Cefaclor Description

Generic Name: CEFACLOR

Pronunciation: (sef' a klor)

Trade Name(s): Distaclor, Distaclor CD, Keflor, Keflor-MR, Vercef

Why it is prescribed: Cefaclor, an antibiotic, eliminates bacteria that cause different kinds of infections, including pneumonia and infections of the ear, throat, and urinary tract.

When it is to be taken: Cefaclor is usually taken two or three times a day, every eight or 12 hours, for seven to 10 days. Doses should be taken at evenly spaced intervals. Follow the instructions on your prescription label carefully.

How it should be taken: Cefaclor comes in the form of capsules and liquid. Your prescription label tells you how much to take at each dose. It is best to take cefaclor on an empty stomach. Therefore, try to take it one hour before meals or at least two hours after meals. Capsules should be taken with a full glass of water. Liquid cefaclor should be shaken well before each use to mix the medication evenly. Liquid doses should be measured with a specially marked measuring spoon. If you still have symptoms of infection after you finish the cefaclor, contact your doctor.

Special Instruction: Take all of the medication prescribed, even after the infection appears to have gone away. Failure to do so could allow the infection to return.

Side Effects:
1. Skin rash, shortness of breath, itching, hives. Stop taking the drug and contact your doctor immediately.
2. Nausea, vomiting. Take the cefaclor with a light snack. If you continue to have stomach upsets, contact your doctor.
3. If diarrhea is severe or continues for more than two days, contact your doctor.
4. Unusual bleeding, bruising, painful mouth, throat sores. Contact your doctor.

Other Precautions:
1. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are allergic to penicillin's, cephalosporins (e.g., cefadroxil, cephalexin, and cephradine), or any other medication; if you have kidney disease; or if you are pregnant or brest feeding.
2. If you are taking medication for gout, such as probenecid, tell your doctor before taking cefaclor.
3. If your doctor tells you to stop taking cefaclor, throw away any unused medication.
4. Cefaclor may lose its effectiveness over time and should not be saved to treat another infection.

Storage Conditions:
1. Keep this medication in the container it came in and out of the reach of children.
2. Store liquid cefaclor in the refrigerator but not in the freezer.
3. The container will have an expiry date on it. Do not take the liquid cefaclor after that date. Throw it away. If you need more, get a new supply.