Velosef Capsule: Uses, Side Effects, and Price in Pakistan

About Velosef

Velosef is an FDA-approved antibiotic containing cephradine drug. It is used for the treatment of various bacterial infections, especially those in the respiratory and skin systems. Due to its potent nature, it’s available only through prescription, ensuring it’s used appropriately for the right conditions.

Consult a doctor for the effective use of antibiotics to treat infectious diseases.

Available Strengths of Velosef

Velosef is available in the following strengths:

• Velosef Capsules 250 mg (Cephradine)
• Velosef Capsules 500 mg (Cephradine)

Manufactured by: GSK

Generic: Cephradine (500mg and 250mg)

Drug Class: Antibiotic

Product Form: Capsule

Mechanism of Action

Cephradine targets the final stage of peptidoglycan synthesis in the bacterial cell wall. It achieves this by binding to specific proteins known as penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs). This binding disrupts cell wall formation, resulting in the death of the bacteria.

Velosef Capsule Uses

Velosef is an antibiotic that is used during the following conditions:

• Urinary tract infection (UTI): Velosef 500mg effectively targets and eradicates bacteria responsible for UTIs, ensuring a rapid clinical response.
• Sinusitis: Velosef addresses the underlying bacterial causes of sinusitis, reducing inflammation and relieving symptoms.
• Otitis media: Velosef is prescribed to eliminate bacteria causing middle ear infections, thereby reducing associated symptoms.
• Respiratory tract infections: This antibiotic is effective against common upper and lower respiratory pathogens. It is commonly prescribed for tonsillitis, sinusitis, pneumonia, etc.
• Infections of the oral cavity: The drug combats bacteria causing oral infections, ensuring oral health and reducing complications.
• Meningitis: For bacterial meningitis, Velosef 500mg effectively neutralizes the causative pathogens.
• Skin infections: The drug effectively targets skin-invading bacteria, ensuring rapid skin healing.

In addition, it is the first-line antibiotic indicated for a wide range of infectious diseases caused by bacterial pathogens.

What is the Price of Velosef Capsule in Pakistan?

The price of the Velosef capsule in Pakistan ranges between 30 to 32 PKR per capsule. The price can vary depending on the manufacturer. 

Alternatives of Velosef Capsule

Velosef capsules are available in the market under different brand names including:

• V-SEF
• Valodin
• Vardin

How to Take a Velosef Capsule?

Follow the dosing schedule prescribed by the doctor:

• Take the antibiotic following the dosage and dosing frequency as prescribed.
• Avoid breaking the capsule, and take it as a whole with water.
• The antibiotic is usually prescribed twice a day. Take the medicine at the same time each day to increase its efficacy.
• If not advised otherwise, the treatment should continue for 3-5 days with Velosef.
• Avoid the prolonged use of Velosef, as it can result in the development of bacterial resistance.

Dosage of Velosef Capsule

You should follow the dosing regime prescribed by the doctor for your medical condition.

• The usual dose of Velosef capsule 250mg is 1 capsule every 4 hours and 500 mg capsule is 1 capsule every 12 hours.
• Do not exceed the recommended dose to avoid possible side effects.

What are the Side Effects of the Velosef Capsule?

The most common side effects that are reported with the use of Velosef include;

• Nausea and vomiting
• Mild skin rash
• Allergic reactions
• Dyspnea
• Blood disorders such as leukopenia and neutropenia.
• Pruritis
• Joints pain
• Vaginitis

Interactions of Velosef Capsules with Other Medicines

Velosef capsules interact with a number of drugs, hence, it is essential to tell your healthcare provider about all the prescription, OTC, and herbal medicines that you are taking.

The interacting drugs include:

• BCG Vaccine
• Cholera Vaccine (Live)
• Mycophenolate Mofetil
• Mycophenolic Acid
• Typhoid Vaccine (Live)

Warnings and Precautions Associated with Velosef Capsule

• Use Velosef cautiously in patients sensitive to penicillin due to potential cross-allergenicity with cephalosporins.
• Broad-spectrum antibiotics like Velosef can alter colon flora, potentially promoting harmful bacterial growth.
• Inform the doctor about all your medicines, as Velosef can interact with other medicines, including aminoglycosides, diuretics, and anticoagulants.
• Cephradine containing Velosef is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to the antibiotic.
• Use the medicine with caution in patients with renal and hepatic impairment. 
• Prolonged use of antibiotics can result in the development of non-susceptible bacterial organisms. 

Is It Safe to Use Velosef Capsule During Pregnancy?

Cephradine is classified as FDA pregnancy category B. While animal studies haven’t shown evidence of harm to the fetus, there is limited data on its effects in human pregnancies. It should be prescribed during pregnancy only when the benefits clearly outweigh the potential risks. Additionally, consult a doctor for expert advice since Cephradine can be transferred to breast milk.

What are the Effects of a Velosef Capsule Overdose?

The symptoms of Velosef Capsule overdose include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Stomach Pain
• Diarrhea

Missed Dose

It is recommended to take the tablet according to the prescribed dosing schedule. However, if you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. If the time of the next dose is near, skip the missed dose and take the upcoming dose as per the schedule. Avoid doubling the dose as it may result in overdose symptoms.

How to Store Velosef Capsules?

To store Valocef, follow these instructions:

• Store in a cool, dry place.
• Keep the capsules away from moisture and sunlight.
• Store the medicine at room temperature.
• Keep the container tightly closed. 
• Keep the medicine out of the reach of children and pets.

Consult a doctor to get a prescription for antibiotics to avoid antibiotic resistance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can you use Velosef for a throat infection?

Velosef is a first-line antibiotic used to treat upper and lower respiratory diseases including throat infection and tonsillitis. 

2. What are the alternatives to Velosef?

The alternate antibiotic brands that can be used in place of Velosef include cefazolin, cephalexin, and augmentin. 

3. Is Velosef used for throat infections?

Velosef is used for respiratory tract infections (pharyngitis, tonsillitis, lobar pneumonia) which are caused by group A beta-hemolytic streptococci and S. pneumonia.