Biseptol is a combination drug with antibacterial properties. It is produced by the Polish pharmaceutical company Polfa and dispensed from pharmacies exclusively by prescription.
Its active components perfectly fight the growth of bacteria, destroy gram-negative and gram-positive microorganisms, including those that have developed resistance to other drugs of the sulfanilamide group. In this article we will tell you all about the Biseptol drug: what helps, what are its indications and contraindications for use. We will also describe how and in what doses it should be used, what side effects it can have on the human body. We hope you find this information useful.
The release form of the drug "Biseptolum"
This drug is produced in several versions: in the form of tablets of 120 mg and 480 mg, oral suspension of 80 ml and ampoules with a concentrate of 8 ml. Regardless of the form of release, the drug contains two main components: sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim (400 mg and 80 mg, respectively). The suspension is prescribed for children and has a pleasant sweet taste. In addition to the active components, it consists of cremophor RH 40, sodium salt of carboxymethyl cellulose, magnesium aluminum silicate, citric acid, sodium hydrogen phosphate, maltitol, propyl hydroxybenzoate, methyl hydroxybenzoate, propylene glycol, and purified water. Ampoules are used only for inpatient treatment. They, like the suspension, contain, in addition to the two main active, several auxiliary components: propylene glycol, sodium hydroxide, benzyl alcohol, ethanol, sodium pyrosulfate and water for injection. The tablets have a round flat shape, white-yellowish color and engraving "Bs". In addition to the active substances, they consist of potato starch, talc, magnesium stearate, polyvinyl alcohol and other components.
pharmachologic effect
The drug "Biseptolum" has a bacteriostatic effect on various types of pathogens. Sulfamethoxazole disrupts the metabolism of bacteria, including the inhibition of the synthesis of dihydrofolic acid in their cells. Trimethoprim prevents the formation of nucleic acids necessary for the growth and reproduction of microorganisms, which leads to their early death. The active components of Biseptol tablets are absorbed in the small intestine. They penetrate the body fluids and tissues: into the kidneys, lungs, tonsils, prostate gland, vaginal and bronchial secretions. Sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim are passed through the placental barrier and can be excreted in breast milk during lactation. 60 minutes after taking the drug, the concentration of active substances in the blood reaches its limit value. The therapeutic effect lasts for 12 hours. The drug is excreted from the body within 10-12 hours, mainly with urine. So, we examined the effect of the drug "Biseptolum". From what he helps, we will tell further.
In which cases, doctors prescribe the drug "Biseptolum"?
The drug destroys various gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria and even some pathogenic fungi. It is effective against pathogens such as haemophilus influenzae, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella, Proteus, Enterobacter, Morganella, Streptococcus, Salmonella, Legionella, Toxoplasma, Neisseria. It is also active against chlamydia and cholera vibrio. A wide range of pathogenic microorganisms sensitive to the active complex of sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim causes an impressive list of diseases in which the drug "Biseptol" is prescribed. What does he help from? Often this tool is used to treat acute respiratory infections (pharyngitis, tonsillitis, pneumonia, bronchiolitis), infections of the ENT organs (otitis media, chronic sinusitis). Doctors often prescribe Biseptol for bronchitis caused by bacteria. It is worth remembering that when a cough appears, it is impossible to acquire and use medicine without a doctor’s recommendation. Inflammation of the bronchi can be caused not only by bacteria, but also by viruses that are resistant to the components of the tablets. In order not to harm your body, the drug "Biseptol" from coughing should be taken only after visiting a therapist. Self-treatment is unacceptable.
Why do Biseptol tablets help?
The drug is often used to treat diseases of the urinary tract and genitals. It is effective in the presence of urethritis, including postgonorrheal, gonococcal infection, pyelitis, chronic pyelonephritis, prostatitis. Often prescribed drug "Biseptolum" for cystitis. The fact is that in almost 80% of cases, the cause of infection in the urinary tract and the inflammatory process of the bladder is E. coli. Pills "Biseptolum" perfectly fight this pathogen.
Nevertheless, it is worth remembering that when treating diseases of the urinary tract, you need to be guided by the recommendations of your doctor. He will probably prescribe you not Biseptol tablets, but a fluoroquinolone antibiotic. Inadequate therapy and self-medication can lead to chronic urinary tract diseases that are extremely difficult to treat. In addition to cystitis, the drug "Biseptolum" also helps in the presence of a gastrointestinal tract infection: typhoid fever, bacterial dysentery, paratyphoid, cholera. It is effective in the presence of infections of soft tissues and skin, such as furunculosis, pyoderma or abscess. Sometimes doctors prescribe the drug Biseptol in the treatment of meningitis. From what he helps, we examined. Next, we describe the scheme of use, as well as talk about contraindications and possible side effects of this drug.
Instructions for use. Dosage
The duration of treatment is set individually for each patient. It can be from 5 to 14 days. Typically, the daily dosage of the drug is calculated by the following formula: 30 mg of sulfamethoxazole and 6 mg of trimethoprim per 1 kg of body weight. Babies are prescribed the drug "Biseptolum" in the form of a suspension or syrup. The standard dosage for children is as follows:
- at the age of 3 to 6 months - 2.5 ml (every 12 hours);
- at the age of 7 months to 3 years - 2.5-5 ml;
- at the age of 4 to 6 years - 5-10 ml;
- at the age of 7 to 12 years - 10 ml.
Children 12 years of age and older, as well as adults, must use 20 ml every 12 hours. When prescribing Biseptol tablets to patients with impaired renal function, the dosage is halved.
Contraindications and side effects of the drug "Biseptolum"
It is contraindicated in patients with severe impaired renal function and hematopoietic system. The drug "Bispetol" is not recommended for people with folic acid deficiency, as well as those with hypersensitivity to the active components (trimethoprim and / or sulfonamides). It is not prescribed in childhood up to 3 months, during pregnancy and lactation. With prolonged and uncontrolled intake, the Biseptol drug can negatively affect well-being, including causing nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and gastritis. In rare cases, use can contribute to the appearance of hepatitis, acute liver necrosis, pancreatitis. Also, against the background of taking the tablets, allergic reactions can also occur: urticaria, itching, or skin rash.
The drug can cause headache, dizziness, and cause apathy and depression. Its use in high doses can develop thrombocytopenia, anemia, agranulocytosis and impair the functioning of the kidneys. Therefore, do not neglect the appointment of the attending physician and exceed the dose recommended by him. Be healthy!