What is Biseptol? This is one of the most controversial and well-known antibacterial drugs. In the last century, or rather, in the eighties and nineties, he was at the peak of popularity. It was recommended for use by physicians of all speci alties, and patients, having felt its effect, considered it the best remedy for all ailments. In other words, the uncontrolled use of this medicine began at that time. Being self-medicated, it was used for any reason. As a result, many microorganisms became insensitive to it. In this article, we will understand why Biseptol is needed and whether it is safe to take it.
Composition and release forms
The medicine is produced in the following dosage forms: tablets, suspension, syrup, ampoules. All of them are presented in the pharmacy network. The main component of "Biseptol" is sulfamethoxazole, which refers tosulfa drugs. It is endowed with a powerful bactericidal action. Due to its effect, the synthesis of dihydrofolic acid, which is responsible for the division and protein metabolism in the cells of pathogenic microorganisms, fails, and as a result they die.
The second active substance, which, depending on the conditions, has a bacteriostatic or bactericidal effect, called trimethoprim, being a blocker of bacterial dihydrofolate reductase, enhances its action. The concentration of these substances in all dosage forms is precisely adjusted to achieve the maximum antibacterial effect. Can Biseptol be considered an antibiotic? Despite the fact that the drug has a similar effect, it does not belong to this group of medicines. It is united with antibiotics by the fact that it is dispensed in pharmacies strictly by prescription.
Indications for use
What do Biseptol tablets help with? Of course, the main indications are ailments caused by pathogens, as well as protozoan fungi. Drugs affected by antibacterial action:
- E. coli;
- staphylococci;
- salmonella;
- Toxoplasma;
- chlamydia;
- streptococci and others.
Thus, the list of ailments for which this drug is recommended is quite wide. According to the official instructions for use, it is prescribed for:
- genitourinary and respiratory tract infections;
- pneumonia;
- ENT;
- GIT;
- brucellosis;
- toxoplasmosis;
- actinomycosis;
- and other bacterial infections.
Doctors consider this drug ambiguous and often argue about its effectiveness and expediency in infectious diseases due to sensitivity to the components of the drug of a number of bacteria.
Prostatitis treatment
What do Biseptol tablets help with? It turns out that their use in the treatment of prostatitis is fully justified. The doctor recommends taking them if the disease is infectious. The active substances of the drug penetrate into the prostate tissue and have a detrimental effect on pathogenic microorganisms. Reducing the activity and number of bacteria relieves swelling of the prostate, reduces pain, and also eliminates other symptoms of the disease. Coursework lasts at least two weeks. In the first days of treatment, the doctor prescribes the maximum allowable dose, then it is reduced. After a couple of days, the individual feels relief from the condition. At this point, it is important not to interrupt the course of treatment in order to prevent the development of a chronic form of the disease. During therapy, it is very important to comply with the doses prescribed by the doctor. Otherwise, serious adverse events are inevitable.
Rules for taking Biseptol. How much and how to drink?
Pharmacotherapy for any ailment should not be chaotic, especially when using antimicrobial agents. The success of treatment depends on the strict observance of the rules for taking the medicine. Completing them will not be difficult:
- Be sure to maintain a twelve-hour interval between doses. Failure to comply with this regime is fraught withdecrease in antibacterial activity.
- Drink syrup or tablets strictly after meals. Otherwise, there will be problems with the gastrointestinal tract.
- Follow the course of therapy recommended by the doctor. If ignored, there is a high risk of developing complications that are difficult to treat.
- With long-term use (more than five days), it is necessary to monitor blood counts.
- If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is already time for the next portion of the medicine, then it is forbidden to drink a double dose.
A single dose of the drug, as well as the duration of administration, the attending physician selects individually. In early childhood (from two to five months), a suspension is prescribed in the amount of 120 mg, from six months to five years - 240 mg each, from six to twelve years - 480 mg. From a year old, children are allowed to give medicine in the form of syrup. The dose for adults is 960 mg. In severe cases of the disease, it is allowed to increase the single dose by thirty to fifty percent for both children and adults. Tablets are washed down with a large amount of liquid. Ordinary drinking water is best suited for these purposes.
