Introduction
Tenafet is an antibiotic medicine used to treat a variety of bacterial infections. It is effective in infections of the respiratory tract (eg. pneumonia), urinary tract, ear, nasal sinus, throat, and some sexually transmitted diseases.
Tenafet may be taken with or without food. You should take it regularly at evenly spaced intervals as per the schedule prescribed by your doctor. Taking it at the same time every day will help you to remember to take it. The dose will depend on what you are being treated for, but you should always complete a full course of this antibiotic as prescribed by your doctor. Do not stop taking it until you have finished, even when you feel better. If you stop taking it early, some bacteria may survive and the infection may come back. It will not work for viral infections such as flu or the common cold. Using any antibiotic when you do not need it can make it less effective for future infections.
The most common side effects of this medicine include rash, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. These are usually mild but let your doctor know if they bother you or last more than a few days.
Before using it, you should tell your doctor if you are allergic to any antibiotics or have any kidney or liver problems. You should also let your healthcare team know all other medicines you are taking as they may affect, or be affected by, this medicine. Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should consult their doctor before using it.
Side effects of Tenafet
Common
- Rash
- Allergic reaction
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
How to use Tenafet
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Tenafet may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.
How Tenafet works
Tenafet is an antibiotic. It kills the bacteria by preventing them from forming the bacterial protective covering (cell wall) which is needed for them to survive.
What if you forget to take Tenafet?
If you miss a dose of Tenafet, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
Indication
Pneumonia, Pharyngitis, Susceptible infections, Sinusitis, Otitis media, Tonsillitis, Soft tissue infections, Respiratory tract infections, Acute Exacerbations of Chronic bronchitis, Gonococcal urethritis
Adult Dose
Adults:
500 mg twice daily.
Child Dose
Children over 12 years:
500 mg twice daily.
Children under 12 years:
Usual dosage is 10 mg/kg twice daily.
<15 kg (approximately 6 months - 3 years) 125 mg twice daily
16 - 30 kg (approximately 3 - 9 years) 250 mg twice daily
31 - 40 kg (approximately 9 - 12 years) 375 mg twice daily
>40 kg (approximately over 12 years) 500 mg twice daily
Contraindication
Known hypersensitivity to cephalosporins.
Mode of Action
Cefetamet is a 3rd generation cephalosporin. It inhibits the final transpeptidation step of peptidoglycan synthesis in the bacterial cell wall by binding to one or more of the penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs).
Precaution
Hypersensitivity to penicillins. Renal insufficiency; lactation.
Side Effect
Diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, hypersensitivity reactions.
Pregnancy Category Note
Pregnancy
Available data from published observational studies, case series, and case reports over several decades with cephalosporin use, including cefixime, in pregnant women have not established drug-associated risks of major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes
Maternal gonorrhea may be associated with preterm birth, low neonatal birth weight, chorioamnionitis, intrauterine growth restriction, small for gestational age and premature rupture of membranes; perinatal transmission of gonorrhea to offspring can result in infant blindness, joint infections, and bloodstream infections
Lactation
There are no available data on presence of drug in human milk, effects on breastfed infant, or on milk production; drug is present in animal milk; when a drug is present in animal milk, it is likely the drug will be present in human milk; developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with mother’s clinical need for therapy and any potential adverse effects on breastfed infant from drug or from mother’s underlying condition