GENERIC NAME: cefaclor

BRAND NAME: Ceclor

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Cefaclor is a semisynthetic antibiotic of the cephalosporin type, chemically related to penicillin. It is effective against many different bacteria organisms, such as Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, E. coli, and many others.

PRESCRIPTION: yes

GENERIC AVAILABLE: yes

PREPARATIONS: Capsules: 250 mg, 500 mg. Suspension: 125 mg per ml teaspoon, 187 mg per 5 ml teaspoon, 250 mg per 5 ml teaspoon, and 375 mg per 5 ml teaspoon.

STORAGE: Capsules should be stored at room temperature in a tightly closed container. The oral suspension should be stored in the refrigerator in a tightly closed container.

PRESCRIBED FOR: Cefaclor is effective against susceptible bacterias causing infections of the middle ear, tonsillitis, throat infections, laryngitis, bronchitis, and pneumonia. It is also used in treating urinary tract infections, and skin infections.

DOSING: May be taken on an empty or full stomach.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Cefaclor should be avoided by patients with known allergy to cephalosporin type antibiotics. Since cefaclor is chemically related to penicillin, an occasional patient can have an allergic reaction (sometimes even anaphylaxis) to both medications. Treatment with cefaclor and other antibiotics can alter the normal bacteria flora of the colon and permit overgrowth of C. difficile, a bacteria responsible for pseudomembranous colitis. Patients who develop pseudomembranous colitis as a result of antibiotics treatment can experience diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, and sometimes even shock. Probenecid may increase the blood levels of cefaclor. Cefaclor is used by children, even though safe use of this medication in infants have not been established. Cefaclor is not habit forming.

SIDE EFFECTS: Cefaclor is generally well tolerated and side effects are usually transient. Reported side effects include skin rash, fever, joint pain and arthritis, abnormal liver tests, jaundice, vaginitis, itching, nervousness, insomnia, and hallucinations.

Last Editorial Review: 12/31/1997

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