Fortum Injection 250 MG 1S

Description

Fortum Injection 250 mg is a powerful prescription antibiotic medication specifically formulated to combat severe and multi-drug-resistant bacterial infections. Its active ingredient, Ceftazidime, belongs to the cephalosporin class of antibiotics, making it a critical tool for healthcare professionals in hospital and clinical settings. This injectable solution is designed for patients requiring potent, systemic antibacterial action.

This overview summarizes the key attributes of Fortum Injection 250 mg that make it a trusted choice for clinicians.

• Potent Antibacterial Action: Effectively targets and eliminates a wide spectrum of serious bacteria.

• Hospital-Grade Formulation: Manufactured under strict sterile conditions for intravenous or intramuscular administration.

• Critical Care Solution: Often used for complex infections in immunocompromised patients or those in intensive care.

• Quality Assured: Produced by a globally recognized pharmaceutical company adhering to stringent Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).

What is Fortum Injection 250 mg and What Are Its Primary Uses?

Understanding Fortum Injection: A Potent Antibiotic for Severe Infections

Fortum Injection is a vital antibacterial agent used when oral antibiotics are ineffective or unsuitable. Its primary component, Ceftazidime Pentahydrate, works by interfering with the bacterial cell wall synthesis, leading to the destruction of the microorganisms causing the infection. It is particularly noted for its efficacy against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a bacterium known for its resistance to many other antibiotics.

Comprehensive List of Medical Uses and Indications

Fortum Injection 250 mg is prescribed for a range of serious bacterial infections, including:

• Lower Respiratory Tract Infections: Such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and lung abscesses caused by susceptible bacteria.

• Bacterial Septicemia: A serious bloodstream infection that can lead to life-threatening complications.

• Complex Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Including pyelonephritis (kidney infection).

• Skin and Skin Structure Infections: Severe cellulitis, wound infections, and burn infections.

• Intra-Abdominal Infections: Including peritonitis and infections complicating abdominal surgery.

• Central Nervous System Infections: Such as bacterial meningitis, particularly when caused by susceptible gram-negative bacteria.

• Bone and Joint Infections: Including osteomyelitis and septic arthritis.

• Infections in Immunocompromised Patients: Such as those with neutropenia, where the risk of severe infection is high.

Key Features and Clinical Benefits of Ceftazidime Therapy

The clinical profile of Fortum Injection offers several distinct advantages in a therapeutic setting.

• Broad-Spectrum Activity: It is effective against a wide range of gram-positive and, most notably, gram-negative bacteria.

• Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Coverage: It provides reliable coverage against this difficult-to-treat pathogen, a key differentiator from other cephalosporins.

• High Potency and Efficacy: Delivers a strong bactericidal effect, rapidly reducing the bacterial load in serious infections.

• Proven Clinical Success: Has a long-standing history of use in hospitals worldwide, with a well-documented efficacy and safety profile.

• Multiple Administration Routes: Can be administered via slow intravenous injection, intravenous infusion, or deep intramuscular injection, offering flexibility based on patient needs.

What is the Active Ingredient in Fortum Injection 250 mg?

Detailed Ingredient Profile

The therapeutic power of Fortum Injection comes from its single, potent active pharmaceutical ingredient (API).

• Active Ingredient: Ceftazidime (as Ceftazidime Pentahydrate) 250 mg.

This is a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic. Its chemical structure grants it stability against beta-lactamase enzymes produced by some bacteria, which would otherwise inactivate older antibiotics. This makes it a crucial option for infections resistant to penicillin and earlier-generation cephalosporins.

The injection may also contain sodium carbonate as an excipient, which acts as a solubilizing agent to prepare the solution for injection.

How Should You Administer Fortum Injection 250 mg Correctly?

Directions for Use and Administration Techniques

Fortum Injection is a parenteral medication that must be administered by a qualified healthcare professional in a controlled medical environment. Self-administration is not recommended.

Step-by-Step Guide to Preparation and Administration

1. Reconstitution: The powder must be reconstituted with a suitable diluent (e.g., Water for Injections, Sodium Chloride 0.9%) as directed by the manufacturer’s instructions and hospital protocol.

2. Inspection: The reconstituted solution should be inspected visually for any particulate matter or discoloration before administration. Do not use if the solution is not clear.

3. Administration Route:

   • Intravenous (IV) Injection: Administered slowly over 3-5 minutes directly into a vein.

   • Intravenous (IV) Infusion: Diluted further and administered over 15-30 minutes.

   • Intramuscular (IM) Injection: Administered deep into a large muscle mass, such as the gluteus maximus or lateral thigh.

4. Dosage Compliance: It is critical to complete the entire course of treatment as prescribed, even if symptoms improve, to prevent the recurrence of infection and the development of antibiotic resistance.

What is the Recommended Dosage for Fortum Injection?

Dosage Information and Therapeutic Regimen

The dosage of Fortum Injection is highly individualized and must be determined by a physician based on several factors.

Factors Influencing Dosage Determination

• Type and severity of the infection

• Patient’s renal (kidney) function

• Patient’s body weight (especially in pediatric and underweight patients)

• The causative microorganism’s susceptibility

General Adult and Pediatric Dosage Guidelines

Note: This is a general guideline. The prescribing physician’s dosage instructions are absolute and must be followed precisely.

What Precautions Should Be Taken Before Using Fortum Injection?

Essential Precautions and Contraindications

Patient safety is paramount. Certain conditions require careful evaluation before initiating therapy with Fortum.

