Introduction About OPILEXIN 250 CAPSULE

OPILEXIN 250 CAPSULE contains Cephalexin which belongs to the group of medicines called Antibiotics. It is used to manage bacterial infections of the respiratory tract (Ex. tonsillitis, pharyngitis and bronchitis), middle ear (otitis media), skin and soft tissue, bone and joints, reproductive organs and urinary tract (cystitis, prostatitis).

OPILEXIN 250 CAPSULE can also be used to manage dental infections. Bacterial infections are generally characterized by fever, extreme tiredness, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, groin or elsewhere, headache, nausea or vomiting.

Before taking OPILEXIN 250 CAPSULE, inform your doctor if you have any kidney or liver problems, a history of severe or prolonged diarrhoea or severe skin rash, peeling, blistering or mouth sores after taking OPILEXIN 250 CAPSULE or other antibiotics. Inform your doctor if you are due for a blood or urine test as OPILEXIN 250 CAPSULE may interfere with these tests.

OPILEXIN 250 CAPSULE should be used with caution in pregnant and breastfeeding women so, contact your doctor before taking it. OPILEXIN 250 CAPSULE can be used in children, however, your doctor will decide the exact dose and duration of the medicine for your child.

The most common side effects of taking OPILEXIN 250 CAPSULE are diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, indigestion and stomach-ache. Contact your doctor if any of the symptoms are getting worse.

Uses Of OPILEXIN 250 CAPSULE

Manages bacterial infections that occur in:

• respiratory tract (Ex. tonsillitis, pharyngitis and bronchitis)
• middle ear
• skin and soft tissue
• bone and joint
• reproductive and urinary tract (Ex. cystitis, prostatitis)
• dental parts

How OPILEXIN 250 CAPSULE Works

OPILEXIN 250 CAPSULE is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that shows bactericidal action (kills the bacteria) by inhibiting the formation of bacterial cell wall.

How to use OPILEXIN 250 CAPSULE

Take OPILEXIN 250 CAPSULE as advised by your physician.

For Tablet, Capsule: Swallow OPILEXIN 250 CAPSULE with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the medicine.

For Dispersible Tablet: Disperse OPILEXIN 250 CAPSULE in the specified quantity of water as mentioned in the label. Consume the mixture immediately after reconstitution.

Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration of therapy for you depending upon your age, body weight and disease condition. Continue to take OPILEXIN 250 CAPSULE for the stipulated duration prescribed by your doctor to achieve better results.

Side Effects Of OPILEXIN 250 CAPSULE

How To Manage Side Effects

Nausea:

Take OPILEXIN 250 CAPSULE with or just after meals. Stick to simple meals. Avoid eating oily or spicy foods. If symptom persists, contact your doctor.

Vomiting:

Get adequate rest. Drink lots of fluids, especially water. Have small sips if you feel sick. Eat when you feel like it – you don't need to eat or avoid any specific foods. If symptom persists, contact your doctor.

Diarrhea:

Have enough liquids like water or fruit juice to maintain hydration. If symptom persists, contact your doctor.

Stomach pain:

Try to rest and relax. Eat and drink slowly or try to eat smaller meals in small breaks. Keep a heat pad on your stomach. If symptom persists, contact your doctor.

Indigestion:

Keep your head and shoulders raised up while sleeping so that stomach acid won’t come up. Do not eat 3 to 4 hours before going to sleep and avoid tea, coffee, cola or alcohol. If symptom persists, contact your doctor.

Warning & Precautions

Pregnancy

OPILEXIN 250 CAPSULE should be used with caution in pregnant women. Contact your doctor before taking it.

Breastfeeding

OPILEXIN 250 CAPSULE should be used with caution in breastfeeding women. Contact your doctor before taking it.

Driving and Using Machines

OPILEXIN 250 CAPSULE should not affect your ability to drive or operate machines.

Kidney

OPILEXIN 250 CAPSULE should be used with caution in patients with severe kidney diseases. Contact your doctor before taking it.

Liver

OPILEXIN 250 CAPSULE should be used with caution in patients having liver impairment. Contact your doctor before taking it.

