Avicef S 500mg/250mg Injection: Complete Medicine Guide
Clinical Reference Standards: CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation), Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) & WHO | Last Updated: September 2026
When to Call Your Doctor IMMEDIATELY
- Difficulty breathing or swelling of the face, lips, or throat
- Severe watery diarrhea or diarrhea with blood or mucus
- Rash with blistering or peeling skin
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes
- Decreased urine output or swelling in the legs
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Seizures or confusion
- Persistent high fever despite treatment
If experiencing severe symptoms, call emergency services immediately.
What is duotax 500 mg/250 mg injection used for?
This medicine is a combination antibiotic containing cefotaxime and sulbactam, given intravenously to treat serious bacterial infections. It works by killing bacteria and preventing their resistance.
- Generic Name: Cefotaxime + Sulbactam
- Manufacturer: Aristo Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd
- Form: Allopathy
- Pregnancy Category: Consult doctor
- Prescription Required: Yes
🇮🇳 duotax 500 mg/250 mg injection के बारे में (Hindi Summary)
उपयोग: यह दवा सेफोटैक्साइम और सल्बैक्टम का संयोजन है, जिसे नस के माध्यम से दिया जाता है। यह गंभीर जीवाणु संक्रमणों जैसे निमोनिया, मूत्र मार्ग संक्रमण, त्वचा संक्रमण, पेट के अंदर के संक्रमण और रक्त संक्रमण के इलाज के लिए उपयोग की जाती है। यह दवा बैक्टीरिया को मारती है और उनके प्रतिरोध को रोकती है। यह केवल डॉक्टर के निर्देशानुसार अस्पताल में ही दी जानी चाहिए।
साइड इफेक्ट्स: इस दवा के सामान्य दुष्प्रभावों में इंजेक्शन स्थल पर दर्द, लालिमा या सूजन, मतली, उल्टी, दस्त, सिरदर्द और चक्कर आना शामिल हैं। कुछ रोगियों में त्वचा पर चकत्ते या खुजली हो सकती है। गंभीर दुष्प्रभाव दुर्लभ हैं, लेकिन एलर्जी प्रतिक्रिया, गंभीर दस्त, रक्त विकार, यकृत और गुर्दे की समस्याएं हो सकती हैं। कोई भी असामान्य लक्षण दिखने पर तुरंत डॉक्टर को सूचित करें।
सुरक्षा सलाह: यह दवा केवल स्वास्थ्य पेशेवर द्वारा अस्पताल में ही दी जानी चाहिए। स्वयं इंजेक्शन न लगाएं। अपने डॉक्टर को अपनी सभी चिकित्सीय स्थितियों, दवाओं और एलर्जी के बारे में बताएं। गर्भावस्था या स्तनपान के दौरान डॉक्टर से सलाह लें। इलाज के दौरान शराब से बचें। पूरा कोर्स पूरा करें, भले ही आप बेहतर महसूस करें। गंभीर दस्त, दाने या सांस लेने में कठिनाई होने पर तुरंत डॉक्टर को बताएं। नियमित जांच और फॉलो-अप कराएं।
💊 duotax 500 mg/250 mg injection Uses & Benefits
[{"condition":"Community-acquired pneumonia","description":"Used for moderate to severe bacterial pneumonia caused by susceptible organisms, often as part of initial empiric therapy.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Urinary tract infections","description":"Effective against complicated and uncomplicated urinary tract infections caused by susceptible Gram-negative bacteria.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Skin and soft tissue infections","description":"Treats cellulitis, abscesses, and wound infections caused by susceptible bacteria.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Intra-abdominal infections","description":"Used in combination with other antibiotics for peritonitis, appendicitis, and other intra-abdominal infections.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Bloodstream infections (septicemia)","description":"Administered intravenously for bacteremia and sepsis caused by susceptible organisms.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Meningitis","description":"Used for bacterial meningitis when caused by susceptible organisms, often in combination with other agents.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Gynecological infections","description":"Treats pelvic inflammatory disease and postpartum infections caused by susceptible bacteria.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Bone and joint infections","description":"May be used for osteomyelitis and septic arthritis caused by susceptible organisms.","evidence":"Limited"}]
