Velosef is a broad-spectrum antibiotic belonging to the cephalosporin class, used to treat various bacterial infections. The following are some common and off-label uses of Velosef Capsules:

  1. Respiratory Tract Infections: Velosef is commonly used to treat respiratory tract infections such as bronchitis, pneumonia, and tonsillitis caused by susceptible bacteria.
  2. Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Velosef can be used to treat uncomplicated urinary tract infections caused by susceptible bacteria, including cystitis (bladder infection) and urethritis (infection of the urethra).
  3. Genital Tract Infections: Velosef can be used to treat genital tract infections, including gonorrhea and other sexually transmitted infections caused by susceptible bacteria.
  4. Skin and Soft Tissue Infections: The use of Velosef may be effective in treating skin and soft tissue infections like cellulitis, impetigo, and infected wounds caused by susceptible bacteria.
  5. Otitis Media: Velosef can be used to treat middle ear infections, specifically acute otitis media, which is an infection of the middle ear.
  6. Dental Infections: Velosef is also used to treat dental infections, including dental abscesses and periodontal infections caused by susceptible bacteria.
  7. Prophylaxis for Surgical Procedures: In some cases, Velosef may be used as a prophylactic antibiotic to prevent infections before surgical procedures, particularly in dental or oral surgeries.

Off-label Uses of Velosef Capsule

  1. Acne: Velosef has been used off-label in some cases to treat acne, particularly when other treatments have not been effective. It may be prescribed if there is evidence of a bacterial infection contributing to acne.
  2. Lyme Disease: In certain cases, Velosef has been used off-label for the treatment of Lyme disease, a tick-borne illness caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi. However, the preferred antibiotics for Lyme disease are usually doxycycline, amoxicillin, or cefuroxime.
  3. Developing Bacterial Endocarditis: Velosef has been used off-label as a prophylactic antibiotic in dental procedures to prevent infection in individuals with certain medical conditions, such as heart valve abnormalities, who may be at higher risk of developing bacterial endocarditis.
Velosef Uses and Indications

What is Velosef?

Velosef is one of the leading brands of Cephradine, manufactured and marketed by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK).

Velosef Alternatives : Other Similar Brands

The following are Some Alternative Brands of Velosef and Their Manufacturers.

  • Lenwin : Getz Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.
  • Otid: Sami Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.
  • Valodin : Hilton Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.
  • Vericef : Indus Pharma (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.
  • Cefgen-1 : Zafa Pharmaceutical Laboratories (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.
  • Velora : Platinum Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.
  • Meocef : Al-Habib Pharmaceuticals, Pakistan.
  • Ceptin : Cirin Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.
  • Cefrinex : Bosch Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.
  • Cefradin : Aries Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.

Velosef : Available Formulations and Strengths

Presently, Velosef is available in Capsule, Injection, and Suspension Forms with the following strengths.

Velosef Capsules: 250mg and 500mg strengths.

Velosef Injections: 250mg, 500mg, and 1g (1000mg) strengths.

Velosef Suspensions: 125mg/5ml and 250mg/5ml strengths.

Who Should Not Use Velosef?

Velosef has some contraindications, which are specific situations or conditions in which the use of Velosef is not recommended due to potential risks.

Hypersensitivity or Allergy: Velosef should not be used in individuals who have a known hypersensitivity or allergy to cephalosporin antibiotics or any of the components of the medication. Severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, can occur in susceptible individuals.

Previous Serious Allergic Reactions: Individuals who have experienced a serious allergic reaction (such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, or anaphylaxis) to any cephalosporin or penicillin antibiotics should not use Velosef due to the increased risk of a similar reaction.

Severe Renal Impairment: Velosef is primarily eliminated through the kidneys, so caution should be exercised when using Velosef in individuals with severe renal impairment or end-stage renal disease. Dose adjustments may be necessary to prevent the accumulation of the drug.

Gastrointestinal Disease: Velosef may cause antibiotic-associated colitis (inflammation of the colon) due to overgrowth of resistant bacteria, such as Clostridium difficile. Therefore, it should be used with caution in individuals with a history of gastrointestinal diseases, particularly colitis.

Bleeding Disorders: Velosef can interfere with certain laboratory tests that assess blood clotting, leading to false-positive results. It should be used cautiously in individuals with bleeding disorders or those receiving anticoagulant therapy.

What is the Recommended Daily Dosage of Velosef?

Velosef Dose for Respiratory Tract Infections:

  • Mild to moderate infections: One Capsule of 250mg or 500mg every 6 to 8 hours.
  • Severe infections or pneumonia: Two capsules of 500mg (a dose of 1000mg) every 6 hours.

Velosef Dose for Urinary Tract Infections:

  • Uncomplicated infections: One Capsule of 250mg or 500mg every 6 to 8 hours.
  • Complicated or severe infections: Two capsules of 500mg (a dose of 1000mg) every 6 hours.

Velosef Dose for Skin and Soft Tissue Infections:

  • Mild to moderate infections: One Capsule of 250mg to 500mg every 6 to 8 hours.
  • Severe infections: Two capsules of 500mg (a dose of 1000mg) every 6 hours.

Velosef Dose for Genital Tract Infections:

  • Gonorrhea: Two Capsules of 500mg, as a single dose.
  • Other genital infections: 250 mg to 500 mg every 6 to 8 hours for 7 to 14 days.

Velosef Dose for Surgical Prophylaxis:

  • Two capsules of 500mg (a single dose of 1000mg) given, prior to surgery.

How Velosef Works?

Velosef belongs to the beta-lactam class of antibiotics, which work by inhibiting the synthesis of the bacterial cell wall. It does this by binding to and inhibiting the activity of enzymes called penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), which are responsible for the cross-linking of peptidoglycan strands in the bacterial cell wall.