Okolins is a brand name for Cefuroxime Sodium, a second-generation cephalosporin antibiotic. It is used to treat various bacterial infections including soft-tissue, bone and joint infections, respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, surgical infections (prophylaxis), gonorrhea, meningitis, otitis media, peritonitis, pharyngitis, and sinusitis.
The active ingredient in Okolins is Cefuroxime (as Sodium), present at a concentration of 750 mg per vial.
Cefuroxime inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis, leading to bacterial cell death. It is effective against a wide range of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.
Cefuroxime has similar or less activity against gram-positive cocci compared to first-generation cephalosporins.
Cefuroxime is relatively resistant to beta-lactamases produced in the gastrointestinal tract, which allows it to maintain its effectiveness against bacteria that produce these enzymes.
Cefuroxime is absorbed rapidly from the gastrointestinal tract and its absorption is enhanced in the presence of food.
Peak plasma concentrations of approximately 27 mcg/mL are achieved 45 minutes after an intramuscular dose.
Up to 50% of Cefuroxime in the circulation is bound to plasma proteins.
The plasma half-life of Cefuroxime is approximately 70 minutes.
The plasma half-life of Cefuroxime is prolonged in patients with renal impairment.
Cefuroxime is excreted unchanged by glomerular filtration and renal tubular secretion, resulting in high concentrations in the urine.
The usual adult dose is 750 mg given twice daily when creatinine clearance is between 10 mL and 20 mL/minute, and once daily when it is below 10 mL/minute.
In more severe infections, 1.5 g of Cefuroxime may be given intravenously every 6 to 8 hours.
Infants and children can be given 30 to 60 mg/kg daily, which can be increased to 100 mg/kg daily. This total daily dose can be administered in 2 or 3 divided doses.
For meningitis, doses of 3 g every 8 hours are recommended.
Infants and children with meningitis are given 200 to 240 mg/kg daily intravenously in 3 to 4 divided doses. After 3 days, the dosage can be decreased to 100 mg/kg daily for neonates.
A single dose of 1.5 g intravenously, divided between 2 injection sites, has been suggested for gonorrhea.
A single 1 g oral dose has been given for uncomplicated gonorrhea.
For surgical infection prophylaxis, the usual dose is 1.5 g of Cefuroxime intravenously prior to the procedure, followed by 750 mg intravenously or intramuscularly every 8 hours for up to 24 to 48 hours.
The most common adverse effects of Okolins are gastrointestinal disturbances, including diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.
Less common but serious adverse effects include erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and toxic epidermal necrolysis.
For intramuscular injection, add 3 mL of water for injection and shake gently.
For intravenous injection, add 8 mL of water for injection and shake gently.
The reconstituted solution must be used within one hour after reconstitution.
Discard any remaining portion of the reconstituted solution.
Okolins should be stored at temperatures not exceeding 30°C.
Okolins should not be given to patients who are hypersensitive to cefuroxime or other cephalosporins.
Okolins should be given with caution to patients with a known history of allergy and to patients with renal impairment.
Okolins is available in a 750 mg vial.
Okolins is manufactured by REYOUNG PHARMACEUTICAL CO., LTD. in China and distributed by Anhui Medipharm Co., Ltd. in China.
You can find more information about Okolins by contacting the manufacturer or distributor, or by consulting your doctor or pharmacist.