Drug Name

Cefaclor

Drug Uses

Cefaclor is used in the treatment of infections caused by certain bacteria.

How to use

Cefaclor must be used as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

Cefaclor may be taken with or without food.

Make sure to chew thoroughly before swallowing.

In order to clear up your infection completely, continue using Cefaclor for the full course of treatment, even if you feel better in a few days.

Cefaclor works best if taken at the same time(s) each day.

Refer to your health care provider for any information about Cefaclor.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Cefaclor is a cephalosporin antibiotic. It kills sensitive bacteria by interfering with formation of the bacteria's cell wall while it is growing. This weakens the cell wall and it ruptures, resulting in the death of the bacteria.

Missed Dose

Should you miss a dose of Cefaclor , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage

The medicine should be stored at room temperature in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light.

Warnings/Precautions

Do NOT use Cefaclor if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Cefaclor or any other cephalosporin antibiotic (eg, cephalexin)

Contact your doctor or health care provider immediately if any of these apply to you.

Before using Cefaclor:

Certain medical conditions may interact with Cefaclor . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have diarrhea, a stomach infection, or a blood clotting disorder
• if you have phenylketonuria
• if you have had a severe allergic reaction (eg, a severe rash, hives, breathing difficulties, dizziness) to a penicillin antibiotic (eg, amoxicillin) or other beta-lactam antibiotic (eg, imipenem)

Certain MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Cefaclor . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Probenecid because it may increase the actions and side effects of Cefaclor
• Oral anticoagulants (eg, warfarin) because side effects, including risk of bleeding, may be increased by Cefaclor

These may not be all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Cefaclor may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

Possible Side Effects

All medicines may cause side effects, but a lot of people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

• Headache;
• mild diarrhea;
• nausea;
• sinus infection;
• tiredness;
• vomiting.

Seek medical attention immediately if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

• Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; itching);
• bloody stools;
• fever;
• seizures;
• severe diarrhea;
• stomach cramps/pain;
• urge to have a bowel movement;
• vaginal irritation or discharge.

More Information

In case you have any questions about Cefaclor, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
Cefaclor is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.