Cefaclor

Cefaclor is a cephalosporin type of antibiotic prescribed by most doctors to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections like:

• Chest infections such as pneumonia and other lower respiratory tract infections
• Skin and skin structure infections
• Urinary tract infections
• Infection of the ears (otitis media)
• Infection of the nose such as sinusitis
• Infection of the throat such as tonsillitis and strep throat
• Biliary tract infection
• Meningitis

Cefaclor is good at treating many types of bacterial infections with fewer side effects. It’s a commonly used antibiotic in a surgical procedure as a preventive measure to avoid infection. It is suitable for adults, children, and even pregnant women. Cefaclor comes in a capsule form, extended-release tablet, and suspension to take orally. It belongs to the group of drugs known as cephalosporin, a second-generation antibiotic. Cefaclor is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that means it active against many types of bacteria. It has the same action as the penicillin antibiotic.

It prevents bacteria from replicating and spreading by disrupting the synthesis of the peptidoglycan layer of the bacterial cell wall. This impairs the bond that holds the wall together causing holes to appear.

When and How to Use Cefaclor

Your dose and the duration of your treatment depend on the following:

• The type of infection
• The severity of the infection
• The strength of the medicine
• You other medical conditions
• Your age and weight
• Functions of your kidney

If you are using the long-acting tablet, take it within 1 hour of eating a meal two times a day. Take it for 7 to 10 days or as prescribed by your physician. Take this medicine by mouth and exactly as directed. You may also read the directions on the prescription label. You can take it with or without food but if it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Do not change the dosage. Take it exactly as directed.

Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Take it at an evenly-spaced interval. To help you remember your dosing schedule, take it at the same time each day. Do not skip a dose or stop your medication too early. If you have missed a dose, take it as soon as you remember but if it is almost time for you to take your dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule.

Possible Side Effects of Cefaclor

Cefaclor is similar to penicillin in action and side effects. The most common side effects of Cefaclor are:

• Diarrhea
• Sore mouth
• Headache
• Vomiting
• Stomach pain
• Nausea
• Sore tongue
• Vaginal itching
• Vaginal discharge
• White patches in the tongue and mouth

Vaginal itching and discharge are due to an increase in yeast population when competing bacteria are removed.

Some side effects can be serious and may need immediate medical attention. Serious side effects include:

• Hives
• Rash
• Joint pain
• Difficulty swallowing or breathing
• Wheezing
• Itching, burning or stinging feeling on the skin
• A return of sore throat, chills and other signs of infections
• Lack of energy
• Bloody or watery stools, fever or stomach cramps during treatment or up to 2 months after treatment
• Swelling of the face, tongue, throat, lips, eyes, arms and legs
• Easy bruising or bleeding
• Change in the amount of urine
• Mood changes

What should I know before taking Cefaclor?

• Do not use this medicine if you are allergic to penicillin or other cephalosporin antibiotics.
• The most common side effect of Cefaclor is diarrhea. If your diarrhea gets severe or when there is blood or mucus in the stool, see your doctor right away.
• Cefaclor is not intended for use by:
  • People who are allergic to penicillin
  • People Who are allergic to any of its ingredients
• Before you take Cefaclor, tell your doctor if you have any of these conditions:
  • Kidney disease
  • Bleeding problems
  • Intestinal or stomach problems especially colitis
  • You are pregnant or wanted to become pregnant
  • You are breastfeeding
• Patients with kidney problems may need extra monitoring or a lower dose of Cefaclor.
• Cefaclor may sometimes cause severe intestinal condition due to the overgrowth of C. difficile bacteria in the gut. This type of condition may occur during treatment, or weeks or months after treatment has stopped.
• Elderly people may be more sensitive to the effect of this drug. Use this with caution.

Getting the Best Result from Cefaclor

• Cefaclor is effective against many types of bacterial infections. However, this medicine will not work against flu, colds and other infection caused by viruses. Using antibiotics like Cefaclor when they are not needed may only make your body resistant to the bacteria and may increase your risk of getting an infection later.
• Continue taking your medication until the full-prescribed amount is finished. Continue taking it even if the symptoms disappear and the infection seems clear. Stopping the treatment too soon may allow the bacteria to continue to grow which may result in a relapse of the infection.
• Inform your doctor if you are taking any other medications including prescription and non-prescription drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
• Antibiotics like this can sometimes decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills.