Septran Syrup Uses

Septran syrup is an antibiotic medication that is used to treat bacterial infections in children, including RTIs and UTIs. It is a combination medication, that helps to stop the growth of bacteria. The following are some common and off-label uses of Septran Syrup:

Common Uses of Septran Syrup

1. Respiratory Tract Infections: Septran Syrup can be used to treat respiratory tract infections such as pneumonia (lung infection), bronchitis (tube infections that carry air to the lungs), and sinusitis in children.
2. Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Septran Syrup is frequently used to treat UTIs caused by susceptible bacteria in children. UTIs can affect the bladder, kidneys, or ureters.
3. Ear Infections: Otitis media, commonly known as an ear infection, is a common childhood condition. Septran Syrup may be used to treat ear infections caused by susceptible bacteria, particularly when other antibiotics are not effective or if there is known resistance to other antibiotics.
4. Traveler’s Diarrhea: When children travel to areas with a high risk of traveler’s diarrhea, Septran Syrup may be used as a preventive measure. It can help prevent or treat bacterial infections that cause diarrhea, such as those caused by enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli.
5. Pneumocystis Pneumonia (PCP): Septran syrup is also used for the prevention and treatment of a specific type of pneumonia called Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP). This condition is commonly seen in individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS.

Off-label Uses of Septran Syrup

1. Acne: In certain cases, Septran syrup may be used off-label for the treatment of severe or persistent acne that does not respond to other treatments. It is believed to have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce acne-causing bacteria and inflammation.
2. Prostatitis: Septran syrup may be used off-label to treat prostatitis, which is inflammation of the prostate gland. It can be effective against bacterial infections that cause prostatitis symptoms, such as pain, difficulty urinating, and frequent urination.
3. Sinusitis: In some cases of chronic or recurrent sinusitis, Septran syrup may be used off-label. It can target the bacteria responsible for the infection and help alleviate symptoms like facial pain, nasal congestion, and headache.
4. Skin and Soft Tissue Infections: Septran syrup may be used off-label to treat certain skin and soft tissue infections caused by susceptible bacteria. This can include cellulitis, abscesses, and wound infections.
5. Toxoplasmosis: Septran Syrup can be used as part of combination therapy for treating toxoplasmosis, a parasitic infection caused by Toxoplasma gondii. It may be prescribed in children with severe cases or those who are immunocompromised.
6. Nocardiosis: Nocardiosis is a rare bacterial infection caused by the bacteria Nocardia. Septran Syrup is often used as a treatment option for nocardiosis, including in pediatric patients.
7. Staphylococcal Infections: In some cases, Septran Syrup may be used off-label to treat certain staphylococcal infections, such as skin and soft tissue infections caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). However, the use of Septran Syrup for MRSA infections can vary based on local resistance patterns and individual patient factors.

Septran Syrup is a leading brand of Co-trimoxazole (Trimethoprim & Sulfamethoxazole) in oral liquid form, manufactured and marketed by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK).

The following are some alternative brands of Septran Syrup and their manufacturers.

Nicotrim : Ray Pharma (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.

Amoxazol : Amroz Pharmaceuticals, Pakistan.

Bactrim : Roche (Pakistan) Limited.

Cotrim : Tabros Pharma, Pakistan.

Cobact : English Pharmaceuticals Industries, Pakistan.

Suptrex : The Sachzoo Laboratories Ltd, Pakistan.

Cotrimoxazole : Batala Pharmaceuticals, Pakistan.

Colitran : P. D. H. Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.

Mactran : Macter International (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.

Moxotrim : Wilsons Pharmaceuticals, Pakistan.

Octil-S : Ferozsons Laboratories Ltd, Pakistan.

Chemizole : (CCL) Consolidated Chemical Laboratories (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.

Presently, Septran is available in Syrup and Tablet forms with the following strengths.

Septran Syrup : Sulfamethoxazole 200mg/5ml + Trimethoprim 40mg/5ml strength.

Septran DS Syrup : Sulfamethoxazole 400mg/5ml + Trimethoprim 80mg/5ml strength.

Septran Tablet : Sulfamethoxazole 400mg + Trimethoprim 80mg strength.

Septran DS Tablet : Sulfamethoxazole 800mg + Trimethoprim 160mg strength.

Septran syrup has certain contraindications, which means there are specific situations or conditions in which its use is not recommended

Hypersensitivity: Septran syrup is contraindicated in individuals who have a known hypersensitivity or allergic reaction to sulfamethoxazole, trimethoprim, or any other component of the medication. Allergic reactions can range from mild skin rashes to severe reactions like Stevens-Johnson syndrome or anaphylaxis.

Severe Liver or Kidney Disease: Septran syrup is contraindicated in individuals with severe liver or kidney disease. The medication is metabolized and excreted through the liver and kidneys, so impaired organ function can lead to the accumulation of the drug or its byproducts, causing toxicity.

Blood Disorders: Septran syrup is contraindicated in individuals with certain blood disorders such as megaloblastic anemia due to folate deficiency or significant bone marrow suppression. The medication can interfere with the production of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, worsening these conditions.

Porphyria: Septran syrup is contraindicated in individuals with porphyria, a group of rare genetic disorders that affect the production of heme, a component of hemoglobin. The medication can trigger or worsen porphyria symptoms.

Infants Younger Than 2 Months: Septran syrup is generally not recommended for infants younger than 2 months of age due to the risk of a condition called kernicterus, which is severe jaundice that can lead to brain damage.

Septran Syrup Dose for Adults and Children (over 12 years):

• 10 ml (approximately 2 teaspoons) every 12 hours.
• However, the exact dose may vary based on the specific infection and its severity.

Septran Syrup Dose for Children (2 months to 12 years):

• The recommended dose for children between 2 months and 12 years is usually based on their body weight.
• The typical range is 6 to 12 mg of trimethoprim and 30 to 60 mg of sulfamethoxazole per kg of body weight per day, divided into two equal doses every 12 hours.

Septran is a combination antibiotic that contains two active ingredients: sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim. Each component has its own mode of action, and together they work synergistically to inhibit bacterial growth and treat infections.

1. Sulfamethoxazole: Sulfamethoxazole is a sulfonamide antibiotic that acts by inhibiting the synthesis of folic acid in bacteria. Folic acid is essential for the production of DNA, RNA, and proteins, which are necessary for bacterial growth and reproduction. Sulfamethoxazole competitively inhibits the enzyme dihydropteroate synthase, which is involved in the production of folic acid. By blocking this enzyme, sulfamethoxazole disrupts the bacterial metabolic pathways and inhibits the synthesis of essential components, leading to bacterial growth inhibition and eventual death.
2. Trimethoprim: Trimethoprim is a dihydrofolate reductase inhibitor. Dihydrofolate reductase is an enzyme involved in the synthesis of tetrahydrofolate, a crucial molecule needed for the production of DNA, RNA, and proteins in bacteria. Trimethoprim selectively inhibits the bacterial dihydrofolate reductase enzyme, disrupting the formation of tetrahydrofolate and inhibiting bacterial growth.

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