OSPEXIN 500mg Tablets/Film-coated

What is OSPEXIN 500mg

OSPEXIN 500mg is a prescription antibiotic medicine that contains the active ingredient cefalexin (also spelled cephalexin), a first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic. It is formulated as film-coated tablets, each containing 500mg of cefalexin, and typically packaged in a set of 12 tablets (6 tablets per blister, 2 blisters).

• Generic Name: Cefalexin
• Brand Name: OSPEXIN 500mg
• Form: Film-coated tablets
• Therapeutic Class: Cephalosporin antibiotic (1st generation)

OSPEXIN 500mg is commonly prescribed to treat a wide range of bacterial infections caused by susceptible organisms. These include:

• Respiratory tract infections (e.g., bronchitis, tonsillitis, pharyngitis)
• Skin and soft tissue infections (e.g., cellulitis, abscesses)
• Urinary tract infections (e.g., cystitis)
• Bone infections (e.g., osteomyelitis)
• Ear infections (e.g., otitis media)

As an antibiotic, OSPEXIN 500mg is ineffective against viral infections like the common cold or flu. Its use should be guided by culture and sensitivity testing when possible.

How to use OSPEXIN 500mg

Proper usage of OSPEXIN 500mg is essential to maximize its effectiveness and reduce the risk of resistance.

• Route: Oral – swallow the film-coated tablet whole with water.
• Timing: Can be taken with or without food; however, taking it with food may reduce gastrointestinal discomfort.
• Dosing schedule: Administer at evenly spaced intervals (usually every 6 or 12 hours depending on your prescription).
• Complete the course: Do not stop taking the medication early even if symptoms improve, unless directed by a healthcare provider.

Tips for best results:

• Take at the same time every day to maintain steady levels in your bloodstream.
• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it's almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose—do not double up.
• Avoid alcohol if it causes stomach upset or dizziness while on antibiotics.

Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure how to take the medicine or if you experience difficulty swallowing tablets.

Mode of Action OSPEXIN 500mg

OSPEXIN 500mg (cefalexin) works by targeting the bacterial cell wall, a structure that is essential for bacterial survival and replication.

• Mechanism: Cefalexin binds to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) inside the bacterial cell wall.
• Disruption: It inhibits the final step in peptidoglycan synthesis, weakening the cell wall and making it unable to maintain structural integrity.
• Outcome: This leads to bacterial cell lysis and death, effectively eliminating the infection.

Cefalexin is classified as a bactericidal antibiotic (kills bacteria), rather than bacteriostatic (inhibits growth). It is most active against Gram-positive bacteria and some Gram-negative organisms, including:

• Staphylococcus aureus (non-MRSA)
• Streptococcus pyogenes
• Proteus mirabilis
• Escherichia coli
• Klebsiella pneumoniae

Cefalexin does not work against beta-lactamase producing organisms, which can render the drug ineffective. Hence, it is important to use it only in infections proven or strongly suspected to be sensitive to cefalexin.

OSPEXIN 500mg Interactions OSPEXIN 500mg

OSPEXIN 500mg may interact with other medications or substances, potentially altering its effectiveness or increasing side effects. Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications, vitamins, or herbal products you are taking.

• Probenecid: Can increase blood levels of cefalexin by decreasing its renal excretion, potentially enhancing both effect and side effects.
• Metformin: Cefalexin may reduce renal clearance of metformin, increasing the risk of lactic acidosis in rare cases.
• Oral contraceptives: Though rare, antibiotics can theoretically reduce the effectiveness of hormonal birth control—consider using backup contraception.
• Live vaccines: Antibiotics may reduce the effectiveness of certain live bacterial vaccines (e.g., typhoid vaccine).
• Alcohol: There are no direct interactions, but combining alcohol with antibiotics can increase gastrointestinal side effects or impair immune function.

Always double-check interactions if starting a new medicine, and do not stop or start any treatments without consulting a healthcare provider.

Dosage of OSPEXIN 500mg

The dosage of OSPEXIN 500mg depends on the type and severity of the infection, as well as patient factors such as age, weight, and kidney function.

• Adults and adolescents (≥15 years): 500mg every 8 or 12 hours. In some infections, 1g every 12 hours may be prescribed.
• Children: The dose is typically calculated based on body weight (e.g., 25–50 mg/kg/day divided every 6–12 hours).
• Maximum daily dose: Generally should not exceed 4g per day unless directed by a healthcare provider.
• Renal impairment: Dose adjustment is required for patients with decreased kidney function to avoid accumulation.

Example Dosage Schedule:

• Pharyngitis/Tonsillitis: 500mg every 12 hours for 10 days
• Urinary tract infections: 500mg every 12 hours for 7–14 days
• Skin infections: 500mg every 8–12 hours for 7–10 days

Important: Never self-adjust the dose or stop treatment prematurely. Follow all medical instructions precisely.

Possible side effects of OSPEXIN 500mg

Like all antibiotics, OSPEXIN 500mg may cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some can be serious. Always report unexpected or severe reactions to your doctor.

• Common side effects:
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Stomach pain or bloating
  • Headache
• Skin reactions:
  • Rash or itching
  • Urticaria (hives)
• Severe but rare side effects:
  • Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis)
  • Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD)
  • Seizures (in patients with renal impairment or overdose)
  • Hepatitis or elevated liver enzymes

Seek immediate medical help if you experience breathing difficulties, facial swelling, or severe rash. Stop the medicine and consult your doctor if persistent diarrhea occurs, as this may indicate a serious condition.

OSPEXIN 500mg Contraindications OSPEXIN 500mg

OSPEXIN 500mg is not suitable for everyone. It should not be used in the following cases:

• Hypersensitivity to cephalosporins: Patients with a known allergy to cefalexin or related drugs should avoid this medicine.
• Severe penicillin allergy: Cross-reactivity may occur in up to 10% of patients allergic to penicillin.
• Previous severe allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome) to beta-lactam antibiotics.
• Porphyria: Contraindicated due to risk of exacerbation.

Use with caution:

• Renal impairment
• Gastrointestinal diseases, especially colitis history
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding (only under medical advice)

A thorough medical history should be reviewed before prescribing OSPEXIN 500mg to reduce the risk of adverse outcomes.

Storage of OSPEXIN 500mg

Proper storage of OSPEXIN 500mg ensures the medication remains effective and safe to use.

• Temperature: Store at room temperature (15°C – 25°C).
• Humidity: Keep in a dry place away from moisture or steam (e.g., do not store in bathrooms).
• Light: Protect from direct sunlight. Keep in original blister packaging until use.
• Child safety: Store out of reach and sight of children.
• Do not use past expiry date: Check the packaging and dispose of safely if expired.

Unused or expired tablets should be returned to a pharmacy or disposed of according to local regulations—not flushed or thrown into household waste.