Allergy

Do not take OPILEXIN 250 CAPSULE if you are allergic to cephalexin, other cephalosporins, penicillins or any of the other ingredients of this medicine.

Interactions

A. Drug-Drug Interactions:

Before taking OPILEXIN 250 CAPSULE, inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:

• other medicines used to manage bacterial infections (Ex. gentamicin, tobramycin, cefuroxime, colistin)
• water tablets used to manage water retention (Ex. furosemide, ethacrynic acid)
• probenecid (used to manage gout)
• metformin (used to manage diabetes)
• medicines used to manage leukaemia (Ex. daunorubicin, cytarabine)
• medicines used for blood thinning (Ex. rivaroxaban, dabigatran)
• live typhoid vaccine
• medicines used to manage pregnancy (Ex. estradiol, progestin)
• polymyxin (used to manage fungal infections)

Overdosage:

If you or anyone else accidentally take too much of OPILEXIN 250 CAPSULE, consult your doctor immediately or visit the nearby hospital. Symptoms of overdose include nausea, vomiting, distress in upper abdomen, diarrhoea and blood in urine.

Synopsis

More Information

• Keep OPILEXIN 250 CAPSULE out of sight and reach of children
• Store OPILEXIN 250 CAPSULE below 30°C

FAQs About OPILEXIN 250 CAPSULE

Can OPILEXIN 250 CAPSULE be used for cough and cold?

Antibiotic medicines such as OPILEXIN 250 CAPSULE will not work for colds, flu or other viral infections. Using antibiotics when they are not required increases your risk of getting an infection later that resist antibiotic management. Consult your doctor for further queries.

Can OPILEXIN 250 CAPSULE be taken in pregnancy?

OPILEXIN 250 CAPSULE should be used with caution in pregnancy. If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, consult your doctor before taking it.

Can I take OPILEXIN 250 CAPSULE if I am diabetic?

Ask your doctor if you can take OPILEXIN 250 CAPSULE while having diabetes but, inform your doctor if you are taking metformin (a medicine used to manage diabetes) as this can cause a potential drug interaction.

What if I forget to take a dose of OPILEXIN 250 CAPSULE?

If you forget to take a dose of OPILEXIN 250 CAPSULE, take it as soon as you remember. However, skip that dose if it's almost time for the next one. Do not take OPILEXIN 250 CAPSULE two times to make up for the missed dose.

Can OPILEXIN 250 CAPSULE cause diarrhea?

Yes. Diarrhea is a common problem caused by antibiotics like OPILEXIN 250 CAPSULE and usually resolves when the medicine is discontinued. Sometimes, frequent watery or bloody diarrhea may occur and may be a sign of a more serious bowel infection. In case you experience anything like that, contact your doctor.

Can I stop taking OPILEXIN 250 CAPSULE?

Continue taking OPILEXIN 250 CAPSULE until your doctor tells you to stop, unless you experience any unwanted effects, worsening of your condition or any new symptoms. Contact your doctor in such case.

References

1. K.D. Tripathi. Antimicrobial Drugs. Essentials of Medical Pharmacology. 8th edition. 2019. Page 776.

2. Derrick CW Jr, Reilly K. The role of cephalexin in the treatment of skin and soft-tissue infections. NIH National Library of Medicine, National center for biotechnology information. Pubmed.gov. 1983. [Accessed on 28th October 2022] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6364089/

3. Disney FA. Cephalexin in the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections. NIH National Library of Medicine, National center for biotechnology information. Pubmed.gov. 1983. [Accessed on 28th October 2022] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6364087/

4. ACS Dobfar SPA. Electronic Medicines Compendium. [Revised in May 2022] [Accessed on 28th October 2022] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.9143.pdf https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.9141.pdf

5. Glaxo SmithKline Pharmaceuticals Limited. Phexin BD (Cephalexin). [Revised in June 2020] [Accessed on 28th October 2022] https://india-pharma.gsk.com/media/6398/phexin-oral-formulations.pdf

6. Ascend Laboratories. Cephalexin capsule. Dailymed. [Revised in June 2022] [Accessed on 28th October 2022] https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=4fec8daf-6e09-4153-926f-64709dbdd26c

Useful Diagnostic Tests

• Complete Blood Count (CBC)