Off-label uses: [{"condition":"Prophylaxis in surgical procedures","description":"Sometimes used perioperatively to prevent surgical site infections, though not FDA-approved for this indication.","evidence":"Limited"},{"condition":"Febrile neutropenia","description":"May be used as part of empiric therapy in neutropenic patients with fever, but evidence is limited.","evidence":"Limited"}]
Primary treatment for: Bacterial infections caused by susceptible organisms
Also treats: Pneumonia, Urinary tract infections, Skin and soft tissue infections, Intra-abdominal infections, Septicemia, Meningitis, Gynecological infections
📋 Drug Information
| Generic Name(s) | Cefotaxime + Sulbactam |
| Brand Name | Augtax 1000 mg/500 mg Injection |
| Manufacturer | Aristo Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd |
| Packaging / Form | Varies by brand (Allopathy) |
| Therapeutic Class | ANTI INFECTIVES |
| Action Class | Cephalosporin + Beta-lactamase inhibitor |
| Route of Administration | Intravenous (IV) administration only. It can be given as a slow intravenous injection over 3-5 minutes or as an intravenous infusion over 20-30 minutes after dilution in a compatible solution. It is not for intramuscular, intrathecal, or oral use |
| Storage | Store the unreconstituted powder at room temperature between 20°C and 25°C (68°F to 77°F). Protect from light and moisture. After reconstitution, the solution should be used immediately or stored as per the manufacturer's instructions, typically refrigerated (2°C to 8°C) and used within 24 hours. Do not freeze. Keep out of reach of children. |
| Shelf Life | The shelf life of the unreconstituted powder is typically 24 months from the date of manufacture. Refer to the product packaging for the exact expiry date. Once reconstituted, use within the time specified by the manufacturer, usually within 24 hours if refrigerated. |
| WHO Guideline | Not established from the available information. |
| ICMR Guideline | Not established from the available information. |
👨⚕️ Doctor's Practical Tips
Evidence-based practical advice from experienced clinicians
🔍 Is This Medicine Right for Your Symptom?
Educational reference. Always consult a doctor for diagnosis.
🔬 How This Medicine Works (Pharmacology)
Pharmacokinetics
How It Works
This medicine combines cefotaxime, a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic, with sulbactam, a beta-lactamase inhibitor. Cefotaxime works by binding to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) on the bacterial cell wall, inhibiting the final transpeptidation step of peptidoglycan synthesis. This leads to weakening of the cell wall and ultimately bacterial cell lysis and death. Sulbactam is a structural analog of the beta-lactam ring and acts as a suicide inhibitor of certain beta-lactamase enzymes produced by bacteria. By irreversibly binding to these enzymes, sulbactam prevents the hydrolysis of cefotaxime, thereby extending its spectrum of activity against beta-lactamase-producing strains. This combination is bactericidal and is effective against a wide range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including many that are resistant to cefotaxime alone.
Mechanism Steps
💡 How to Take duotax 500 mg/250 mg injection
Strength: Each vial contains cefotaxime sodium equivalent to 500 mg of cefotaxime and sulbactam sodium equivalent to 250 mg of sulbactam. This is a sterile powder for reconstitution for intravenous injection.
