Cefaclor

Cephalosporin · Cephalosporin

Indications

Otitis media, UTI, respiratory tract, skin and soft tissue infections. Susceptible infections e.g. acute bronchitis and acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis, pharyngitis, pneumonia, uncomplicated lower respiratory tract infections, skin and skin structure infections.

Dosage

Adults: 250 mg eight hrly, max 4 gm daily. Children: Under 1 yr, quarter adult dose; 1-5 yr, half adult dose; over 5 yr, same as adult. Max 1 gm daily. Sustained Release Tab 375 mg: Adults: 375 mg twice daily. For pneumonia 750 mg twice daily. For infections caused by S. pyrogenesis (group A. Streptococci) use for at least 10 days. Lower Respiratory Infection: Adults: 500 mg every 8 hr for 7 days. Children: 1 mth: 40 mg/kg/day given every 8 hr. Max: 1 gm/day. Otitis Media: Children: > 1 mth: 40 mg/kg/day given in 2-3 divided doses. Max: 1 gm/day. Skin Infection: Adults: 250 mg every 8 hr. Children: > 1 mth: 20 mg/kg/day given every 8 hr. Max: 1 gm/day. Upper Respiratory Infection: Adults: 250 mg every 8 hr. Children: > 1 mth: 20 mg/kg/day given every 8 hr. Max: 1 gm/day. Urinary Tract Infection: Adults: 250 mg every 8 hr. Children: > 1 mth: 20 mg/kg/day every 8 hr.

Adverse Effects

Hypersensitivity reactions. Gl disturbances, pseudomembranous colitis. Haemolytic anaemia.

Risk Factor (Pregnancy/Lactation)

Pregnancy: No evidence of risk in humans. Lactation: Caution advised or effect undetermined. Contraindications: Porphyria. Precautions: Hypersensitivity to penicillins. Severe renal impairment, history of GI disease.

Interactions

Anticoagulants, probenecid, antacids.

Advice to Patient

Take with or without meals, with a full glass of water. Do not chew or crush extended release tablets. Take at regular intervals, as scheduled. Shake oral suspension well before measuring and use a calibrated measuring device to ensure accurate dose. To improve flavour of oral suspension, refrigerate it but do not freeze. Contact prescriber if there is persistent nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain, severe diarrhoea, rash, difficulty in breathing or swallowing, pain on urination, changes in urinary pattern, vaginal drainage, vaginal itching, mouth sores, bloody urine, bloody stools, fever, chills, agitation, irritability, nervousness, lack of sleep, hallucinations. Complete full course of therapy even if you feel better. Take sufficient amount of fluids (2-3 litres per day) to maintain hydration, unless restricted by the prescriber.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Well absorbed from the GI tract. Metabolism: No appreciable biotransformation in liver. Half-life elimination: 0.5-1 hr. Prolonged in patients with renal impairment. Time to peak, plasma: 0.5-1 hr. Excretion: Urine (85%).

Brands with this active ingredient

• Acef
• Aclor
• Ag-clor
• Ambiclor
• Ambit
• Astaclor
• Aveclor
• Bivaclor
• Cavalor
• Caveat
• Ceclor
• Cedrate
• Cefaloget
• Cefalor
• Cefatek

Compiled by Healify Pharmacy from published drug references. How we compile it →

Always consult a pharmacist or doctor.