to take two Biseptol tablets, 480 mg twice a day. With ordinary uncomplicated infections, it is enough to drink the drug for 5-7 days. In severe cases, it is possible to extend the treatment period to two weeks. In some diseases, the dosage of the drug can also be increased, but not more than by 50%. True, with gonorrhea, 2 grams are prescribed every 12 hours, and with pneumonia, the interval between doses of the drug is 6 hours.
Special instructions for taking the drug
1. During treatment with Biseptolum it is necessary to drink as much water as possible.
2. Long-term use of the drug is possible only in a hospital with strict monitoring of the liver and kidneys by blood tests.
3. During treatment, you should avoid ultraviolet radiation and try to be less in the sun.
4. With prolonged use of the drug or in large doses, folic acid and vitamins are additionally prescribed.
Interaction "Biseptolum" with other medicines and food
This drug does not go well with many other medicines. If diuretics are taken at the same time, there is a risk of developing thrombocytopenia or an allergic reaction. And barbiturates, together with Biseptolum, increase folic acid deficiency. It should also be borne in mind that this drug can reduce the effect of hormonal contraceptives and antidepressants. It should not be taken also with Aspirin and some other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. In addition, during treatment, you need to adjust your diet so as not to reduce the effectiveness of Biseptolum. It is undesirable to take it after food of animal origin, especially fat cheese, as well as along with legumes, beets, desserts and dried fruits, which interfere with its absorption. It is not recommended to eat spinach, carrots, cauliflower and tomatoes during treatment. You can not drink the drug with milk, as well as take alcohol. All these products not only reduce the effectiveness of Biseptolum, but can also increase the risk of side effects.
Biseptolum for children
In many countries, this drug has been used since only 12 years old. But now it is available in the form of a suspension, syrup and small dosage tablets especially for children. Therefore, when a child should not be given antibiotics, Biseptolum (syrup) is prescribed. Instructions for use recommend this drug to children over one year old with respiratory tract infections, furunculosis, or sinusitis. It is used for dysentery and other intestinal disorders. Children most easily perceive a “Biseptol” (syrup) that is pleasant to taste. The instruction recommends using a measuring spoon. But even without it, it is easy to measure the desired dose of the drug with an ordinary teaspoon, in which just 240 mg of the drug is placed. This is exactly the amount you need for an appointment for children under seven years of age. You can not give a child "Biseptolum" without a doctor's prescription, because it can not always help. Those parents who, at the slightest fever and cough in the baby immediately give him antibacterial drugs, are very at risk of his health. And doctors in recent years are increasingly less likely to prescribe Biseptolum to children. Reviews about it are contradictory, it is believed that it is even more toxic than antibiotics. Although many mothers say that the drug helped the child recover faster and do without complications.
Reviews on this medicine
Many doctors now have a negative attitude towards Biseptolum. They prefer to prescribe more effective modern antibiotics. They note that over the years of the use of the drug, some microorganisms have developed resistance to it, and if a person has taken this medicine many times, it can become useless. But many people still buy Biseptol instead of antibiotics. Its price compares favorably with other drugs, and this allows it to remain still popular. Most patients taking Biseptol at the first sign of illness note that they were able to recover quickly. And only a few have encountered allergic reactions and side effects after taking the drug. Sometimes patients characterize this medicine as useless, but most likely this is due to a violation of the rules of admission or the uncontrolled use of antibacterial drugs. You should also know that in severe infections you need to use "Biseptol 480". Its price is higher, but the action is stronger.
If we summarize everything that was said about Biseptol, we can conclude that the attitude of people towards it is ambiguous, and most doctors began to abandon it, preferring other drugs.