OSPAMOX 500mg/5ml Suspension/Powder for

What is OSPAMOX 500mg/5ml

OSPAMOX 500mg/5ml is a prescription antibiotic medication that contains the active ingredient Amoxicillin (as Trihydrate). It is presented as a powder for oral suspension and is typically reconstituted to a 100ml bottle, providing 500mg of Amoxicillin per 5ml of the solution. This formulation is primarily used in pediatric and adult populations for the treatment of a broad spectrum of bacterial infections.

• Drug Class: Penicillin-type beta-lactam antibiotic
• Primary Use: Treatment of bacterial infections caused by susceptible organisms
• Common Infections Treated: Respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, skin infections, and ENT infections
• Mechanism: Bactericidal – inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis
• Availability: Usually in 100ml glass bottles containing 20g of powder for reconstitution

OSPAMOX is widely recognized for its efficacy, tolerability, and broad-spectrum antibacterial coverage. It is particularly useful in community-acquired infections and is often chosen due to its reliable activity and safety profile.

How to use OSPAMOX 500mg/5ml

Proper use of OSPAMOX is essential to achieve optimal therapeutic effects and to prevent the development of antibiotic resistance. This medication should only be used under medical supervision.

• Reconstitution: Shake the bottle to loosen the powder. Add boiled and cooled water up to the indicated line and shake well until fully dissolved.
• Dosage Administration: Use a calibrated measuring spoon or oral syringe to ensure accurate dosing. Administer the medication orally.
• Timing: Can be taken with or without food. Taking it at evenly spaced intervals helps maintain effective blood levels.
• Shake Before Use: Always shake the bottle well before each dose to ensure uniform distribution of the medicine.
• Duration: Complete the full course of treatment even if symptoms improve early, unless instructed otherwise by your healthcare provider.
• Missed Dose: If a dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered unless it's almost time for the next dose. Do not double up doses.

Patients or caregivers should consult the healthcare provider or pharmacist for specific dosing based on the age, weight, and condition being treated.

Mode of Action OSPAMOX 500mg/5ml

Amoxicillin, the active ingredient in OSPAMOX 500mg/5ml, is a semi-synthetic penicillin that exhibits bactericidal activity. It functions by targeting bacterial cell wall synthesis, which is essential for bacterial survival and replication.

• Target Site: Penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) involved in peptidoglycan synthesis of bacterial cell walls
• Mechanism: Inhibits the final transpeptidation step of peptidoglycan synthesis in bacterial cell walls, leading to cell lysis and death
• Activity Spectrum:
  • Effective against Gram-positive organisms such as Streptococcus pneumoniae and Enterococcus faecalis
  • Effective against some Gram-negative organisms including Haemophilus influenzae, Escherichia coli, and Proteus mirabilis
• Not Effective Against: Beta-lactamase producing bacteria unless combined with a beta-lactamase inhibitor

This action makes OSPAMOX a reliable option for treating common bacterial infections, particularly those not caused by resistant or beta-lactamase-producing strains.

OSPAMOX 500mg/5ml Interactions OSPAMOX 500mg/5ml

As with all antibiotics, OSPAMOX may interact with other medications, affecting its efficacy or increasing the risk of adverse effects. Always inform your healthcare provider about all the medicines you are taking.

• Anticoagulants (e.g., Warfarin): Amoxicillin may increase the anticoagulant effect and bleeding risk. Monitor INR closely.
• Oral Contraceptives: May reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives. Additional barrier methods are advised during treatment.
• Allopurinol: Concurrent use may increase the risk of allergic skin reactions such as rashes.
• Methotrexate: Amoxicillin may reduce renal clearance of methotrexate, potentially increasing toxicity.
• Probenecid: Can increase serum levels of amoxicillin by decreasing its renal excretion, leading to prolonged action.

To ensure safe use, always disclose all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal products to your doctor before starting OSPAMOX.

Dosage of OSPAMOX 500mg/5ml

Dosage of OSPAMOX depends on the type and severity of the infection, patient age, and body weight. Always follow your doctor’s instructions exactly.

• Adults and Children over 40 kg: Typically 250–500 mg every 8 hours, or 500–875 mg every 12 hours depending on the infection severity
• Children under 40 kg: The dose is based on body weight: 20–40 mg/kg/day in divided doses for mild infections; up to 90 mg/kg/day for severe infections or otitis media
• Severe Infections: Higher doses or longer duration may be prescribed (e.g., up to 3g/day in divided doses)
• Renal Impairment: Dose adjustment may be necessary

For pediatric use, the suspension is often the preferred form for accurate dosing and easier administration. Use measuring devices provided with the medication to avoid dosing errors.

Possible side effects of OSPAMOX 500mg/5ml

Like all medications, OSPAMOX can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. Most side effects are mild and self-limiting.

• Common Side Effects:
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Skin rash
• Less Common Side Effects:
  • Headache
  • Abdominal discomfort
  • Changes in taste
• Serious Reactions (seek medical attention):
  • Allergic reactions – swelling, itching, difficulty breathing
  • Severe diarrhea or colitis
  • Jaundice or liver enzyme elevation
  • Unusual bleeding or bruising

If you or your child experience any persistent or severe side effects, contact your doctor immediately. Never ignore signs of an allergic reaction.

OSPAMOX 500mg/5ml Contraindications OSPAMOX 500mg/5ml

OSPAMOX should not be used in certain individuals due to the risk of severe adverse reactions or reduced therapeutic efficacy.

• Hypersensitivity: Contraindicated in individuals with a known allergy to Amoxicillin, other beta-lactam antibiotics (penicillins, cephalosporins)
• History of Severe Reactions: Such as Stevens-Johnson Syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis with beta-lactams
• Infectious Mononucleosis: Amoxicillin may cause a rash in these patients, complicating diagnosis and management
• Previous Clostridium difficile Infection: Use with caution, due to risk of recurrence of antibiotic-associated diarrhea

Always inform your healthcare provider of your medical history before starting OSPAMOX, particularly if you have a history of allergies or gastrointestinal disorders.

Storage of OSPAMOX 500mg/5ml

Proper storage of OSPAMOX ensures the effectiveness and safety of the medication during use.

• Before Reconstitution: Store the powder in a tightly closed container below 25°C. Protect from moisture and light.
• After Reconstitution: Store the suspension in the refrigerator (2–8°C). Do not freeze.
• Shelf Life After Reconstitution: Typically 7 to 14 days. Discard any unused suspension after this period.
• Keep Out of Reach: Always store medications out of reach of children.
• Do Not Use Expired Medicine: Check the expiration date on the label and discard appropriately if expired.

Improper storage may compromise the medication’s potency, leading to reduced therapeutic efficacy. Follow your pharmacist’s instructions for best results.