Velosef (Cephradine) 125mg/5ml Oral Suspension (Syrup)

Drug Class: First-Generation Cephalosporin Antibiotic | Form: Oral Suspension (Syrup) | Prescription Status: Prescription Only (Rx) — DRAP Registered

What is Velosef 125mg Syrup?

Velosef 125mg Syrup is an oral antibiotic suspension containing Cephradine 125mg per 5ml — a first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic in liquid form. It is specifically designed for children who cannot swallow capsules, as well as adults who require a liquid antibiotic formulation. The syrup form makes it easier to measure accurate weight-based doses for children of different ages and sizes, ensuring the right amount of antibiotic is delivered every time.

Velosef 125mg Syrup treats a wide range of common bacterial infections (بیکٹیریل انفیکشن) affecting the throat, lungs, ears, skin, and urinary tract. It is one of the most commonly prescribed antibiotic syrups for children in Pakistan for everyday bacterial infections that require a reliable, well-tolerated oral antibiotic. Like all antibiotics, it must only be given when prescribed by a doctor, at the correct dose for the child's weight, and the full course must always be completed without skipping doses or stopping early.

What is Velosef 125mg Syrup Used For?

Velosef 125mg Syrup is approved for the treatment of the following bacterial infections in children and adults:

• Respiratory tract infections:
  • Tonsillitis — bacterial infection and swelling of the tonsils (ٹانسلز کا انفیکشن) — one of the most common uses in children
  • Bronchitis — bacterial infection of the airways causing persistent cough (کھانسی کا انفیکشن)
  • Pneumonia — mild to moderate bacterial lung infection (پھیپھڑوں کا انفیکشن)
  • Sinusitis — bacterial infection causing facial pain and nasal congestion (ناک کی ہڈیوں کا انفیکشن)
  • Pharyngitis — bacterial throat infection and soreness (گلے کا بیکٹیریل انفیکشن)
  • Laryngitis — bacterial infection of the voice box
• Ear infections:
  • Otitis media — bacterial middle ear infection (کان کا انفیکشن) very common in young children, causing ear pain, fever, and hearing difficulty
• Skin and soft tissue infections:
  • Cellulitis — spreading bacterial infection of the skin and underlying tissue
  • Abscesses — painful, pus-filled bacterial skin infections (پھوڑا)
  • Impetigo — superficial bacterial skin infection particularly common in children
  • Infected cuts, grazes, and minor wounds
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs):
  • Cystitis — bacterial bladder infection (مثانے کا انفیکشن) causing burning and frequent urination
  • Urethritis — bacterial infection of the urethra
  • Mild kidney infections in children where oral treatment is appropriate

How Does Velosef 125mg Syrup Work?

Cephradine works by targeting one of the most essential structures bacteria need to survive — their cell wall. Every bacterium is surrounded by a tough protective wall that maintains its shape, protects its internal contents from the surrounding environment, and allows it to survive and multiply inside the body.

Cephradine binds to special proteins on the surface of bacteria called Penicillin-Binding Proteins (PBPs) — the enzymes responsible for constructing and repairing this protective wall. When Cephradine binds to these proteins, it permanently blocks their activity. The bacteria can no longer build or repair their wall. The wall weakens progressively, breaks apart, and the bacteria die.

Because human cells do not have cell walls, Cephradine targets bacteria selectively — making it effective against the infection without directly damaging the body's own cells. As a first-generation cephalosporin, it is particularly effective against Gram-positive bacteria — the type most commonly responsible for throat infections, skin infections, and ear infections in children — as well as several Gram-negative bacteria that commonly cause urinary tract infections.

Dosage and Administration

⚠️ Always follow your doctor's prescribed dose exactly. The dose is calculated based on the child's body weight — never guess the dose or use a household spoon. Always use the measuring spoon or oral syringe provided with the medicine.

Standard Paediatric Dosing (Weight-Based):

General Dosing Guideline:

• Usual dose: 25 to 50mg per kg of body weight per day, divided into 4 equal doses
• Each 5ml of Velosef Syrup contains 125mg of Cephradine
• Your doctor will prescribe the exact number of millilitres (ml) per dose based on your child's weight

Typical Duration by Infection:

How to Give the Syrup:

• Shake the bottle well before every single dose — the antibiotic powder settles at the bottom and must be mixed evenly before measuring
• Measure the dose using the measuring spoon or oral syringe provided — never use a kitchen teaspoon as sizes vary and can result in incorrect dosing
• Can be given with or without food — giving with a small amount of food or milk may help if the child experiences mild stomach discomfort
• Give doses at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day — for example every 6 hours — to keep consistent antibiotic levels in the child's bloodstream
• If a dose is missed, give it as soon as you remember — but if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue normally; never double the dose
• Always complete the full prescribed course — even if the child appears fully recovered before it ends

Active Ingredient

Who Should NOT Take Velosef 125mg Syrup?

Do not give this syrup if the child or patient:

• Is allergic to Cephradine, any other cephalosporin antibiotic, or penicillin
• Has previously had a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to any beta-lactam antibiotic
• Has been specifically told by a doctor not to use this medicine

Always inform your doctor before starting treatment if the child or patient has any of the following:

• Kidney disease — dose adjustment is required as Cephradine is eliminated through the kidneys
• History of severe antibiotic-associated diarrhoea or colitis in the past
• Penicillin allergy — a small cross-reactivity risk exists; always inform the doctor of any antibiotic allergy history
• Diabetes — Cephradine may cause false positive results in some urine glucose tests; inform the doctor or laboratory
• Premature infants or very young babies — always consult a paediatrician for dose guidance in very young infants
• Is pregnant or breastfeeding — consult a doctor before use

Side Effects

Velosef 125mg Syrup is generally very well tolerated by children and adults. Side effects are uncommon but possible with all antibiotics.