Dosage Information
| Adult Dosage | The dosage of this medicine must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on the type and severity of infection, the patient's age, weight, renal and hepatic function, and the susceptibility of the causative organism. For adults with normal renal function, a common dose is 1 to 2 grams of cefotaxime combined with sulbactam every 6 to 12 hours, administered intravenously. The maximum daily dose should not exceed 12 grams of cefotaxime. In severe infections, higher doses may be used under close supervision. Dose adjustment is required in renal impairment. Always follow the prescribed regimen exactly. |
| Pediatric Dosage | Pediatric dosing is not established from available information. Consult a pediatrician for appropriate dosing in children. |
| Elderly Dosage | Elderly patients (above 65 years) may have reduced renal function, which can prolong the elimination half-life of cefotaxime and sulbactam. Dose adjustment based on creatinine clearance is recommended. Monitor renal function closely during therapy. No specific dose adjustments are recommended solely based on age, but individualization is essential. |
| Renal Impairment | In patients with renal impairment, dose adjustment is necessary. For creatinine clearance (CrCl) greater than 50 mL/min, usual doses may be given. For CrCl 10-50 mL/min, the dosing interval should be extended or the dose reduced. For CrCl less than 10 mL/min, doses should be reduced and given less frequently, and serum levels should be monitored if possible. Hemodialysis removes cefotaxime and sulbactam, so a supplemental dose may be required after dialysis. Consult a clinician for precise dosing. |
| Hepatic Impairment | No specific dose adjustment is recommended for hepatic impairment alone, as cefotaxime is partially metabolized in the liver but primarily excreted by the kidneys. However, in patients with combined hepatic and renal impairment, careful monitoring and dose adjustment are advised. Consult a clinician for individualized dosing. |
| Maximum Daily Dose | The maximum recommended daily dose of cefotaxime is 12 grams per day. For sulbactam, the maximum daily dose is 4 grams per day. Doses exceeding these limits should only be used in exceptional circumstances under close clinical supervision. |
Dosage Timeline
🍽️ Food Timing Guide
⏰ What to Do If You Miss a Dose
⚠️ Side Effects of duotax 500 mg/250 mg injection
✅ Common Side Effects
🚨 Serious Side Effects
⚠️ Rare Side Effects
Consult your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms.
🔬 Drug Interactions
| Drug | Severity | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Aminoglycosides | Major | |
| Loop diuretics | Major | |
| Warfarin | Major | |
| Probenecid | Moderate | |
| Oral contraceptives | Moderate | |
| Methotrexate | Moderate | |
| Chloramphenicol | Moderate |
🚨 Major Interactions
- Aminoglycosides (e.g., gentamicin, tobramycin)
- Loop diuretics (e.g., furosemide)
- Warfarin
- Probenecid
⚡ Moderate Interactions
- Oral contraceptives
- Methotrexate
- Chloramphenicol
🍷 Alcohol Interaction
Alcohol should be avoided while receiving this medicine. Alcohol can increase the risk of liver toxicity and may worsen side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. It can also impair the immune response and delay recovery from infection.
🔎 Check Your Other Medicines
Educational tool. Always confirm with your doctor or pharmacist.
🛡️ Safety & Warnings
🚫 Contraindications
["Known severe hypersensitivity to cefotaxime, sulbactam, or any other cephalosporin or beta-lactam antibiotic.","History of anaphylaxis to penicillins or other beta-lactam antibiotics.","Concurrent use with live bacterial vaccines (e.g., typhoid vaccine) may reduce efficacy.","Not for intrathecal or intraocular administration."]
⚠️ Warnings & Precautions
["Before starting therapy, inquire about previous hypersensitivity reactions to cephalosporins, penicillins, or other allergens. Cross-reactivity between penicillins and cephalosporins can occur.","Use with caution in patients with renal impairment; dose adjustment is required.","Use with caution in patients with a history of gastrointestinal disease, especially colitis.","Prolonged use may result in overgrowth of non-susceptible organisms, including fungi. If superinfection occurs, appropriate therapy should be initiated.","Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea has been reported; consider this diagnosis in patients who develop diarrhea during or after treatment.","Prescribing this medicine in the absence of a proven or strongly suspected bacterial infection is unlikely to provide benefit and increases the risk of drug-resistant bacteria.","Patients should be advised to inform their doctor if they are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.","Concurrent use with aminoglycosides or loop diuretics may increase the risk of nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity.","Do not mix this medicine with other drugs in the same syringe or infusion bag unless compatibility has been established."]
