What is cefaclor?
Cefaclor is in a group of drugs called cephalosporin (SEF a low spor in) antibiotics. It works
by fighting bacteria in your body.
Cefaclor is used to treat many different types of infections caused by bacteria.
Cefaclor may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking cefaclor?
Do not take this medication if you are allergic to cefaclor or to other cephalosporin
antibiotics, such as:
Before taking cefaclor, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs
(especially penicillins), or if you have:
If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or
special tests to safely take cefaclor.
FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn
baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
Cefaclor may pass into breast milk and could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this
medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
The cefaclor suspension (liquid) contains sucrose. Talk to your doctor before using this form of
cefaclor if you have diabetes.
How should I take cefaclor?
Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger
amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your
prescription label.
Take this medicine with a full glass of water.
Cefaclor works best if you take it with a meal or within 30 minutes of a meal.
The cefaclor
chewable tablet
must be chewed before you swallow it.
Do not crush, chew, or break an
extended-release tablet
. Swallow the
pill whole. Breaking the pill may cause too much of the drug to be released at one time.
Shake the
oral suspension (liquid)
well just before you measure a dose.
To be sure you get the correct dose, measure the liquid with a marked measuring spoon or medicine
cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist
for one.
This medication can cause you to have false results with certain medical tests, including urine
glucose (sugar) tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using cefaclor.
Take cefaclor for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may
get better before the infection is completely treated. Cefaclor will not treat a viral infection such as the
common cold or flu.
Store the tablets and capsules at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Store cefaclor oral liquid in the refrigerator. Do not allow it to freeze. Throw away any
unused medication that is older than 14 days.
What happens if I miss a dose of cefaclor?
Take the medication as soon as you remember the missed dose. If it is almost time for your
next dose, skip the missed dose and use the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time.
Do not
use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Where can I get more information about cefaclor?
Your pharmacist has information about cefaclor written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of cefaclor?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these
signs of an allergic
reaction:
hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
-
diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
-
easy bruising or bleeding, severe tingling, numbness, pain,
muscle weakness;
-
unusual bleeding;
-
seizure (convulsions);
-
pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, fever, confusion
or weakness;
-
jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
-
fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms, swollen glands, rash
or itching, joint pain, or general ill feeling;
-
fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering,
peeling, and red skin rash; or
-
increased thirst, loss of appetite, swelling, weight gain,
feeling short of breath, urinating less than usual or not at all.
Less serious side effects may include:
-
nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, mild diarrhea;
-
stiff or tight muscles;
-
feeling restless or hyperactive;
-
unusual or unpleasant taste in your mouth;
-
mild itching or skin rash;
-
dizziness, drowsiness; or
-
vaginal itching or discharge.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your
doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about cefaclor?
Do not take this medication if you are allergic to cefaclor, or to similar antibiotics, such as
Ceftin, Cefzil, Keflex, Omnicef, and others.
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs (especially
penicillin). Also tell your doctor if you have kidney disease or a history of intestinal problems.
Take this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your
symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Cefaclor will not treat a viral
infection such as the common cold or flu.
Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have
diarrhea that is watery or has blood in it, call your doctor. Do not use any medicine to stop the
diarrhea unless your doctor has told you to.
What should I avoid while taking cefaclor?
Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have
diarrhea that is watery or has blood in it, call your doctor. Do not use any medicine to stop the
diarrhea unless your doctor has told you to.
What other drugs will affect cefaclor?
Before taking cefaclor, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following medicines:
This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with
cefaclor. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This
includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start
taking a new medication without telling your doctor.
What happens if I have an overdose of cefaclor?