Cefaclor
Cefaclor is an antibiotic medication that belongs to the class of drugs known as cephalosporins. It is commonly prescribed to treat various bacterial infections.
Antibiotic works by interfering with the growth and reproduction of bacteria. It does this by binding to specific proteins in the bacterial cell wall, which ultimately leads to the destruction of the bacteria.
Drug is often used to treat respiratory tract infections, including bronchitis and pneumonia. It can also be prescribed for certain types of skin and soft tissue infections, urinary tract infections, and ear infections caused by susceptible bacteria.
This medication is available in various forms, such as capsules and oral suspensions.
Composition of Cefaclor
Cefaclor is made of a semisynthetic cephalosporin antibiotic. Each pulvule tablet contains 250 gm equivalent of Cefaclor Monohydrate along with F D & C blue No.1, cornstarch, F D & C Red No. 40, gelatin, magnesium, silicone, titanium dioxide, stearate and other inactive ingredients.
Uses of Cefaclor
Cefaclor is used for the treatment of many infections caused by bacteria. Listed below are some of the infections:
- Otitis media
- Pneumonia
- Pharyngitis
- Tonsillitis
- Urinary tract infections
- Skin infection
Dosage
The dosage of Cefaclor can vary depending on the specific infection being treated, the patient's age, weight, and overall health.
The typical dosage recommendations for this drug in adults and children (over 1 month of age) are as follows:
For respiratory tract infections, such as pneumonia or bronchitis:
- Adults: The usual dose is 250 mg to 500 mg taken orally every 8 hours.
- Children: The dosage is based on the child's weight. The typical range is 20 mg to 40 mg per kilogram of body weight per day, divided into three equal doses.
For skin and soft tissue infections:
- Adults: The typical dose is 250 mg taken orally every 8 hours.
- Children: The dosage is based on the child's weight. The usual range is 20 mg to 40 mg per kilogram of body weight per day, divided into three equal doses.
How to Take
Here are some general guidelines on how to take Cefaclor:
- Take the medication as prescribed: Cefaclor is typically taken orally, either with or without food.
- Swallow the tablets or capsules whole: Do not crush, chew, or break them. Breaking or chewing the medication may affect its effectiveness or cause an unpleasant taste.
- Use the measuring device: If your doctor prescribes a liquid form of Cefaclor, use a special measuring device (such as a medicine cup or spoon) to ensure accurate dosage. Do not use a regular household spoon, as it may not provide the correct measurements.
- Take the medication at evenly spaced intervals: Cefaclor is usually taken every 8 hours for most infections. It's important to maintain a consistent schedule and spacing between doses. Setting reminders or alarms may help you remember to take your medication on time.
- Do not skip doses: To effectively combat the infection, it's crucial to take Cefaclor regularly and at the prescribed intervals. Skipping doses or stopping the medication prematurely may result in incomplete treatment and allow the bacteria to develop resistance.
Side Effects of Cefaclor
Most of the patients who are prescribed this medicine do not show any serious side effects however, some of the common side effects are listed below:
- Upset stomach
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Yellowish eyes or skin
- Dark urine
- New infection
- Mood swings
- Changes in amount of urine
- Sore throat
- Fever
- Blood or mucus in stool
In very few cases the medicine can cause severe intestinal condition known as clostridium difficile and can appear anytime either during the treatment or even after it.
In cases of prolonged use the medicine can cause oral thrush or a new vaginal yeast infection (in women).
Interactions
Here are some examples of medications that may interact with Cefaclor:
- Probenecid: This medication is used to treat gout. It can increase the concentration of Cefaclor in the blood by slowing down its elimination.
- Blood thinners (e.g., warfarin): Pharmaceutical product may increase the risk of bleeding if taken concomitantly with blood thinners.
- Oral contraceptives (birth control pills): Some antibiotics may reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives. It is advisable to use an additional form of contraception while taking Cefaclor and for a short period afterward.
- Other antibiotics: Taking Cefaclor with certain other antibiotics may increase the risk of side effects or reduce the effectiveness of either medication.
- Antacids and other stomach acid reducers: Medications that reduce stomach acid, such as antacids, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), and histamine H2 blockers, may affect the absorption of Cefaclor. It is generally recommended to take capsules at least one hour before or two hours after taking these stomach acid-reducing medications.
- Diuretics (water pills): Some diuretic medications may increase the concentration of Cefaclor in the blood, potentially leading to an increased risk of side effects.
Warnings
Here are some important warnings and precautions to consider when taking Cefaclor:
- Allergic reactions: Allergic reactions can range from mild skin rashes to severe reactions that require immediate medical attention. Be cautious and seek medical help if you experience signs of an allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Antibiotic-associated diarrhea: Cefaclor can disrupt the normal balance of bacteria in the digestive tract, potentially leading to antibiotic-associated diarrhea.
- Prolonged or repeated use: Prolonged or repeated use of Cefaclor may result in the overgrowth of bacteria that are not susceptible to the medication, including fungi. This can lead to secondary infections that require additional treatment.
- Kidney function: Drug is primarily eliminated from the body through the kidneys.
- Superinfection: Use of Cefaclor can lead to the development of superinfections, which are new infections caused by bacteria or fungi that are resistant to the antibiotic.
- Interactions: Cefaclor can interact with other medications, as mentioned earlier.
Cefaclor and Alcohol
It is generally recommended to avoid consuming alcohol while taking Cefaclor or any other antibiotic. Although capsules itself does not interact directly with alcohol to cause severe reactions, alcohol consumption can potentially interfere with the effectiveness of the antibiotic and may worsen certain side effects. Here are a few reasons to avoid alcohol:
- Reduced effectiveness: Alcohol can weaken the immune system and impair the body's ability to fight off infections. When taking antibiotics, it is important to give your body the best chance to combat the infection by avoiding alcohol, which can further compromise your immune system.
- Increased risk of side effects: Both alcohol and Cefaclor can individually cause gastrointestinal side effects, such as stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Consuming alcohol while on Cefaclor may intensify these side effects and increase discomfort.
- Liver strain: Both alcohol and Cefaclor can potentially affect liver function. Concurrent use of alcohol and capsules may put extra strain on the liver and hinder its ability to process the medication effectively.
- Drug interactions: Alcohol can interact with other medications you may be taking alongside Cefaclor, potentially leading to adverse effects or diminishing the effectiveness of the medications.
To ensure the best possible outcomes and minimize the risk of complications, it is generally advised to abstain from alcohol while taking Cefaclor.
Contraindications of Cefaclor
Cefaclor should only be prescribed to patients who have a proven case of bacterial infection. Abuse of this drugs can increase the risk of development of drug resistant bacteria in the human body. This medicine contains some inactive ingredients which can cause allergic reactions or other problems in the patient. In case you have a medical history of kidney disease or intestinal disease.
Pregnancy and Cefaclor
This medicine is not known to cause any harm during pregnancy. Cefaclor can be passed into the breast milk however, it is in very small quantity and is considered to be safe while breastfeeding.