Introduction
Spiracin is an antibiotic used to treat a parasitic infection known as Toxoplasmosis in pregnant women. It helps to lower the risk of transmission of toxoplasma infection from the mother to the unborn child. Rarely, it may also be used to treat some other infections.
Spiracin should be taken orally on an empty stomach. Do not skip any doses and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better. Stopping the medicine too early may lead to the infection returning or worsening.
Commonly seen side effects seen with this medicine include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and diarrhea. These are usually temporary and subside with the completion of treatment. Consult your doctor if these side effects do not resolve or persist for a longer duration.
Regular monitoring of liver function tests (LFT's) may be required while using this medicine. This medicine is safe to use during pregnancy. However, it will not affect the severity of the disease if the unborn child has already been infected. Inform your doctor if you have any previous history of allergy before taking this medicine.
Uses of Spiracin
- Toxoplasmosis during pregnancy
Side effects of Spiracin
Common
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Allergy
How to use Spiracin
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. Spiracin is to be taken empty stomach.
How Spiracin works
Spiracin is an antibiotic. It works by preventing synthesis of essential proteins required by bacteria to carry out vital functions. Thus, it stops the bacteria from growing, and prevents the infection from spreading.
What if you forget to take Spiracin?
If you miss a dose of Spiracin, 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
Susceptible infections, Cryptosporidiosis, Toxoplasmosis, Protozoal infections
Administration
May be taken with or without food.
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.
Contraindication
Hypersensitivity.
Mode 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
Precaution
Hepatic impairment; pregnancy and lactation. Monitor liver function. History of arrhythmias or predisposition to QT interval prolongation.
Side Effect
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.
Interaction
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.