Recommended doses and duration of taking pills
The use of "Biseptol 480" in tablets is indicated for adults and children over twelve years of age, in a daily dose:
- with the usual course of the disease and chronic pathology - 960 mg, divided into two doses;
- for severe - 1,440 mg, and the multiplicity increases to three.
The minimum exchange rate is fourday. After the symptoms of the disease disappear, continue to drink pills for another two days. For chronic infections, the duration of therapy is determined by the attending physician.
Below are the daily doses and course intake of "Biseptol" in the treatment of some serious anomalies:
- Gonorrhea - 1,920-2,880 mg. This dose is divided into three doses.
- Gonorrheal pharyngitis - 4 320 mg. Taken once a day for five days.
- Pneumonia caused by Pneumocystis carinii - the dose is calculated at the rate of 120 mg per kilogram of the patient's weight. Taken every six hours for fourteen consecutive days.
- For prophylactic purposes in urinary tract infections - 480 mg per dose for adults and children over twelve years of age. Children up to this age - the dose is determined as follows: 12 mg is multiplied by the weight of the baby. The duration of treatment is from three months to a year.
- Acute cystitis in children seven to sixteen years old - 960 mg twice a day, taken for three days.
Concentrate for solution for infusion
One ampoule of this Biseptol dosage form contains 80 mg of trimethoprim and 400 mg of sulfamethoxazole. Of the excipients, it contains:
- sodium hydroxide and disulphite;
- benzyl and ethyl alcohol;
- propylene glycol;
- Water for injection.
The total volume is five milliliters. The drug in this form is recommended when oral administration is not possible. Let's consider in more detail how to take "Biseptol" in the formconcentrate. Due to the fact that it is administered only intravenously, it should be diluted immediately before use. As a solvent, the following infusion solutions are allowed: 0.9% sodium chloride, 5- and 10% dextrose, Ringer. There are several breeding schemes:
- one ampoule of the drug is dissolved in 125 ml;
- two - in 250 ml;
- three - in 500 ml.
The prepared solution must not be mixed with other medicines or used solvents other than those listed above. The duration of the introduction is from sixty to ninety minutes. In cases where an individual is prohibited from administering a large amount of liquid, a higher concentration of Biseptol is allowed. In this case, the ampoule is dissolved in 75 ml of 5% dextrose.
How to take Biseptol for acute infections? Before administration, the drug is diluted as described above and administered every twelve hours at:
- 2, 5 ml - three to five years;
- 5 ml - from six to twelve years old.
- 10ml - Children over 12 and adults.
For particularly severe infections, a fifty percent dose increase is allowed in all age groups. The minimum course of treatment is five days.
Side effect
The most commonly reported side effects are hives or rashes, mostly seen in sensitive individuals, as well as gastrointestinal disturbances - nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, loss of appetite. Besides,possible violations by systems such as:
- Urinary - impaired renal function, increased urea concentration, crystalluria, polyuria, hematuria, interstitial nephritis, toxic nephropathy.
- Respiratory - pulmonary infiltrates, choking, bronchospasm, cough.
- Nervous - dizziness, apathy, aseptic meningitis, tremor, depression.
- Hematopoiesis - agranulocytosis, various anemias, neutro-, leuko- and thrombocytopenia, eosinophilia, methemoglo- and hypoprothrombinemia.
- Musculoskeletal - myalgia, arthralgia.
It is important to remember that in the recommended doses and subject to the rules for taking Biseptol 480 tablets; side effects are minimal. The long list of side effects described in the prescribing information indicates that the drug is well studied.
Liquid dosage form
The active ingredients in this formulation are also sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim. Strengthening the effect of each other, they have a detrimental effect on pathogenic bacteria, blocking their destructive effect on the children's body. To give the taste and consistency of a syrupy mass, the following ingredients are added to the medicine:
- m altitop;
- citric acid monohydrate;
- magnesium aluminum silicate;
- sodium hydrophosphate dodecahydrate;
- methyl- and propylhydroxybenzoate;
- sodium carmellose and saccharinate;
- macrogol glyceryl hydroxystearate;
- fragrance;
- purified water.
