What is Velosef?
Velosef is a type of antibiotic, which is used for treating bacterial infections in the body. Also formally known as Velosef cephradine, it is a cephalosporin type of antibiotic that belongs to the beta-lactam group of antibiotics and works by stopping the production of the bacterial walls. It makes it difficult for the bacteria to survive without their protective shell. It is also easier for the body to kill them in this case.
Velosef is effective only against bacterial infections, and thus cannot be used to cure viral infections. Although there is little difference between the structure of Velosef and Augmentin, however, they target different spectrums of bacteria.
Velosef Formula:
Velosef is cephradine antibiotic, belonging to the greater category of beta-lactam group.
What are the available forms of Velosef in Pakistan?
Velosef is available in following different forms:
- capsules
- oral suspension
Velosef dosage and strength:
The dosage strengths of Velosef include:
- 250mg capsule
- 500mg capsule
- 125mg/5ml oral suspension
- 250mg/5ml oral suspension
The dosage strength of Velosef depends on the severity and type of infection. In case of respiratory tract infections and skin infections, the suggested dosage of Velosef is 250mg, four times a day or 500mg to be taken twice a day. Ultimately, the total daily dosage is 2000mg.
For lobar pneumonia, the dosage of Velosef to be taken is 500mg four times a day, or 1g, twice a day. The net intake is 2g per day. In uncomplicated urinary tract infections, the recommended dosage of Velosef is 500mg, twice a day. However, in serious urinary tract infections that also cause prostatitis, the dosage administered is 500mg four times a day, or 1g twice a day. For serious and chronic infections, the dose of Velosef given is 1g, four times a day.
How to take Velosef?
Velosef can be taken with or without food, however, it is better to take the medicine with food, in order to prevent any damage to the stomach. Strong medicines can lead to gastric ulcers or an upset stomach.
Also, it is important that you talk to your doctor about any ill effects on your stomach like pain or nausea, from taking Velosef, as they may be symptoms of gastritis.
Moreover, it is important to take Velosef in the correct way; it should not be crushed or chewed but swallowed whole with a glass of water. Stick to the dosage and time prescribed by the doctor, and do not alter the dosage on your own. Changing the dosage or frequency can have repercussions for the health otherwise.
Prior to stopping its usage, consult your doctor first.
What are the uses of Velosef?
Velosef is used to treat a variety of ailments. These include:
- Urinary tract infection
- Sinusitis
- Otitis media
- Upper respiratory tract infection
- Lower respiratory tract infection
- Community-acquired pneumonia
- Salmonellosis
- Infections of the oral cavity
- Lyme disease
- Prophylaxis for anthrax exposure
- Meningitis
- Endocarditis
- H. Pylori infection
- Skin infections
- Typhoid fever
- Parathyroid fever
- Prosthetic joints infection
- Tonsillitis
- Pharyngitis
- Cystitis
- Urethritis
- Impetigo
- Cellulitis
- Furunculosis
What are the side effects of Velosef?
Much like most of the drugs, Velosef can also have side-effects in certain people and that is why it should only be taken at the discretion of the doctor.
Possible side-effects include:
- Abdominal pain
- Vomit containing coffee grounds
- Blood in stool
- Constipation
- Black stools
- Acid reflux
- Anemia
- Elevation of liver enzymes
- Diarrhea
- Serum sickness
- Crystalluria
What are the risks and warnings for Velosef?
Following are the warning signs for Velosef. Precautionary measures should be taken in order to avoid any complications that come with the use of Velosef.
Allergic to Velosef:
Some people can be allergic to Velosef. A mild form of allergy can lead to skin rashes, wheezing etc., however, a severe case can be fatal as well. Known as anaphylactic shock, this condition has symptoms including breathing difficulty, nausea, skin rashes. If medical aid is not given, like an EpiPen, there can be serious consequences. Moreover, if you have any allergies to Velosef, do not take cephradine or its other derivatives as well.
Non-susceptible organisms:
Velosef should only be given when the bacteria are sensitive to it. Otherwise, it can lead to a condition known as antibiotic resistance. This leads to problems with treating the future infections, as the bacteria becomes ‘resistant’ to it. It is applicable mainly to the infection of the nose, ear and throat.
Seizures:
If you have a history of seizures or have renal impairment, take Velosef with caution as It can trigger seizures. Moreover, those with conditions like brain tumors, have a propensity towards seizures. Therefore, people with such ailments should also take Velosef with caution.
Kidney failure:
People with kidney failure should take Velosef with caution. Our kidneys perform the central task of removing toxins and waste products from the body. When kidneys are unable to carry out their job well, toxins from the drugs build up in the body. This has severe implications for the health of the person. It is pertinent to consult a healthcare provider about your kidney problems so that they can suggest your dosage accordingly.
Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction:
Jarisch-Herxheimer is a reaction that occurs when Velosef is given to patients with Lyme disease. This happens due to the release of endotoxins on account of the death of the bacteria.
Gastric ulcers:
People with gastric ulcers and acidity must take Velosef with caution as It has an impact on the gastrointestinal tract. Moreover, Velosef can also lead to ulceration in the stomach when used for the longer term. Disclose this to your doctor, so that they can prescribe a gastroprotective agent alongside for preventing the pain and protecting the stomach.
Liver diseases:
Individuals suffering from liver disease should also exercise caution when using Velosef. Liver does the metabolism and excretion of drugs from the body. If it’s not working properly, then drugs can get accumulated in the body and cause damage to it.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding:
Pregnant women should not take Velosef unless prescribed by their doctor. Similarly, mothers who are nursing should also consult their doctor before using Velosef. This is because medicine can gravely affect the health of the baby.
Anticoagulants or bleeding disorders:
People who are taking anticoagulants for blood thinning, or have any blood disorder, should take Velosef only when prescribed by the doctor.
Interactions between Velosef and other medications:
Velosef, or Cephradine, as an antibiotic can interact with other drugs that the person might be taking. It is imperative to know that a drug interaction does not mean that you stop taking the drug of your own accord. Instead, talk to your health care provider about it.
Some of the possible drug interactions include:
- Probenecid
- Blood thinners like warfarin
- Allopurinol
- Oral birth control pills containing estrogen and progesterone.
- Other antibiotics like chloramphenicol, tetracyclines, sulfonamides, and macrolides.
Drug interactions can be best avoided when complete medical history, including any physical and mental ailments or conditions, are provided to the healthcare professional. Doctors can then prescribe different drugs, or dosage, to prevent drug interactions.
What is the price of Velosef in Pakistan?
The cost of a Velosef 500mg capsule is Rs.26.39/-. On the other hand, the price of the Velosef 250 mg capsule is Rs.10.33/-.
Storage Conditions:
- Velosef should be kept out of the reach and sight of children.
- It should be stored at room temperature.
- Capsules should not be taken after their expiration date has passed.
How to get Velosef in Pakistan?
In order to get Velosef in Pakistan, you need the latest prescription from your doctor to present to the pharmacist. Pregnant women can also be prescribed Velosef 500mg, and they can take their prescription to the medical store or pharmacy to get the antibiotic.
What medicines are available as alternatives to Velosef in Pakistan?
Velosef is also available under different brand names. These include:
- Valodin
- Vardin
- V- SEF
Conclusion:
Velosef is an antibiotic that is used to treat a wide range of medical conditions, including UTIs, typhoid, respiratory tract infections, etc. However, it is only used for bacterial infections and cannot be used when self-medicating without a prescription from a doctor.
In order to consult a doctor before using Velosef, make sure to use Oladocx.com get the best expert counseling while availing up to a 50 percent discount on your appointments.
