Bencyclanum
Bencyclanum Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Bencyclanum is a brand name. Its generic name is Bencyclane.
Introduction
Bencyclanum (brand name Betanex, Hasenex among others) is an injectable anesthetic and steroid drug used for a variety of medical and surgical procedures. It is a combination of benzathine benzylpenicillin (an antibiotic), clindamycin (an antibiotic), and betamethasone (a corticosteroid). There is also a newer version of the drug, Bencyclanum/Pomalidomide (Zolgamil), which has additional anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activity.
Uses
Bencyclanum is used in the treatment of a variety of bacterial and fungal infections. It is also used to reduce inflammation, swelling, and pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and bursitis. Additionally, it may be prescribed for the treatment of septic arthritis, gout, and ankylosing spondylitis. It is also used to reduce edema (water retention) in the body.
Mechanism of Action
Bencyclanum works in several ways. Its benzathine benzylpenicillin component acts by disrupting the bacterial cell wall, preventing bacterial growth. Clindamycin also disrups the bacterial cell wall by blocking the release of essential enzymes, allowing the antibiotic to effectively fight the bacterial infection. The betamethasone component acts as a corticosteroid, reducing inflammation and pain. Lastly, the Pomalidomide component is an immunomodulatory drug which reduces inflammation by suppressing the immune system.
How Long Does it Take to Work?
Bencyclanum typically begins working within a few hours of administration. However, individual effects may vary based on the condition that is being treated. It may take several weeks of treatment before the full effects of the medication are noticed.
Absorption
Bencyclanum is rapidly and almost completely absorbed after subcutaneous or intramuscular injections. The peak serum concentration is usually achieved within one hour after injection.
Route of Elimination
Bencyclanum is eliminated mainly by the kidneys. The elimination half-lives of benzathine benzylpenicillin, clindamycin, and betamethasone are 12, 4 to 6, and 3 to 4 hours, respectively.
Dosage
Bencyclanum is available in three different formulations—Bencyclanum (Zolgamil), Bencyclanum/Pomalidomide, and Bencyclanum/Pomalidomide extended release. The dosage for each of the three formulations is as follows:
- Bencyclanum (Zolgamil):
- For Adults and Children > 12 years old: 1 million units by intramuscular (IM) injection given every two weeks.
- For Children 6 to 12 years old: 500 thousand units by IM injection given every two weeks.
- Bencyclanum/Pomalidomide:
- For Adults and Children > 12 years old: 1 million units by subcutaneous (SC) injection given every two weeks.
- For children 6 to 12 years old: 500 thousand units by SC injection given every two weeks.
- Bencyclanum/Pomalidomide Extended Release:
- For Adults and Children > 12 years old: 1 million units by SC injection given every four weeks.
- For children 6 to 12 years old: 500 thousand units by SC injection given every four weeks.
Administration
Bencyclanum can be administered either intramuscularly or subcutaneously. It is important to follow the instructions of the prescribing physician when administering the medication.
Side-Effects
Common side-effects of Bencyclanum include headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, and redness at the injection site. Less common side-effects include dizziness, weakness, swelling, joint pain, and fever. Rare side-effects include allergic reactions, which may be serious or fatal.
Toxicity
Bencyclanum is generally well tolerated. Overdose is unlikely to cause serious adverse effects. In the case of an overdose, symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and diarrhea. It is important to seek medical attention immediately in the event of an overdose.
Precautions
Before taking Bencyclanum, it is important to tell your healthcare provider about any other medications, supplements, or vitamins you are taking. Additionally, it is important to tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as Bencyclanum may cause harm to an unborn or nursing infant. Bencyclanum may also cause dizziness or drowsiness, so use caution when driving or operating heavy machinery.
Interactions
Bencyclanum may interact with certain medications, including antacids, cimetidine, and theophylline. Additionally, it may interact with certain vitamins, such as vitamin K, as well as food and beverages. It is important to tell your healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and vitamins you are taking before taking Bencyclanum.
Disease Interaction
Bencyclanum may interact with certain diseases or medical conditions, such as kidney or liver disease, or an allergy to penicillin. It is important to tell your healthcare provider about any existing medical conditions or allergies before taking Bencyclanum.
Drug Interactions
Bencyclanum may interact with certain drugs, such as antacids, cimetidine, or theophylline. Additionally, it may interact with certain vitamins, such as vitamin K. It is important to tell your healthcare provider about all drugs, supplements, and vitamins you are taking before taking Bencyclanum.
Food Interaction
Bencyclanum should be taken with food, as it may interact with certain foods. Dairy products, vitamin K, and grapefruit juice may interact with Bencyclanum and reduce its efficacy. It is important to tell your healthcare provider about all food and beverages you are taking before taking Bencyclanum.
Pregnancy Use
Bencyclanum should be avoided during pregnancy as it may cause harm to an unborn child. It is important to tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant before taking Bencyclanum.
Lactation Use
Bencyclanum should be avoided during breastfeeding as it may cause harm to a nursing infant. It is important to tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding before taking Bencyclanum.
Acute Overdose
In case of an acute overdose, symptom may include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and diarrhea. It is important to seek medical attention immediately in the event of an overdose. Bencyclanum is unlikely to cause serious adverse effects in the case of an overdose.
Contraindication
Bencyclanum is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to benzylpenicillin, clindamycin, betamethasone, and/or pomalidomide. Additionally, it is contraindicated in patients with a history of tendon rupture, or in patients with a weakened immune system.
Use Direction
It is important to take Bencyclanum exactly as instructed by your healthcare provider. Do not take more or less than the prescribed amount, and do not take it more or less often than instructed. Bencyclanum should be taken with food, and injections should be given in the exact manner prescribed by your healthcare provider.
Storage Condition
Bencyclanum should be stored at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and heat. It should also be kept away from children and pets.
Volume of Distribution
The volume of distribution of Bencyclanum is not known.
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