"Biseptol" in syrup is recommended for children who are one year old, with such ailments as:
- pyelonephritis;
- sinusitis;
- meningitis;
- tracheitis;
- cystitis;
- lung abscess;
- bronchitis;
- otitis media;
- furunculosis;
- intestinal infections;
- urethritis;
- pyelonephritis;
- and others.
Before using the syrup, be sure to take into account all the contraindications to its reception. These include serious pathologies of the cardiovascular system and hematopoiesis, liver, kidneys, as well as individual intolerance.
Dosage and method of application of the syrup
The duration of the use of "Biseptol" for children is determined by the attending doctor, as well as a single dose. Below are the standard single doses of the drug (in milligrams) in children of different ages:
- from one to two years - 120;
- from two to six years - 180–240;
- from six to twelve years old - 240–480.
Drink syrup after meals twice a day. The interval between the first and second dose must be maintained for twelve hours. The course of treatment lasts at least five days. With strict adherence to the recommendations of the pediatrician, the risk of adverse reactions and complications is minimized.
Special instructions when using syrup
Can I take Biseptol if my child has a history of allergic reactions? This question is often asked by parents to the doctor. In this case, its use is carried out strictly under the supervision of a physician, or another drug is recommended. In addition, the following conditions must be met when taking this drug:
- Give more fluids to the child, as its lack reduces the effectiveness of therapy. Any carbonated drinks are contraindicated.
- Restrict food such as cheese, green vegetables, cabbage, beans, animal fats, sweets.
- It is forbidden to take the drug together with ascorbic acid, diuretics and other drugs. Pain medications can reduce the therapeutic effect of Biseptol.
- Long-term use of the drug requires regular monitoring of blood composition.
- The appearance of a dry cough or shortness of breath after taking the syrup is a reason to see a doctor.
Application of "Biseptol": reviews
Doctors in their comments about this medicine note that it is currently recommended very rarely. However, until a few years ago, it was widely used to treat various bacterial infections. Among the main reasons for this phenomenon are the following:
- The uncontrolled use of the drug by many individuals, i.e. self-medication, has led to the development of resistance of microorganisms to it. Currently has low antibacterial activity.
- With repeated and prolonged use, it has a negative effect on the renal system.
- High incidence of allergic manifestations, the appearance of a metallic taste in the mouth.
At the same time, it is noted that "Biseptol" began to be actively prescribed in complex therapyopportunistic diseases associated with HIV.
Patient reviews of this remedy are mostly positive. It is used for various colds, not only adults, but also children. Many people have this medicine in their home medicine cabinet and trust it, considering it a reliable and proven tool.
To take the drug or not?
What is Biseptol? This medicine belongs to antimicrobial agents. The advent of antibiotics has significantly reduced the use of sulfonamides. Currently, "Biseptol" is practically not used:
- Taking it for a common cold or flu is absolutely useless, as it does not act on viruses. As a result, instead of a therapeutic individual receives only a side effect. If these diseases are aggravated by a bacterial infection, then only the attending doctor should choose the necessary remedy.
- Use for cystitis in some cases can achieve good results. However, its frequent and uncontrolled use over a long period leads to a decrease in efficiency and the emergence of resistance to its components. Temporary relief is accepted by many patients as a complete cure. As a result, the disease passes into a latent chronic stage and does not manifest itself for a long time, which is subsequently fraught with serious complications.
- Reception for intestinal infections in most cases is unjustified, despite the fact that Biseptol is active against Escherichia coli.
Wheninfectious pathologies, the pathogens of which are sensitive to Biseptol, it is still recommended. Resistant to its action - pathogenic viruses, treponema, Koch's bacillus, leptospira. Bacterial resistance to this drug develops very quickly, so the recommended course intake should be followed.
Conclusion
What is Biseptol? The "bi" particle means that the drug contains two main components. The second part of the word "septol" in Latin is "rotting". In the pharmaceutical industry, all medicines that have such a root in their name belong to the pharmacological group of antiseptics. Sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim are active ingredients, the first one is endowed with a rather strong bactericidal property, and the second enhances its effect. Ideally selected concentration of these substances allows to achieve the maximum synergistic effect. Now you know what Biseptol is and how to use it so as not to harm your he alth.