Critical Warnings and Pre-Use Screening

• Allergy History: Do not use if there is a known hypersensitivity to Ceftazidime, other cephalosporin antibiotics, or any component of the formulation. Cross-reactivity with penicillins can occur in up to 10% of patients.

• Renal Function Tests: Dosage adjustment is mandatory for patients with impaired kidney function, as the drug is primarily excreted by the kidneys.

• Pregnancy and Lactation: Use during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Ceftazidime is excreted in human milk, so caution is advised when administering to a nursing mother.

• Clostridium Difficile-Associated Diarrhea (CDAD): Antibiotic use can cause an overgrowth of C. diff, leading to severe, persistent diarrhea. This can occur even weeks after treatment has concluded.

• Interference with Laboratory Tests: Ceftazidime may cause a false-positive reaction for glucose in the urine with certain testing methods (e.g., Clinitest).

What Are the Possible Side Effects of Fortum Injection?

Documented Side Effects and Adverse Reactions

Like all potent medications, Fortum Injection can cause side effects, though not everyone gets them. It is important to monitor for any adverse events.

Common and Less Serious Side Effects

These are often mild and may resolve as the body adjusts to the medicine.

• Local reactions at the injection site (pain, inflammation, phlebitis)

• Diarrhea or loose stools

• Nausea and vomiting

• Headache or dizziness

• Skin rashes and itching

Serious Side Effects Requiring Immediate Medical Attention

The following side effects are rare but require immediate discontinuation of the drug and urgent medical intervention.

• Severe Allergic Reactions: Signs include hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat (anaphylaxis).

• Severe Skin Reactions: Such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis (blistering, peeling skin).

• Watery or Bloody Diarrhea: (A potential sign of C. diff infection).

• Signs of Liver Problems: Dark urine, persistent nausea/vomiting, yellowing of the eyes/skin (jaundice).

• Unusual Bleeding or Bruising: Ceftazidime can rarely affect blood clotting.

How Should Fortum Injection Be Stored?

Storage Instructions for Stability and Potency

Proper storage is essential to maintain the sterility, potency, and safety of the medication.

• Unreconstituted Vials: Store below 25°C (77°F). Protect from light. Keep the container in the outer carton.

• Reconstituted Solution: The chemical and physical stability of the reconstituted solution has been demonstrated for up to 24 hours at room temperature or 7 days when refrigerated. However, from a microbiological perspective, the product should be used immediately unless reconstituted under controlled and validated aseptic conditions.

• Storage After Dilution for Infusion: The stability period varies depending on the diluent and storage conditions (e.g., 24 hours at room temperature in Sodium Chloride 0.9%). Follow hospital pharmacy guidelines strictly.

• Keep Out of Reach of Children: This is a prescription medicine and must be stored securely.

Who Manufactures Fortum Injection?

Manufacturer Information and Quality Assurance

Fortum Injection is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Pharmaceuticals Limited, a leading global healthcare company with a long-standing reputation for research, development, and production of high-quality medicines.

Commitment to Quality and Safety

GSK operates state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities that comply with international Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards. This ensures that every vial of Fortum Injection meets rigorous specifications for identity, strength, quality, and purity. The company’s extensive pharmacovigilance system continuously monitors the safety of its products post-marketing.

What Are the Overall Benefits of Using Fortum Injection?

Therapeutic Advantages and Patient Outcomes

The use of Fortum Injection in appropriate clinical scenarios provides significant benefits.

• Life-Saving Intervention: It is effective against infections that are unresponsive to other antibiotics, making it a life-saving option in critical care.

• Targeted Spectrum of Activity: Its specific strength against Pseudomonas aeruginosa fills a crucial gap in antimicrobial therapy.

• Rapid Onset of Action: As an injectable formulation, it achieves high serum concentrations quickly, essential for treating systemic and severe infections.

• Flexibility in Treatment: The availability of both IV and IM routes allows for a seamless transition from hospital to outpatient care in some cases (e.g., ongoing antibiotic therapy at home).

• Global Trust and Recognition: Being a GSK product, it carries the assurance of being manufactured by one of the world’s most reputable pharmaceutical entities.

How Does Fortum Injection Compare to Other Antibiotics?

Comparison Table: Fortum (Ceftazidime) vs. Key Alternatives

This table provides a general comparison and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fortum Injection

Answering Common Patient and Caregiver Queries

Can Fortum Injection be used for a throat infection?
Fortum Injection is not a first-line treatment for common throat infections like strep throat, which are typically caused by gram-positive bacteria. It is reserved for more severe, systemic, or resistant infections where its broad gram-negative coverage is required.

What should I do if I miss a scheduled dose?
In a hospital setting, the medical staff will manage the dosing schedule. If you are on outpatient therapy and miss a dose, contact your healthcare provider immediately for instructions. Do not double the dose to catch up.

How long does it take for Fortum Injection to start working?
Patients may start feeling better within 48 to 72 hours as the infection begins to clear. However, the full course of treatment must be completed to ensure the infection is entirely eradicated and to prevent resistance.

Is it safe to drive or operate machinery after receiving this injection?
Fortum Injection may cause dizziness in some patients. It is advisable to avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you are certain how the medication affects you.

Can this injection be given to a patient with a penicillin allergy?
There is a known cross-reactivity risk between penicillins and cephalosporins. Therefore, Fortum should be used with extreme caution in patients with a history of severe penicillin allergy. The physician will weigh the benefits against the risks.

What is the price of a Fortum 250mg injection?
The price of Fortum Injection can vary based on geographic location, pharmacy markup, and insurance coverage. It is a prescription-only medicine, and its cost is typically associated with specialized hospital care.