🤱 Lactation Safety
Cefotaxime and sulbactam are excreted in human breast milk in small amounts. Caution should be exercised when administered to a nursing woman. Consult your doctor to weigh the benefits and risks. If used, monitor the infant for diarrhea, thrush, or rash.
💊 Overdose Management
Overdose with this medicine is unlikely due to its intravenous route of administration in a clinical setting. In case of accidental overdose, treatment should be symptomatic and supportive. Cefotaxime and sulbactam can be removed from the blood by hemodialysis. Monitor vital signs, renal function, and neurological status. There is no specific antidote. Contact a poison control center or emergency department immediately if overdose is suspected.
⏰ Missed Dose
This medicine is administered by a healthcare professional, so missed doses are unlikely. If you miss a scheduled dose, contact your doctor or nurse as soon as possible. Do not attempt to self-administer a double dose. Your healthcare provider will determine the appropriate action based on the dosing schedule and your clinical condition.
Additional Safety Advice
This medicine must be administered only by a healthcare professional in a clinical setting. Do not attempt to self-administer this injection. Inform your doctor about all your medical conditions, especially kidney or liver disease, and any allergies to antibiotics. Provide a complete list of all medicines, supplements, and herbal products you are taking, as interactions can occur. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor before receiving this medicine. Avoid alcohol during treatment as it may worsen side effects and stress the liver. Complete the full course as prescribed, even if you feel better, to prevent relapse and resistance. Report any new symptoms such as severe diarrhea, rash, or difficulty breathing immediately. Your doctor may monitor your blood counts, kidney and liver function during treatment. Keep all follow-up appointments. Do not share this medicine with others. Proper hand hygiene and infection control practices are important while you are receiving treatment.
👴 Special Considerations for Elderly
💡 For Patients Above 65
Elderly patients are more likely to have reduced renal function, which can prolong the elimination of cefotaxime and sulbactam. Dose adjustment based on creatinine clearance is recommended. Monitor renal function and watch for signs of toxicity. Elderly patients may also be more susceptible to Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea.
🤰 Pregnancy Planning (TTC)
If you are planning to become pregnant, discuss with your doctor before starting this medicine. It is classified as Pregnancy Category B, but use only if clearly needed. If you become pregnant while on this medicine, inform your doctor immediately.
🏥 Post-Surgery Considerations
This medicine may be used perioperatively to prevent or treat surgical site infections. If you are recovering from surgery, inform your surgeon about any allergies and follow their instructions regarding antibiotic use. Monitor the surgical site for signs of infection.
🦷 Dental Procedures
Inform your dentist if you are receiving this medicine, as it may interact with other medications or affect your overall health. Antibiotic prophylaxis for dental procedures may be needed in certain heart conditions, but this medicine is not typically used for that purpose.
💚 Lifestyle Tips for Better Results
🏋️ Exercise Considerations
While receiving this medicine, you may feel weak or fatigued. Avoid strenuous exercise until you have fully recovered. Light activity such as walking is generally safe if you feel up to it. Consult your doctor before resuming intense workouts.
🥗 Diet Recommendations
💼 Impact on Daily Work & Life
This medicine is given intravenously in a hospital or clinic, so you will likely need to take time off work during treatment. You may experience fatigue, dizziness, or diarrhea, which can affect your ability to drive or operate machinery. It is advisable to rest and avoid driving until you feel fully recovered and your doctor approves.
🛑 When to Stop This Medicine
Do not stop this medicine without consulting your doctor. The full course must be completed as prescribed, even if you feel better, to ensure the infection is fully treated and to prevent resistance. If you experience severe side effects, your doctor may decide to stop or change the treatment.
