Curam

What is Curam?

Curam is a prescription-only antibiotic widely used to clear bacterial infections in the respiratory tract, urinary tract, and skin.

It belongs to the extended-spectrum penicillin family, differing from standard penicillins by combining amoxicillin with a beta-lactamase inhibitor. This drug is produced through a specific chemical synthesis process that formulates amoxicillin and clavulanic acid in a fixed ratio, allowing it to counteract enzymes produced by penicillin-resistant bacteria.

Generic Names:

• Amoxicillin/Clavulanate Potassium: The standard generic formulation widely used in North American and Asian medical systems.
• Co-amoxiclav: The common generic abbreviation widely used in the United Kingdom and Hong Kong.

Global Brand Names:

This formulation is distributed globally under several well-known brand names.

• Augmentin: The most famous and original brand name, prescribed widely for adults and children across Europe, North America, and Asia.
• Clavamox: A brand name frequently utilised in specific regional markets and veterinary medicine.
• Amoclan: Another recognised brand name distributed in select international markets.

These names all refer to the same medication. It is important to note that while the active ingredient is the same globally, local regulations and available medication formulations may vary.

What is Curam used for?

Curam is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections, including:

• Sinusitis
• Pneumonia
• Ear infections (otitis media)
• Bronchitis
• Urinary tract infections
• Skin infections

How do you use Curam?

Availability:

• Tablets
• Chewable tablets
• Oral suspension

Suitability:

• Adults: Yes, suitable for general adult use.
• Elderly: Yes, taking into account current renal function.
• Children: Yes, with specific paediatric dosages available.
• Infants: Yes, using the oral suspension formula.
• Pregnancy: Yes, but consult a healthcare provider; it may be used if clearly needed.
• Lactation: Yes, but consult a healthcare provider; it may be used with caution.

Dosage Information:

• Adults: 250-500 mg of amoxicillin every 8 hours or 500-875 mg every 12 hours, depending on the severity of the infection.
• Children (under 40 kg): 20-40 mg/kg/day in divided doses every 8 hours, or 25-45 mg/kg/day in divided doses every 12 hours.
• Infants: Liquid oral suspension dosages must be calculated strictly by weight and doctor's prescription.

Who cannot take Curam?

• Individuals who are allergic to penicillin.
• Individuals who are allergic to beta-lactamase inhibitors.

Allergies and unsuitability:

• Possible allergic reactions range from mild skin rashes to severe anaphylaxis.

Warnings and precautions:

• Complete the full course of Curam as prescribed even if symptoms improve, to prevent the development of antibiotic resistance.
• Take the medication at evenly spaced intervals to maintain a constant level of the antibiotic in the body.
• Take with a meal or snack to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal upset.

Interactions and contraindications:

• Check with a doctor if taking allopurinol to avoid an increased risk of skin rashes.
• Check with a doctor if taking warfarin, as blood-thinning effects may be altered.
• Use alternative contraception, as it may reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills.

Conditions where the drug should not be used:

• History of liver dysfunction associated with Curam.
• Known allergy to penicillins.

Possible side effects include diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, and skin rashes. The medication can also disrupt the normal balance of bacteria in the body, which may lead to opportunistic yeast infections.

More serious side effects, although rare, can include severe allergic reactions, liver problems, severe skin reactions, and Clostridioides difficile infections resulting in severe diarrhoea. It is important to remember that best use is guided by culture and sensitivity studies; overuse contributes to antibiotic resistance.

Warnings and precautions:

• Complete the full course of Curam as prescribed even if symptoms improve, to prevent the development of antibiotic resistance.
• Take the medication at evenly spaced intervals to maintain a constant level of the antibiotic in the body.
• Take with a meal or snack to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal upset.

Interactions and contraindications:

• Check with a doctor if taking allopurinol to avoid an increased risk of skin rashes.
• Check with a doctor if taking warfarin, as blood-thinning effects may be altered.
• Use alternative contraception, as it may reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills.

Conditions where the drug should not be used:

• History of liver dysfunction associated with Curam.
• Known allergy to penicillins.

Storage information:

• Store at room temperature.
• Keep the medication away from direct light and moisture.
• Keep out of reach and sight of children.
• Do not freeze the liquid oral suspension.

Handling instructions:

• Use the measuring device that comes with the oral suspension for the correct dose.
• Shake the oral suspension liquid thoroughly before each use.
• Swallow tablets whole with a glass of water; do not crush or chew them unless using the specifically formulated chewable tablets.

Where is Curam available in Hong Kong?

Curam is classified as a Prescription Only Medicine. You must present a valid doctor's prescription to purchase it.

It can be obtained at registered pharmacy dispensaries displaying the "Rx" logo, as well as through hospital and private clinic pharmacies under the supervision of a healthcare professional.