What is cefaclor, and how does it work (mechanism of action)?
Cefaclor is a semi-synthetic (partially man-made)
oral antibiotic in the cephalosporin family of antibiotics. The cephalosporin
family includes cephalexin (Keflex), cefuroxime (Zinacef), cefpodoxime (Vantin),
cefixime (Suprax), cefprozil (Cefzil) as well as many injectable antibiotics.
Like other cephalosporins, cefaclor stops bacteria from multiplying by
preventing bacteria from forming the walls that surround them. The walls are
necessary to protect bacteria from their environment and to keep the contents of
the bacterial cell together. Bacteria cannot survive without a cell wall.
Cefaclor is effective against many different bacterial organisms such as
Staphylococcus aureus,
Streptococcus pneumoniae,
Haemophilus influenzae,
E.
coli, and many others.
Is cefaclor available as a generic drug?
GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes
Do I need a prescription for cefaclor?
Yes
What are the uses for cefaclor?
Cefaclor is a cephalosporin antibiotic prescribed for staph, E. coli, middle ear, and urinary tract infections, and for tonsilitis, bronchitis, and laryngitis.
What are the side effects of cefaclor?
Cefaclor is generally well tolerated, and side effects usually
are transient. Reported side effects include:
- rash,
- fever,
- joint pain,
- arthritis,
- abnormal liver tests,
- jaundice,
- vaginitis,
- itching,
- nervousness,
- insomnia, and
- hallucinations.
Cefaclor should be avoided by patients with known allergy to cephalosporin
type antibiotics. Since cefaclor is chemically related to penicillin, patients
allergic to penicillin can have an allergic reaction (sometimes even
anaphylaxis) if given cefaclor. Treatment with cefaclor and other antibiotics
can alter the normal bacteria flora of the colon and permit overgrowth of
C.
difficile, a bacteria responsible for pseudomembranous colitis. Patients who
develop pseudomembranous colitis as a result of antibiotics treatment can
experience diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, and sometimes even shock.
QUESTION
Bowel regularity means a bowel movement every day.
See Answer
What is the dosage for cefaclor?
The usual adult dose of cefaclor is 250-500 mg every 8 hours or
375-500 mg every 12 hours.
Which drugs or supplements interact with cefaclor?
Aluminum or magnesium containing antacids reduce the
absorption of cefaclor from the intestine. Separating the administration of
cefaclor and such antacids by one hour prevents this interaction.
Is cefaclor safe to take if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
There are no adequate studies of cefaclor in
pregnant women.
Small amounts of cefaclor are secreted in
breast milk. The
effects of this small amount on the infant is unknown.
What else should I know about cefaclor?
What preparations of cefaclor are available?
Tablets (chewable): 125, 187, 250, and 375 mg. Capsules: 250
and 500 mg. Oral Suspension: 125, 187, 250, and 375 mg/5ml.
How should I keep cefaclor stored?
Capsules should be stored at room temperature, 59 F – 86 F (15 C – 30 C) in
a tightly closed container. The oral suspension should be stored in the
refrigerator in a tightly closed container.