📅 Long-Term Use Effects
Long-term use of this medicine may lead to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, superinfections with fungi or resistant organisms, and rarely, blood dyscrasias or liver and kidney function abnormalities. Prolonged therapy should be guided by clinical response and culture results. Regular monitoring of blood counts, renal and hepatic function is advised for extended courses. When used appropriately for short durations, long-term adverse effects are uncommon.
🌿 Non-Medicine Approaches
These can complement medicine but do not replace prescribed treatment.
For less severe infections, oral antibiotics may be used instead of intravenous therapy.
Evidence: Well-establishedDepending on the causative organism and susceptibility, other antibiotics like ceftriaxone or cefepime may be used.
Evidence: Well-established💉 Vaccination Considerations
💉 If You're Getting Vaccinated
This medicine may reduce the efficacy of live bacterial vaccines (e.g., typhoid vaccine). Avoid administering live vaccines during treatment. Inactivated vaccines are generally safe to administer, but consult your doctor for timing.
📦 Storage Guide
✅ DO
Store the unreconstituted powder at room temperature (20-25°C).
❌ DON'T
Do not freeze the powder or reconstituted solution.
✅ DO
Keep in the original container and protect from light.
❌ DON'T
Do not transfer to unmarked containers.
✅ DO
Use reconstituted solution within the time specified by the manufacturer, usually within 24 hours if refrigerated.
❌ DON'T
Do not use if the solution is discolored or contains particles.
✈️ Traveling with This Medicine
This medicine is administered in a healthcare setting, so travel advice is limited. If you are traveling after treatment, carry a copy of your prescription and medical records. Store any remaining medication as directed, and keep it in its original packaging. If you need to continue treatment while traveling, arrange for administration at a healthcare facility at your destination. Always declare your medication to customs if required.
💰 Cost Analysis & Savings
👥 Real Patient Stories
Educational, anonymized scenarios. Individual results may vary.
💬 Questions Patients Often Ask
A: You may start feeling better within 24 to 48 hours after starting treatment, but it is important to complete the full course as prescribed.
A: No, you must complete the full course to prevent the infection from returning and to avoid antibiotic resistance.
A: Common side effects include injection site pain, nausea, diarrhea, and rash. Most are mild and resolve on their own.
A: It is classified as Pregnancy Category B. It should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed and prescribed by your doctor.
A: It is best to avoid alcohol as it can increase the risk of liver toxicity and worsen side effects.
🤔 Common Patient Concerns
🔄 Substitutes for duotax 500 mg/250 mg injection
View AllAlternative brands with exact same active ingredient:
-
osotax-s 500mg/250mg injectionOsper Formulations Pvt Ltd ₹17.81 37.6% CHEAPER
-
effimax plus 500 mg/250 mg injectionAbbott ₹18.33 35.8% CHEAPER
-
cefnimax s 500 mg/250 mg injectionParenteral Drugs India Ltd ₹19.36 32.2% CHEAPER
-
cefup 500 mg/250 mg injectionSanat Products Ltd ₹20.40 28.5% CHEAPER
-
Sultax 500 mg/250 mg InjectionIpca Laboratories Ltd ₹21.57 24.4% CHEAPER
Medical Note: Always consult your doctor before switching medications.
🛑 Myths vs. Facts
- Myth: Antibiotics can cure viral infections like the common cold.
Fact: This medicine is effective only against bacterial infections. It does not treat viral infections. - Myth: You can stop taking antibiotics as soon as you feel better.
Fact: You must complete the full course as prescribed to prevent relapse and resistance, even if symptoms improve. - Myth: This injection is safe for everyone.
Fact: It is not safe for individuals with known allergies to cephalosporins or penicillins, and requires dose adjustment in kidney disease. - Myth: Antibiotics can be shared with others who have similar symptoms.
Fact: Never share antibiotics. They are prescribed for a specific infection and person; sharing can cause harm and promote resistance.
🔄 Alternative Options
Generic Alternatives
- Cefotaxime and sulbactam injection (generic versions may be available)
Brand Alternatives
- Avicef S 500mg/250mg injection