Spiramycine
Indications
Spiramycine is used for:
Susceptible infections, Cryptosporidiosis, Toxoplasmosis, Protozoal infections
Adult Dose
Oral
Toxoplasmosis; Protozoal infections; Cryptosporidiosis; Susceptible infections
Adult: 6-9 million units/day in 2-3 divided doses, increased to 15 million units/day, given in divided doses for severe infections.
Child Dose
Oral
Child and Neonates:
Chemoprophylaxis of congenital toxoplasmosis:
50 mg/kg bid.
Renal Dose
Administration
May be taken with or without food.
Contra Indications
Hypersensitivity.
Precautions
Hepatic impairment; pregnancy and lactation. Monitor liver function. History of arrhythmias or predisposition to QT interval prolongation.
Pregnancy-Lactation
Interactions
Decreases carbidopa absorption and levodopa concentrations. Increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias when used with astemizole, cisapride and terfenadine. Risk of acute dystonia when used with fluphenazine.
Adverse Effects
Side effects of Spiramycine :
Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea; urticaria, pruritus, macular rashes. Transient paraesthesia may occur.
Potentially Fatal: Pseudomembranous colitis; anaphylaxis; neuromuscular blockade; ventricular arrhythmias, prolongation of QT interval.
Mechanism of Action
Spiramycin is a macrolide antibacterial that inhibits protein synthesis by irreversibly binding to the 50S subunit of the ribosomal subunit thus blocking the transpeptidation or translocation reactions of susceptible organisms resulting in stunted cell growth