cefaclor

Do not take this medication if you are allergic to cefaclor, or to similar antibiotics, such as Ceftin, Cefzil, Duricef, Fortaz, Keflex, Omnicef, Spectracef, Suprax, and others.

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs (especially penicillin).

Take this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Cefaclor will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or has blood in it, call your doctor. Do not use any medicine to stop the diarrhea unless your doctor has told you to.

Cefaclor is in a group of drugs called cephalosporin (SEF a low spor in) antibiotics. It works by fighting bacteria in your body.

Cefaclor is used to treat many different types of infections caused by bacteria.

Cefaclor may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Do not take this medication if you are allergic to cefaclor or to other cephalosporin antibiotics, such as:

• cefadroxil (Duricef);
• cefdinir (Omnicef);
• cefditoren (Spectracef);
• cefixime (Suprax);
• cefprozil (Cefzil);
• ceftazidime (Fortaz);
• cefuroxime (Ceftin);
• cephalexin (Keflex); and others.

Before taking cefaclor, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, especially penicillins.

FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

Cefaclor may pass into breast milk and could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

The cefaclor suspension (liquid) contains sucrose. Talk to your doctor before using this form of cefaclor if you have diabetes.

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Take this medicine with a full glass of water.

Cefaclor works best if you take it with a meal or within 30 minutes of a meal.

The cefaclor chewable tablet must be chewed before you swallow it.

Do not crush, chew, or break an extended-release tablet. Swallow the pill whole. Breaking the pill may cause too much of the drug to be released at one time.

Shake the oral suspension (liquid) well just before you measure a dose. To be sure you get the correct dose, measure the liquid with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

This medication can cause you to have unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using cefaclor.

Take cefaclor for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Cefaclor will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

Store the tablets and capsules at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

Store the oral liquid in the refrigerator. Throw away any unused medication after 14 days.

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

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, stomach, pain, or diarrhea.

Avoid using antacids within 1 hour before or after taking cefaclor. Antacids can make it harder for your body to absorb cefaclor.

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or has blood in it, call your doctor. Do not use any medicine to stop the diarrhea unless your doctor has told you to.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
• fever, sore throat, and joint pain with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash;
• numbness or tingly feeling;
• warmth, redness, or tingling under your skin;
• swelling in your hands or feet;
• fast or pounding heartbeats;
• chest pain, shortness of breath.

Less serious side effects may include:

• mild nausea, stomach pain, constipation, loss of appetite;
• anxiety, drowsiness;
• increased night-time urination;
• headache;
• runny nose, sore throat, cough; or
• vaginal itching or discharge.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.

There may be other drugs that can affect cefaclor. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start taking a new medication without telling your doctor.

Your pharmacist can provide more information about cefaclor.