Common Side Effects:

• Nausea or mild stomach discomfort — giving the dose with food helps reduce this
• Diarrhoea (دست) or loose stools — common with antibiotic use as the normal gut bacteria are temporarily disrupted
• Mild skin rash or itching
• Mild headache
• Mild dizziness — more relevant in older children and adults
• Nappy rash or mild skin irritation in infants — caused by antibiotic-related changes in gut bacteria

Serious Side Effects — Stop Immediately and Seek Emergency Medical Attention:

• Severe allergic reaction — sudden rash, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing or swallowing — call emergency services or go to hospital immediately (یہ ہنگامی حالت ہے)
• Severe or bloody diarrhoea — may indicate a serious C. difficile gut infection — do not give anti-diarrhoeal medicine; contact your doctor immediately
• Yellowing of skin or eyes (یرقان / jaundice) — possible sign of liver involvement — inform the doctor promptly
• Severe skin reaction — widespread blistering, peeling, or raw skin — rare but requires emergency attention
• Seizures or fits — rare but reported at very high doses in patients with kidney disease
• Unusual bruising, persistent sore throat, or severe unexplained tiredness — possible sign of blood disorder with prolonged use

If any serious side effect is noticed in your child, stop the syrup immediately and take them to the nearest hospital emergency department without delay.

Drug Interactions

Always inform your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines, supplements, vitamins, and herbal products your child is currently taking before starting Velosef Syrup.

Preparation and Storage Instructions

Before First Use — Reconstitution:

• Velosef Syrup is supplied as a dry powder in the bottle — it must be mixed with water before use
• Add the amount of water specified on the label or by the pharmacist to the bottle in two steps — add half, shake well, then add the rest and shake again until the powder is fully dissolved
• The reconstituted syrup is ready to use immediately after mixing

Storage After Mixing:

• Store the prepared syrup in the refrigerator between 2°C and 8°C after reconstitution
• Do not freeze the prepared syrup
• Discard any remaining syrup after 14 days — do not use beyond this period even if medicine remains in the bottle, as the antibiotic loses its effectiveness after this time
• Label the bottle with the date of preparation so you can track the 14-day discard date

General Storage:

• Store the unmixed powder below 25°C in a cool, dry place before preparation
• Protect from direct sunlight and moisture
• Keep out of reach of children (بچوں کی پہنچ سے دور رکھیں)
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the bottle or outer carton

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 How do I calculate the correct dose of Velosef 125mg Syrup for my child?

 The correct dose is based on your child's body weight — typically 25 to 50mg of Cephradine per kg of body weight per day, divided into 4 equal doses given every 6 hours. Since each 5ml of Velosef Syrup contains 125mg of Cephradine, your doctor or pharmacist will convert this into the exact number of millilitres per dose for your child's weight. Never attempt to calculate or adjust the dose yourself — always follow the doctor's prescribed instructions precisely.

My child seems better after 3 days — can I stop the syrup?

 No — this is one of the most important rules for antibiotic treatment. When a child feels better, it means the antibiotic is working and the number of bacteria in the body has reduced. However, some bacteria may still be alive and present. Stopping early allows these surviving bacteria to multiply again, causing the infection to return — sometimes in a form that is harder to treat with the same antibiotic. Always complete every single dose of the full prescribed course, no matter how well your child appears.

 Why must I shake the bottle before every dose?

Velosef Syrup is a suspension — meaning the antibiotic particles are suspended in the liquid rather than fully dissolved. These particles naturally settle to the bottom of the bottle over time when left to stand. If the bottle is not shaken before each dose, the medicine at the top will be too weak and the medicine at the bottom too concentrated, resulting in inconsistent and inaccurate dosing. Always shake the bottle thoroughly just before measuring each dose.

 How long can I keep the prepared Velosef Syrup?

Once mixed with water, Velosef Syrup must be stored in the refrigerator and used within 14 days. After 14 days, the antibiotic in the prepared liquid begins to break down and lose effectiveness. Discard any remaining syrup after this period — do not use it for a future illness. Write the preparation date on the bottle label so you can keep track. The unmixed powder in the sealed bottle can be stored at room temperature until the expiry date on the carton.

 Can Velosef Syrup be given to a very young baby or newborn?

 Cephradine can be used in infants, but extreme care is needed with very young babies and newborns. The dose must be calculated very precisely by a paediatrician based on the baby's exact weight and age. Never give a child's antibiotic to a newborn without explicit instructions from a qualified paediatric doctor. In very young infants with serious infections, intravenous antibiotics in a hospital setting may be more appropriate than oral syrup.

 My child has a penicillin allergy — is Velosef Syrup safe?

 This must always be assessed by the prescribing doctor — never assumed to be safe without medical evaluation. Cephalosporins and penicillins belong to related antibiotic families and share a similar chemical structure. A small proportion of children with penicillin allergy may also react to cephalosporins. The risk depends on the type and severity of the original penicillin reaction. Always clearly inform your doctor about any antibiotic allergy — including what reaction occurred — so they can make a safe prescribing decision or recommend an alternative antibiotic.

⚕️ Medical Disclaimer: This product description is provided for general informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Antibiotics must only be given when prescribed by a licensed doctor for a confirmed or strongly suspected bacterial infection. Always follow the prescribed dose and complete the full course. Consult your doctor or pharmacist immediately if your child shows any signs of allergic reaction or worsening symptoms.

DRAP Registered | Prescription Required (Rx) | Shake well before every dose — store in refrigerator after preparation — complete the full course