Drug Name

Cefaclor

Drug Uses

Cefaclor is used for treating infections caused by certain bacteria.

How to use

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

Cefaclor may be taken with or without food.

Chew thoroughly before swallowing.

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 it is taken at the same time(s) each day.

If 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.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use 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

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Storage

Store this medicine 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 right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Cefaclor:
Some 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)

Some 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

This may not be a complete list of 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 many 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 right away 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

If 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.