Riam syrup is an antibiotic and antiprotozoal medication primarily used to treat a variety of infections caused by bacteria and certain parasites. Riam Syrup formulation is mostly recommended for children and adults where a low dose of medicine is needed. The following are some common uses and indications of Riam Syrup:

  1. Bacterial Infections: The use of Riam syrup is effective against a wide range of bacterial infections, including:
    • Bacterial Vaginosis: An overgrowth of certain bacteria in the vagina.
    • Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): An infection of the female reproductive organs.
    • Intra-abdominal Infections: Infections within the abdominal cavity.
    • Diverticulitis: Inflammation or infection of small pouches that can form in the walls of the intestines.
    • H. pylori Eradication: Part of combination therapy to eradicate Helicobacter pylori bacteria, which can cause peptic ulcers.
    • Clostridium difficile Infection: An infection often associated with antibiotic use that can cause severe diarrhea and inflammation of the colon.
  2. Protozoal Infections: Using Riam syrup is also effective against certain protozoal infections, such as:
    • Trichomoniasis: A sexually transmitted infection caused by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis.
    • Amoebiasis: An infection caused by the parasite Entamoeba histolytica that can affect the intestines and other organs.
    • Giardiasis: An intestinal infection caused by the parasite Giardia lamblia.
  3. Dental and Oral Infections: Riam syrup can be used in combination with other antibiotics to treat oral infections, periodontitis, and dental abscesses.
  4. Surgical Prophylaxis: In some cases, Riam syrup may be used to prevent infections before and after surgical procedures.
  5. Bacterial Skin Infections: Riam syrup can be used to treat certain bacterial skin infections, especially when caused by anaerobic bacteria.
  6. Intrauterine Infections: Riam syrup might be prescribed to treat infections of the uterus, such as endometritis.

Off-label Uses of Riam Syrup

  1. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Riam Syrup’s anti-inflammatory properties might lead to its off-label use in managing certain forms of IBD, such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
  2. Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO): Riam Syrup might be considered off-label for treating SIBO, a condition characterized by an overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine.
  3. Bacterial Vaginosis Recurrence Prevention: Riam Syrup could be used off-label to prevent recurrent episodes of bacterial vaginosis.
  4. Rosacea: In some cases, Riam Syrup might be used off-label to manage symptoms of rosacea, a chronic skin condition characterized by redness, flushing, and pimples.
  5. Hepatic Encephalopathy: Riam Syrup’s antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects might be explored in the management of hepatic encephalopathy, a condition associated with liver dysfunction.
  6. Chronic Periodontitis: Riam Syrup might be considered off-label as an adjunctive treatment for severe cases of chronic periodontitis, a condition involving inflammation and infection of the gums and supporting structures of the teeth.
  7. Pouchitis: Pouchitis is an inflammation of the ileal pouch, which is often created surgically after removal of the colon. Riam Syrup might be used off-label to manage pouchitis symptoms.
Riam Syrup Uses and Indications

What is Riam?

Riam Syrup is one of the leading brands of Metronidazole, manufactured and marketed by Stanley Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.

Riam Syrup Alternatives : Metronidazole Other Brands

The following are some alternative brands of Riam syrup and their manufacturers.

  • Flagyl : Sanofi Aventis (Pakistan) Ltd.
  • Metrozine : Searle Pakistan (Pvt) Ltd.
  • Klint : Sami Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.
  • Metrida : Zafa Pharmaceutical Laboratories (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.
  • Amezole : Ferozsons Laboratories Ltd. Pakistan.
  • Flezole : Pearl Pharmaceuticals, Pakistan.
  • Amogyl : Davis Pharmaceutical Laboratories, Pakistan.
  • Ascozole : Asian Continental (Pvt) Company, Pakistan.
  • Diagyl : Swiss Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.
  • Menidazole : Werrick Pharmaceuticals, Pakistan.

Riam : Available Formulations and Strengths

Presently, Riam is available in Syrup and Tablet forms.

Riam Syrup : 200mg/5ml strength.

Riam Tablet : 400mg strength.

Who Should Not Use Riam?

Riam syrup is generally considered well-tolerated, but there are certain situations in which its use may be contraindicated or should be approached with caution.

Contraindications:

  1. Hypersensitivity or Allergy: Riam Syrup should not be used in individuals who have a known hypersensitivity or allergy to Riam Syrup or any of the components of the formulation.
  2. Pregnancy (First Trimester): Riam Syrup is generally avoided during the first trimester of pregnancy due to potential risks. However, it may be considered in certain situations where the benefits outweigh the risks.
  3. Breastfeeding: Riam Syrup is excreted in breast milk and should be used with caution or avoided during breastfeeding. The decision to use Riam Syrup while breastfeeding should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider.

Precautions:

  1. Neurological Disorders: Riam Syrup can rarely cause neurological side effects, such as peripheral neuropathy or seizures. It should be used with caution in individuals with a history of neurological disorders.
  2. Liver Dysfunction: Riam Syrup is metabolized by the liver and can affect liver function. It should be used with caution in individuals with impaired liver function.
  3. Blood Disorders: Riam Syrup can rarely affect blood cell counts, leading to conditions like leukopenia or thrombocytopenia. It should be used with caution in individuals with blood disorders.
  4. CNS Disorders: Riam Syrup may cause central nervous system (CNS) side effects, including dizziness and confusion. Individuals with CNS disorders should use Riam Syrup with caution.
  5. Alcohol Consumption: Alcohol consumption should be avoided while taking Riam Syrup and for at least 48 hours after completing the course of treatment, as it can lead to a disulfiram-like reaction (unpleasant side effects) when combined with alcohol.
  6. Kidney Dysfunction: Although Riam Syrup is primarily excreted through the liver, caution should be exercised in individuals with severe kidney impairment.
  7. Pseudomembranous Colitis: Riam Syrup should be used with caution in individuals with a history of pseudomembranous colitis, a severe form of antibiotic-associated diarrhea.

Recommended Daily Dosage of Riam Syrup

Riam Syrup Dose for Children:

The dosing for children is often based on their weight.

  • Children (2 months to 12 years): 7.5 to 15 mg/kg/day divided into three doses.
  • Children weighing less than 10 kg: 2.5 to 5 ml three times daily.
  • Children weighing 10 kg to 20 kg: 5 to 7.5 ml three times daily.
  • Children weighing more than 20 kg: 7.5 to 10 ml three times daily.

The maximum daily dose of Riam syrup for children is 40 mg/kg/day.

Here are some additional things to keep in mind about the dosage of Riam syrup:

  • Riam Syrup should be taken on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating.
  • Riam Syrup should be taken for the full course of treatment, even if your child starts to feel better after a few days. Stop taking the syrup early may increase the risk of the infection coming back.
  • If your child misses a dose, give it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and give the next dose on time. Do not give two doses at once.

Riam Syrup Dose for Adults:

For adults, Riam syrup is recommended if they feel difficulty swallowing the tablets form.

  • The typical dose for most infections is around 500 mg to 750 mg of Riam (Tablet or Syrup) taken orally every 8 to 12 hours.
  • For severe infections, higher doses may be used, such as up to 1,500 mg per day or more.

How Riam Works?

Riam is an antibiotic medication that exerts its antimicrobial effects by disrupting the DNA of bacterial and certain protozoal cells. Its mode of action involves several steps that interfere with the growth and replication of these microorganisms. Here’s an overview of how Riam works:

  • Entry into the Cell: Riam enters bacterial and protozoal cells through passive diffusion. Once inside the cells, it undergoes a chemical reduction process in which its nitro group is converted to a reactive compound.
  • DNA Damage: The reduced form of Riam reacts with DNA within the microbial cells. It forms unstable compounds that can break and damage the DNA strands. This leads to disruptions in DNA replication and cell division processes, ultimately inhibiting the microorganisms’ ability to reproduce and proliferate.
  • Disruption of Energy Production: Riam’s effects on DNA also interfere with the energy production mechanisms of the cells. It disrupts the normal electron transport chain and oxidative phosphorylation processes, leading to a decrease in the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is the cell’s primary energy source.
  • Generation of Reactive Oxygen Species: Riam’s action on DNA and electron transport can lead to the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) within the microbial cells. ROS are highly reactive molecules that can damage proteins, lipids, and other cellular components, contributing to cell death.
  • Selective Toxicity: Riam exhibits selective toxicity, meaning it has a greater impact on anaerobic microorganisms (those that thrive in environments lacking oxygen) compared to aerobic microorganisms (those that require oxygen). This is because Riam’s activation and mode of action are enhanced under anaerobic conditions.

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